| Citation | Sir Alan Wilson has had an extraordinary career and one which makes him a worthy candidate for fellowship. His primary contributions to science include: Highly original research on cities and regions through building mathematical and computer models, drawing from his background as a theoretical physicist and mathematician. This has had world-wide impacts in the social sciences - and beyond - and has provided the underpinning for a major field of research. Unusually, Wilson's work has extended broadly, providing a unique corpus of theory, some elegant and innovative modelling and highly regarded applications. He has authored some 16 books and over 200 papers (books are widely used vehicles for major pieces of work in these sciences). Pioneering work with industry in applying his research through a Leeds University company for clients such as Ford, major retailers and the public sector Leadership (as Vice-Chancellor) of a university which has grown rapidly in strength and size and is now a foremost research university . Policy formulation on all aspects of Higher Education as the Director-General of Higher Education within the Department for Education and Skills, working directly with the Secretary of State. In addition, he has served with distinction as chair of bodies associated with research councils, the NHS, UUK, and the Worldwide Universities Network. |