SAMS news room

SAMS appoints Professor Nicholas Owens as its new Director

It is with great excitement that the Oban-based Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) announces that Professor Nicholas Owens will be its new Director from 1st September.

Professor Owens succeeds Professor Laurence Mee, who died suddenly in August 2014.

Professor Owens, since 2012 Director of the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science in Plymouth, said:

”I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to become the Director of SAMS. I have long had an affection for the organisation since my early days as a PhD student in Scotland at the University of Dundee. SAMS has the distinction of carrying out not only world-class marine science, but also of translating that science to support business and economic growth for both the region and the wider UK. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead such a prestigious marine science institute and I greatly look forward to the challenge.”

The recruitment campaign was led by SAMS President Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE FRS FRSE. Professor Boulton said:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Professor Nick Owens as the new Director of SAMS. Professor Owens has had a distinguished scientific career in ocean science, studying how nutrients sustain marine life and how climate gases cycle through the ocean. Nick has unrivalled experience of directing a number of important research institutes in the UK, including the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (2000-2007) and the British Antarctic Survey (2007-2012). He has strong links with major marine science institutions worldwide. I am confident that his experience, scientific vision, global connections and commitment to excellence in science and education will further enhance SAMS' scientific impact and creativity and the benefit it brings to the region."

SAMS is one of 13 partner organisations making up the University of the Highlands and Islands, whose Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clive Mulholland, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Owens to our university partnership. I am looking forward to hearing his plans for the future and am convinced that his extensive experience in the field of marine science will help SAMS UHI consolidate and extend its standing in the worldwide research community."

Ends

Contact details

• Euan Paterson E: Euan.Paterson@sams.ac.uk T: 01631 559342
• Dr Anuschka Miller E: Anuschka.Miller@sams.ac.uk M: +44 (0) 7786 327780

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