Dr Adam Hughes of SAMS awarded UHI professorship

A marine scientist who is at the forefront of developing Scotland’s Blue Economy through his research has been awarded a professorship by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Professor Adam Hughes at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), a partner of UHI, has been given the title of Professor of Innovation in the Blue Economy. In this role he will investigate ways in which ocean-related commerce can create jobs and growth, while helping to address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. 

The new professorial title signals an intent by SAMS and UHI to develop solutions to these challenges. 

Professor Hughes said:  

“I believe that the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland should be a national and global leader for the Blue Economy. Our marine environment should be at the centre of vibrant, sustainable and inclusive coastal communities.  

“The role will also help the wider UHI to contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy (2023-2033), and specifically its Innovation-led Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Programme. 

“Innovation, research, training and skills are at the heart of such a vision, and I believe that UHI is the critical element in achieving this vision. As such, becoming a member of the UHI professoriate is both a great privilege and an opportunity.” 

Professor Hughes has spent the majority of his academic life at SAMS, having completed a PhD at the Oban-based institute on the ecology of sea urchins with Dr Maeve Kelly. Since beginning a post-doctoral position at SAMS in 2008, he has expanded his skills and experience in aquaculture more generally and, most recently, in the Blue Economy. 

He has previously worked across the globe in countries such as Fiji, the Bahamas, the Falkland Islands, Mozambique, Tanzania and the U.S. 

Over the past 10 years Professor Hughes has worked with 32 companies on 12 projects to secure £3.6m of innovation funding into Scotland.  

He added:  

“Becoming a SAMS/UHI PhD student was a fundamental life changing experience, and to become a UHI Professor feels like an opportunity to repay the opportunity I was given as a student. 

“On a personal level, my path to being an academic wasn’t straightforward, and being awarded the title is a vindication of the faith people have had in me on that journey, even if some are unfortunately not here to share it with me.” 

Professor Brian Williams, Deputy Principal Academic and Research at UHI, congratulated Adam on his professorship:  

“Adam’s appointment as Professor of Innovation in the Blue Economy is a testament to his outstanding contributions to marine science and sustainable economic development. His work has already had a significant impact on Scotland’s marine sector, and this new role will further strengthen SAMS and UHI’s commitment to driving innovation, research and collaboration in the Blue Economy. We are delighted to see his expertise and leadership recognised in this way."

Professor Hughes’ inaugural professorial lecture entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy’ will take place at SAMS and online on Wednesday 1 October from 5.30pm to 7pm. To book your place please go to: www.uhi.ac.uk/events