Published:
Professor Richard A. Williams OBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt, has been elected to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), alongside two senior academics from the University's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Professor Derryck Reid, Head of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPAQS), and Professor Daniele Faccio, Head of the University's Extreme Light Group, were both named as Fellows.
New Fellows are elected to the RSE each year through a rigorous, five-stage nomination process. The Heriot-Watt professors now join the distinguished list of over 1600 RSE fellows, whose varied expertise supports the advancement of learning and useful knowledge in Scottish public life.
Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, commented, “Each newly elected Fellow has been nominated on their exceptional and extensive achievements; it is a great honour to welcome such a range of outstanding individuals to the fellowship.”
Professor Williams said: “I am honoured to be elected by the Royal Society personally, and extremely proud to be joined by my colleagues, Professors Reid and Faccio, whose research exemplifies Heriot-Watt University's strengths.
“Our University has its roots in Edinburgh, with an international reach and a global purpose: to be leaders in ideas and solutions.
Our scholars deliver innovation and educational excellence across the world and our long-standing relationship with the Royal Society is a testament to the legacy of our research.
The work of the RSE includes awarding research funding, leading on major inquiries, informing public policy and delivering events across Scotland to inspire knowledge and learning.