Robert Gordon University (RGU) has received a boost with the news that the Scottish Government’s new Chief Scientific Advisor Marine has chosen to be based at the university’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

Professor Colin Moffat, a marine scientist and researcher, has recently been appointed as Chief Scientific Advisor Marine to the Scottish Government, in recognition for his work with colleagues across Europe to improve scientific knowledge on the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.

In addition to his roles providing advice to both the Scottish and UK Governments, and acting as co-chair of the UK Marine Science Coordination Committee, Professor Moffat has worked closely with a number of universities, including St Andrews, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and RGU – the latter two of which he holds honorary positions with.

Following his new appointment, Professor Moffat has chosen to be based at RGU and will work closely with the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences to foster greater collaboration between the institution, government and other researching bodies.

Speaking on his decision, he said: “In this new role I have high hopes for developing stronger ties and working relations with a number of institutions on behalf of the Scottish Government. The research conducted by the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences resonates strongly with my main areas of research into human impact on marine ecosystems; making it a perfect fit, collaboratively, for me.

“As Honorary Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry for RGU, I look forward to spending more time in the Garthdee campus and having the autonomy to work with some of the most innovative minds in the world of marine science.”

Professor Donald Cairns, Head of RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, said: “It is an honour to welcome Colin to the university and I look forward to a long and successful working relationship. His experience and passion for science will undoubtedly prove to be a benefit for the School.

“In his new role, Colin had every Scottish university at his disposal, several of which he has worked with previously, and it is very pleasing that RGU stood out to him as the best place to carry on his good work supporting the further development and enhancement of our marine ecosystems.”

RGU has a longstanding tradition of working closely with industry and government, which was recently recognised when the university was named top university in Scotland for its industry connections by Times Higher Education.