University appoints renewable energy specialist to key research role

The University of the Highlands and Islands has appointed Professor Ian Bryden to the new post of vice-principal (research). Professor Bryden, who currently holds the Chair of Renewable Energy and heads the prestigious Institute of Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh, will take up his role in the autumn.

The vice-principal (research) position was created by the University Court to strengthen the university’s research programme and ensure that the university takes full advantage of the research opportunities available in the Highlands and Islands. The university has a wide range of research in science and technology, the creative arts, social sciences and business and IT ranging from internationally peer assessed research to knowledge exchange and applied research.

The new post will also make sure the specialist academic partners (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, NAFC Marine Centre UHI, Highland Theological College UHI and Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI) and research interests in the university partnership work together to meet the needs of the Highlands and Islands and ensure our collective aims are achieved.

Professor Bryden, who is also a director of the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, worked at Heriot-Watt University and Robert Gordon University before joining The University of Edinburgh.

Welcoming the appointment, university principal and vice-chancellor James Fraser said: “The university is delighted to have the services of such a distinguished research leader. Apart from the relevance of Ian’s own professional interests to the growth of the engineering and renewables industry, he joins us at a very exciting time. The vibrancy of the economy of the Highlands and Islands provides new opportunities for more research and for utilising research for economic growth and success.”

Ian Bryden said: “I am delighted to be joining such a truly unique university at a very exciting stage in its development. The University of the Highlands and Islands has already made its presence known in education and research and I welcome the opportunity to guide future progress, as we aim to expand and enhance the internationally recognised status of our research activities.”

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
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01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk