Professor Steve Chapman
Professor Steve Chapman, the Principal of Heriot-Watt University, has received an Honorary Degree from the University of Edinburgh for his contributions to bio-inorganic chemistry and also to the University of Edinburgh.
Professor Chapman, who was Vice-Principal at Edinburgh before coming to Heriot-Watt, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.
Contributions to chemistry
Giving the Laureation Address, the University of Edinburgh Vice-Principal Professor Nigel Brown said: "We are honouring Professor Steve Chapman today for his contributions to bio-inorganic chemistry and also to the University of Edinburgh. We can add to these his contributions to chemistry across the UK and to Higher Education in Scotland.
We are honouring Professor Steve Chapman for his contributions to Bio-inorganic Chemistry and also to the University of Edinburgh
"Steve has always shown considerable leadership skills, both locally and nationally. In addition to his University roles, he has served on Scottish Funding Council, the UK panel for transparent costing of teaching, the Board of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association and was Chair of Heads of Chemistry UK.
"Architects of research pooling"
"However, one of Steve's major contributions potentially affects every Scottish academic scientist. He is one of the architects of research pooling. The creation of EaStChem as a joint research department between Edinburgh and St Andrews was inspirational and controversial and required all Steve's considerable leadership skills to bring it to pass. This innovative change placed Edinburgh-St Andrews in the top five Chemistry Schools in the UK.
I have fond memories of my time working at the University and to be recognised in this way by my former colleagues is a great honour
"For his leadership skills, his contributions to chemistry and to this University, Mr Vice-Chancellor, I now invite you to confer on Professor Stephen Chapman the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science."
Responding to receiving the Honorary Degree, the Principal Professor Steve Chapman said: "I am delighted to receive this honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh.
"I have fond memories of my time working at the University and to be recognised in this way by my former colleagues is a great honour."