University first for SAMS

A marine scientist who studied at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI has become the first person to be awarded a University of the Highlands and Islands’ Master of Science by Research degree.

Eleanor Wood, who now works as a research technician at Swansea University, received her award at the SAMS UHI graduation last Thursday, September 6, as one of 46 graduates and prizewinners. The University of the Highlands and Islands, one of the newest in the UK, obtained research degree awarding powers last year.

Professor Clive Mulholland, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, said: ‘The University of the Highlands received confirmation from the Privy Council in June 2017 that it had been successful in its application for Research Degree Awarding Powers.

‘This achievement followed detailed scrutiny from the quality assurance agency, which was assured that the arrangements for the university’s research students were robust and met the standards expected from all universities.

‘Today’s graduation sees the first research degree being awarded using the university’s new powers; a moment of celebration not only for Eleanor Wood, but for the whole of the University of the Highlands and Islands.’

Eleanor said: ‘It is really fulfilling to be graduating as the university’s first MSc research student and I wish the future SAMS UHI students the best of luck with their research projects.

‘Studying at SAMS UHI has been of great benefit to me as the institute is renowned for excellent research and the scientists there are well known throughout the marine science community.’

In this coming academic year, SAMS UHI will host 44 postgraduate students, of which 36 are University of the Highlands and Islands students.

The previous academic year was the first time students had outnumbered staff at the Oban-based institute.

SAMS UHI director Professor Nicholas Owens said: ‘While SAMS UHI has offered postgraduate study for some time, our students would historically have received their qualification from another university.

‘The masters degree is a tremendous personal achievement for Eleanor and we wish her, and all of today’s graduates, the very best in their future careers.

‘Eleanor’s award is also a significant milestone for SAMS UHI, the university, Oban as a university town and the Highlands and Islands region.’

A number of prizes were awarded during the graduation ceremony in Oban’s Argyllshire Gathering Halls, with the entire graduating cohort of the BSc in Marine Science winning the SAMS

The entire graduating cohort of the BSc in Marine Science, with University of the Highlands and Islands deputy principal Professor Crichton Lang and SAMS UHI director Professor Nicholas Owens. The whole class won the SAMS UHI Student of the Year award.

The SAMS UHI Joint Masters Degree in aquaculture attracts students from all over the world. Pictured are some of the international students, with course leader Professor Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, left, who returned to Oban especially for graduation.

James Coogan won the Tim Boyd Prize for Oceanography.

SAMS Council Award for Academic Excellence was awarded to Ivan Cautain.

Dr Ruth Paterson, a former SAMS graduate, was awarded a PhD this year.