Professor Colin Campbell has been appointed as the new chief executive of the James Hutton Institute.
Professor Campbell has been interim chief executive since September, when Professor Iain Gordon, the previous head of the scientific research organisation specialising in food security and environmental sustainability, resigned to take up a university post in Australia.
Ray Perman, chairman of the board, said: 'We are delighted that Colin has accepted the job. His appointment was not a foregone conclusion. The James Hutton Institute has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its science and we felt it right to conduct an international search for its new leader.
'That led to over 60 applications, including several from outstanding candidates with exceptional records of scientific achievement and management experience. In the final interviews Colin was up against extremely strong competition. The decision was a difficult one, but the interview panel felt that Colin’s mix of experience and skills was the right one to take the institute forward.'
Professor Campbell said: 'I am thrilled and delighted to be the new CEO of the James Hutton Institute. It is a great honour and I am grateful to get such an opportunity to lead the organisation. I have been with it a long time and know the institute and its staff well, but this doesn’t mean it will be ‘business as usual.’
'We have had to adapt already over the last five years to a changing and challenging situation. The pace of change will only quicken and we need to respond quickly and decisively. The compelling need for our science to tackle food and environmental security issues and the high quality science and innovation we offer means we can tackle the future together with confidence and optimism.'
Professor Campbell will take up his post with immediate effect. He was previously director of science excellence, and has been leading several new initiatives to bring the Hutton’s science closer to the needs of people, government, policy and industry.
He has 30 years of research experience in soil microbiology/soil science applied to agri-environment issues.
The James Hutton Institute employs 550 scientific and support staff at two main locations in Aberdeen and Invergowrie, near Dundee. It also runs three research farms.
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