EXPLORING THE NICHES

In his 1990 Presidential Address Professor C R Hill posed the question of whether, given the ethos of the late 20th century, there was a fut ure for radiological science. To answer his question he reviewed the s cientific basis of current major branches of radiology, demonstrating progress resulting from initial physical discovery, combined with engi neering and medical inventiveness. In the process of the development o f radiological science, small-scale speculative research, outside main stream areas, has proved to be an important element. This address comp lements Professor Hill's by examining the role of a small-scale specul ative research (the niches of the field). Examples are taken from the early pioneers of radiological science and the first British Institute of Radiology Congress. Finally some lesser known research activity in this category, being presented at the Golden Jubilee Congress, is rev iewed.