Minister for Higher and Further Education visits Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus
Graeme Dey MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Higher and Further Education, visited Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus today to engage with academics and explore how the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) is contributing to innovative solutions for a wide range of energy and marine challenges.
The Minister was welcomed by Professor Steve McLaughlin, Vice Principal and Provost of Heriot-Watt University, and Professor Sandy Kerr, Director of ICIT. During his visit, Mr Dey received a comprehensive tour of the Energy Transition Lab, led by Professor Susan Krumdieck, Chair in Energy Transition Engineering. He was also introduced to cutting-edge research on the future of the North Sea and offshore wind, presented by Dr David Woolf and Dr Simon Waldman.
It’s clear that Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus is taking forward outstanding teaching, research and innovation activity, which is beneficial to both the local community and wider economy.
Beyond the lab demonstrations, discussions centred on the pivotal role of Heriot-Watt in Orkney’s innovation cluster. The conversations highlighted how the research and teaching activities at ICIT align closely with the Scottish Government’s key priorities, including growing Scotland’s economy and tackling the climate emergency.
Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “It’s clear that Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus is taking forward outstanding teaching, research and innovation activity, which is beneficial to both the local community and wider economy. This work also supports the Scottish Government’s priority to tackle the climate emergency.
“It has been great to be given the opportunity to see this programme of work first-hand.”
Professor McLaughlin, said: “We are delighted to welcome Minister Dey to our Orkney campus. The work being done here at ICIT is not only advancing academic research but is also making a tangible impact on the local community and the broader energy and marine sectors.”
Professor Sandy Kerr added: “The Orkney Campus is home to a multidisciplinary research team focused on accelerating the development of marine renewable energy and the sustainable management of marine resources.
“Over the past five years, the impacts of the energy transition and the drive for net zero have become significant areas of focus. We are pleased to showcase our 'living laboratory' vision for the campus, which includes the benefits of developing smaller-scale initiatives and conducting research in real-world conditions to expedite their scaling up at later stages.”
The Minister's visit underscores the vital role that Heriot-Watt University plays in fostering innovation and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Scotland today.