Shaping a Global Future, Today

Professor Chris Turney is Heriot-Watt University’s new Deputy Principal of Research and Impact. Former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research at the University of Technology Sydney, he has over 27 years of experience across the international higher education sector and industry. He has led strategic research initiatives driving sustainably funded, world-class research and fostered strong engagement with external stakeholders.

Professor Turney will lead the development and growth of Heriot-Watt University ‘s Global Research Institutes, continue the advancement of a thriving research culture, and champion impactful, globally relevant research through strategic partnerships with industry, government, and communities.

Shaping a Global Future, Today

During one dark, oil-lit October night in 1821, a long queue could be seen making its way into a public gathering in the Old Town of Edinburgh. It was a time of great change. In the early nineteenth century, Edinburgh was at the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment. Advances in economic thinking, politics, philosophy, engineering and science were being made by the likes of Joseph Black, Adam Smith, and David Hume, transforming Scotland…and the world. The dizzying breadth of ideas and discoveries were making it possible to reimagine a new future, a future of progress for both individuals and society.

Billed as a lecture on chemistry, the inaugural students (at that time, working men) of what would become Heriot-Watt University, saw an opportunity. Their ambition? To gain new skills that would allow them to change their lives for the better. Since these pioneering days, Heriot-Watt has remained true to its founding mission: to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society and changes the world for the better.

Today we find ourselves in what is arguably an equally momentous period of change on a global scale. Just as the university first led the charge in the Industrial Revolution, we are in the midst of a new revolution. A revolution where technology and humanity are converging, driven by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and biotechnology to name but a few. This transformation is reshaping not only how we work and create, but how we understand ourselves and our relationship with the planet. Heriot-Watt is driving world-leading research in so many of these areas, research that we can be rightfully proud of.

But these innovations are emerging against a backdrop of increasingly complex societal, environmental, and economic challenges. These challenges – from the climate crisis to global health crises, from digital equity to sustainable development – are extraordinarily complex and often described as “wicked problems.” They demand the same spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that was found in the nineteenth century but with a modern twist. There is no single solution. Instead, they require a multipronged approach that tackles the problems from different perspectives. And here universities have an incredibly important role to play.

I am a huge fan of Professor Mariana Mazzucato’s thinking on taking a mission-oriented approach to wicked problems. I find the concept of missions a powerful lens for considering how we might find solutions. Missions require institutions to take on a leadership role that coordinates across sectors. One lesson I think - or hope - we have all learnt from recent events is that no single institution, regardless of prestige, can solve today's complex challenges alone. Universities must work actively with stakeholders, helping to set ambitious targets, and coordinate action with governments, businesses, and other groups across society. It requires agility underpinned by research excellence and innovation. Heriot-Watt is incredibly well-placed to help tackle some of the great global challenges by taking this approach.

I am truly excited to be here. Over the last 200 years, the university has grown to five campuses with a truly global presence. As a result, there are few institutions that combine our ethos with the international opportunities that can make a real difference. For instance, a project developed in Dubai can be deployed in Orkney; innovations from Edinburgh and Galashiels can transform communities in Malaysia. All within the same university community. And if the opportunity is there, we can go a step further and take a mission-oriented approach to deliver even greater impact. We can bring our research capabilities to stakeholders around the world, to tackle a challenge in one or more of the regions we operate. In collaboration with our staff, students, alumni and global partners, our remarkable geographical footprint gives us the opportunity to achieve extraordinary things.

As the inspiring Mary Keller observed, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Just as the enlightened of 1821 seized their moment to help drive the Industrial Revolution, we have a real chance to develop and deploy solutions to the some of the great challenges of today, but only in partnership with others.

I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas and working with you all, to make a difference.