Oban researchers recognised for achievements

Two Oban-based researchers have been honoured for their achievements by the University of the Highlands and Islands. Michael Burrows and Mark Inall have been awarded personal chairs (professorships) for their work at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) UHI. Personal chairs are one of the highest professional accolades in academia.

With over 28 years’ experience in coastal ecology, Michael Burrows has been described as one of Europe’s leading marine ecologists. His interest in using research about individual organisms to inform our understanding of global ecosystems has led him to contribute to over academic 80 publications and give keynote speeches at several international conferences.

As head SAMS UHI’s ecology department, Professor Burrows also teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has supervised twelve PhD students.

Since joining the organisation in 1998, Mark Inall has built up an internationally recognised research group and made a significant contribution to teaching at SAMS UHI. He was instrumental in developing an honours degree in marine science and has taught on many undergraduate modules.

Combining knowledge of physics and oceanography, Professor Inall’s research specialises in the movement of internal waves. He has produced internationally renowned research on fjords and coastal processes and has written and contributed to many academic publications and conferences. Professor Inall became SAMS UHI’s associate director for research in 2010.

Colleagues believe that Professor Burrows and Inall have played an important part in SAMS UHI becoming a leading research centre. The institution is Scotland’s largest independent marine research centre and an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Speaking about the awards, University of the Highlands and Islands principal and vice-chancellor, James Fraser, said: “Personal chairs are not lightly won in any university. For Professor Burrows and Professor Inall, this is a fitting recognition for their huge commitment to the advancement of scientific knowledge through research. Their dedication and contribution to our knowledge of the marine environment is an inspiration to others and does great credit to SAMS UHI and the University.”

SAMS UHI director, Professor Laurence Mee, commented: “These are two respected and outstanding world-class scientists who are a great asset to UHI and have been happy to share their knowledge and skills with the young people they help to attract to SAMS. I am delighted with this well-deserved recognition.”