SAMS news room

Scots marine scientist helps launch VisitScotland programme

Scotland’s only scientist to be selected for a unique all-female international expedition to Antarctica will help launch a new national ambassador programme celebrating Scotland’s global reputation as a knowledge economy.

INNOVATETHENATION, created by VisitScotland’s Business Events, is aimed at bringing together experts, influencers and the next generation of innovators through a series of free-ticketed events held in Scotland.

Dr Raeanne Miller from the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban will speak at the first event in the series, under the title INNOVATEMARINE, at St Andrews University on 29 September.

INNOVATETHENATION is a new national ambassador programme which aims to celebrate Scotland’s vast innovation legacy whilst looking to continue and develop that knowledge legacy for future generations.

Dr Miller is a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow for Wave and Tidal Energy at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban and is the only Scottish-based scientist in a group of 77 women from around the world to be selected for a female-only expedition to the Antarctic in December.

The Australian-led Homeward Bound Project, of which the expedition is part of, aims to enhance the influence and impact of 1,000 women in science over a ten-year period to give them the experience to take up and remain in leadership roles to ensure the sustainability of the planet.

Dr Miller will be joined at INNOVATEMARINE by Professor Vincent Janik, Director of the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St. Andrews which studies the marine environment from deep sea oceans to the coasts, the people who use and interact with the sea and the biological and physical processes that make the oceans functions.

Professor Janik will also talk about the exciting new £10m marine laboratory planned for St Andrews University which will cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in research and species protection.

As well as celebrating Scotland’s global reputation as a knowledge economy, INNOVATETHENATION will demonstrate the importance of Business Events – worth £1.9 billion to the Scottish economy – to innovation, research, industry and highlight where ‘ambassadors’ can help influence bringing these events to Scotland.

Dr Raeanne Miller from the Scottish Association for Marine Science, said: “Scotland has an international reputation for innovation, with our great inventions and scientific breakthroughs. SAMS, for example, was founded by Sir John Murray, who is considered to be the father of modern oceanography.

“While our achievements of the past should be celebrated, we must focus on how we can maintain our world-leading research by inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.

“We are currently witnessing rapid changes in the world’s climate and oceans, so it is imperative that we increase the number of women in STEM professions, so we have the best pool of talent available to answer some of our biggest environmental questions.

“I am excited to be involved in INNOVATEMARINE and to have the opportunity to speak about the aims of the Homeward Bound project.”

Rory Archibald, Business Development Manager for VisitScotland Business Events said:
“Business Events coming to Scotland are critical, not just for the significant contribution they make to the local and national economy, but also in promoting Scotland’s profile on the world stage.

“International events encourage collaboration between Scotland and worldwide partners, they help build the country’s infrastructure and provide huge potential for inward investment to our industries, our universities and our research institutes.

“We need our local experts and industry champions to work in collaboration with us to help us bring the world’s very best events to Scotland that will contribute to Scotland’s future success and continuing world renowned innovation legacy.”

INNOVATEMARINE will take place on 29 September from 6pm to 9pm in Upper College Hall, University of St Andrews, North St, St Andrews KY16 9AL. To register for free tickets go to http://www.conventionscotland.com/Our-Events or contact rory.archibald@visitscotland.com