Royal Institution coup to reinstate Lady Greenfield as director

Baroness Greenfield could return to the Royal Institution next month in one of the most astonishing coups the organisation has ever seen.

Lady Greenfield's supporters, who include the former newsreader Anna Ford and John Stein, a senior physiologist at Oxford University, have called a vote of no confidence in its ruling council and hope to replace the board of trustees.

If their motion is passed by a majority of RI members on 12 April, a new council could reinstate the post and reappoint Lady Greenfield.

The institution's 2,400 members were sent a letter yesterday which gives a "unanimous recommendation to members to vote against the resolution", warning that the coup could cause major problems for the organisation, which is in financial crisis. The letter added: "The office of director will continue."

Lady Greenfield, 59, one of Britain's most influential scientists, lost her position in January after 12 years. She has embarked on legal proceedings against the RI, claiming sex discrimination.

After an internal review, the council declared her position untenable in the light of its financial position.

The RI incurred heavy losses during a £22 million refurbishment project masterminded by Lady Greenfield.