The comments on the former Fisher Lecture have been thoughtful and thought provoking. It seems to me that while some behaviors might never be seen as acceptable, because we want a better society, others can obviously be seen as unfair to judge by today's standards. The ethical dilemmas that underpin these situations are important to debate. However, there may be another aspect of the underlying problem that is being missed. Why do we feel the need to idolize and name lectures, buildings, titles and provide certificates for this and that. Does elitism itself contribute to the problem? Have we and generations past, gone too far in "awards"? It is easy to see that buildings and labs and "chairs" are all named in the honor of a big donor. Individuals are "honored" by being appointed to these chairs, lectures, academic titles, fellows of societies, etc. In the end, each of these attempts to "honor" someone, opens the door for retrospective dishonor on those making the awards. Maybe we should rethink our over abundance of interest in awards and titles and certificates and begin to let the example itself, the work done and legacy left be the work ethic without all the awarding. (Note: says he who has been awarded an Emeritus Professorship - so not without hypocrisy here)
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[Gary] [Cutter]
[Emeritus Professor]
[UAB School of Public Healtth]
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2020 23:14
From: John Aleong
Subject: COPSS Fisher Award
Sir Walter Bodmer was Fisher's Ph. D. student at Cambridge. Please ask him about Fisher. Sir Walter Bodmer is Professor of Genetics and Head of the Cancer and Immunogenetics Laboratory, MRC WIMM, Oxford University.
Contact Information:
walter.bodmer@hertford.ox.ac.uk
Telephone
+ 44 (0)1865 222356
+ 44 (0)1865 222458
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John Aleong
University of Vermont
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