Heriot-Watt colleagues elected fellows of Royal Society of Edinburgh
Three prominent figures from science and industry, with strong links to Heriot‑Watt University, have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
Physicist Professor John Travers FRSE, Heriot-Watt’s Chair of Court, Bruce Pritchard FRSE and Professor Muhammed Basheer FRSE, who recently left the University after serving as Executive Dean to the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), have been recognised among Scotland’s leading thinkers and practitioners.
John, Bruce and Muhammed have each made outstanding contributions in their fields, and their election reflects the strength, breadth and impact of work connected to our University.
They are among the 43 new Fellows announced by the RSE for 2026, having been elected for excellence in their fields and a commitment to using knowledge for the public good as part of Scotland’s National Academy.
Fellowship of the RSE is one of the highest honours in Scotland’s academic, professional and public life.
Professor John Travers is Professor of Physics based at the University’s Edinburgh campus and Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies.
He is internationally recognised for creating new light sources with tailored and often extreme properties, and for his major contributions to ultrafast nonlinear optics. The light sources he develops range from very small systems used in semiconductor manufacturing and healthcare, to large scale facilities designed to push the boundaries of fundamental science.
Sharing his reaction on being elected Fellow of the RSE, Professor Travers said: “It is a real honour to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
“The RSE plays an important role in bringing people together across disciplines, and I am proud to contribute work that helps advance science for the benefit of society.”
Bruce Pritchard serves as Chair of Court, Heriot-Watt University’s governing body.
An accountant by training, he has spent more than three decades working in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry.
Mr Pritchard is also a graduate of the University, where he studied Accountancy and Computer Science, and continues to play a key role in shaping the institution’s long-term strategy and governance.
He said: “I am delighted to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
“It is a privilege to join a community that is committed to leveraging expertise and experience to support Scotland and the wider public good.”
Professor Muhammed Basheer is an internationally respected academic leader, strategist and civil engineer, with particular expertise in the performance and durability of structural materials. In 2023, he was recognised with a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his significant contributions to civil engineering.
Congratulating the new Fellows, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “These fellowships recognise exceptional achievement and a clear commitment to using expertise for the wider public good.
“It is a source of real pride for Heriot-Watt University to see three esteemed colleagues, past and present, elected to Scotland’s National Academy.
“John, Bruce and Muhammed have each made outstanding contributions in their fields, and their election reflects the strength, breadth and impact of work connected to our University.”
Founded in 1783, the RSE draws on the combined expertise of more than 1800 Fellows.
Fellows are elected in recognition of excellence in their discipline and an ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole.
The Academy provides independent advice to policymakers, tackles major societal challenges and works to inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.