The new Principal of the University of Aberdeen has begun his first week in office – almost four decades after first joining the institution as a postdoctoral researcher in Computing Science.
Professor Peter Edwards – who has been championing the University’s enterprise and innovation activity and leading on its digital strategy and stakeholder engagement – takes over from Professor George Boyne who retired from the post after seven years.
Professor Edwards, who was previously the University’s Acting Senior-Vice Principal and Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement, said: “I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of Principal. Aberdeen is a wonderful University with a rich history, an outstanding record of achievement and a lot of truly talented staff and students.
“I’ve spent much of my career here and I’m honoured to now be responsible for the leadership, direction and overall performance of this ancient and very special university.”
Since joining the University in 1988 and embarking on a postdoctoral position in Computing Science with a focus on AI and scientific reasoning, Professor Edwards has held various roles including Head of Computing Science, Head of the College of Physical Sciences Graduate School and Head of the School of Natural & Computing Sciences. He was also founding Director of the Northern Research Partnership Graduate School involving Aberdeen, Dundee and Robert Gordon Universities.
Professor Edwards has published over 170 papers in international journals and peer-reviewed conferences, a significant number of which are interdisciplinary in nature – reflecting his work with a range of academic and non-academic collaborators.
In his career to date he has raised over £20million of external research and innovation funding, some of it to support large-scale research centres. He was Director of the UK Digital Economy Research Hub 'dot.rural' – an interdisciplinary centre focusing on the transformative potential of digital technologies for rural communities.
Professor Edwards is currently a member of the North East Scotland Investment Zone Working Group, the North East Scotland Regional Inward Investment Forum, Aberdeen City Council Community Planning Board and Director of Rowett Research Institute (RRI) Ltd.