News in the Faculty of Science

Newton's Apple Tree extends branches to China

In 1995, Prof. Gong Ke had an idea that seemed little like more than a dream. As President of Tianjin University, one of China's top universities, he determined they should have a scion of the famous apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton to formulate his Universal Law of Gravitation. Initial approaches to Woolsthorpe Manor, Newton's birthplace and family home where the tree is located, were unsuccessful. During a visit to TJU as part of a longstanding association, they then asked for assistance from Prof Andy Augousti, Associate Dean (Research). Andy took up the challenge, and with the support of Susan Haimes, manager of the National Trust property, was able to progress the project. Susan formulated policy for the NT, as none had existed before, negotiating the intricacies of DEFRA regulations on export of biological material, leading to a cutting in February 2007. Prof Ke, Prof Augousti, Ms Haimes and several other TJU and NT representatives were present as three 30cm cuttings were taken, prepared, and transported to China that day.

The cuttings were planted outside the administration building of China's first modern university, founded in 1895, and took well. On 11th September 2009 Andy and Susan attended a commemoration ceremony to unveil the new sapling, now grown to 2.5m. The ceremony was also attended by Mr Richard Cotton, First Secretary (Education) of the British Embassy in China, plus several hundred enthusiastic students and staff. Andy was honoured to receive the President's Award, the highest honour that TJU can bestow, for his role in securing the cuttings and making the University's dream a reality. Speaking during press interviews after the ceremony, Andy remarked "The enthusiasm and commitment of the staff and students here has been astonishing. The acquisition of this scion has been a very meaningful event for the whole university community, and this is reflected by the enthusiasm with which this event has been greeted. I echo Prof Gong's sentiments that someday this may provide the inspiration for a modern Chinese Newton."