Top scientists appointed to advise Scottish Natural Heritage

The policy and advisory work of SNH is strongly evidence-based, and relies on the expertise and experience of staff across the organisation. These appointments add to the scientific excellence of SNH.

The SAC, together with its Expert Panel, represents a body of independent scientists who advise the SNH board and staff on science, especially on novel or contentious areas.

The new SAC appointees are Professors Dan Haydon FRSE, Neil Metcalfe FRSE and Martin Price, with Professor Richard Ennos, Professor Felicity Huntingford FRSE, Dr Rob Ogden, Dr Beth Scott and Professor Ben Wilson joining the Expert Panel.

Welcoming the new members, Professor Bob Furness FRSE, Chair of the SAC as well as a SNH board member, commented:

“I’m delighted to welcome these distinguished new members. Robust science, including external peer review and quality assurance, is vital to SNH’s work to protect Scotland’s nature and landscapes, and we very much look forward to working with our new colleagues.”

The appointments have been made to add to the complement of environmental and social scientists already advising SNH, following the recent completed terms of office by Dr Colin Shedden and Professors Robin Pakeman, Chris Spray and Alan Werritty FRSE.

SNH Chair, Dr Mike Cantlay, added:

“As a new member of the SNH team myself, I’m delighted to welcome such outstanding colleagues. They will add to the vibrancy and outreach of our scientific work. I’m especially pleased to see that our new experts have experience in such diverse areas, from the seas to mountains, modelling, animal and plant sciences, genetics, geography and people.”

ENDS

Media queries - contact SNH media & public relations officer Vicki Mowat on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk or the Inverness press office on 01463 725022.