Prestigious appointment to new Sustainable Energy Chair

Professor Maroto-Valer

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Head of the Energy and Sustainability Research Division at the University of Nottingham and winner of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy Division Award 2011, has been announced as the first holder of the Robert M Buchan Chair in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University.

Robert M Buchan Chair in Sustainable Energy Engineering

The prestigious Chair was established thanks to a £1.3m donation to the University by Robert M Buchan, the Canada-based Scottish mining entrepreneur, philanthropist and Heriot-Watt graduate. This is the largest ever donation by an individual to the University, and one of the largest donations that Heriot-Watt has received.

Mr Buchan said, "I am delighted that Professor Maroto-Valer has been named as the first appointment to the Robert M Buchan Chair in Sustainable Energy Engineering. Her professional qualifications and experience will be a tremendous asset to the position, and will enhance Heriot-Watt's already strong position in energy research and teaching.

"I have always stressed my belief in giving forward rather than giving back, focussing on meeting future needs. I hope and intend that this new Chair will keep Scotland at the forefront of this rapidly evolving discipline, and I am certain that Professor Maroto-Valer will be key to the success of these expectations."

Professor Maroto-Valer said, "I am very excited at taking up the Robert M Buchan Chair and joining Heriot-Watt University's leading position in energy research and teaching. This is indeed a unique opportunity for my team to make a significant impact addressing the most critical problems in energy, and in particular, developing new technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"I'd personally like to thank Robert Buchan for his generous donation that will go a long way in dealing with the global challenge of energy and sustainability and decoupling carbon dioxide emissions from economic growth."

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said, "The establishment of this new Chair and the key appointment of Professor Maroto-Valer in line with the University's strategy of appointing top level candidates to address key challenges facing the world today, are both the result of a wonderfully generous donation by one of our most successful alumni.

"They will make a significant contribution to the advancement of research in Sustainable Energy Engineering and their influence will be felt in Scotland and in the wider world of energy sustainability and to the greatest possible benefit for research and for future students who have an interest in this field."