Dear Colleagues,
Further to our open call for the role of Dean for Postgraduate Research, I am delighted to announce that, following a competitive internal application and interview recruitment process, Professor Stuart Piertney has been appointed to the role effective from 1 September 2023.
Stuart will take forward key institutional priorities including developing and implementing an Aberdeen 2040 vision fit for our postgraduate research community. He will explore how we grow our thriving postgraduate research community while continuing to provide an inclusive environment and best serving our global research priorities.
Stuart is Professor in Molecular Ecology and Evolution in the School of Biological Sciences. His research uses DNA tools to help answer fundamental questions and address applied issues in ecology, evolution and conservation. He was awarded a PhD from the University of Wales in 1995 on the genetics of marine organisms before then moving to Aberdeen where he has spent the remainder of his career as independent postdoctoral research fellow through to Chair. He has a long track record of PhD training and support, through the direct supervision of over 30 PhD students, providing support to the UK postgraduate community for genomic research through the NERC Environmental ‘Omics Facility and playing a key role in the design, award, and running of the University’s current UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships.
I am very much looking forward to working with Stuart in his Dean role, and I am sure you will join me in congratulating him on this appointment.
Best Wishes,
Nick