New SSAC Members Appointed
Science experts will advise Scottish Government
11 new Members and Associate Members will join the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) from 1 October 2026, strengthening the expert panel that supports the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland in his work with Scottish Ministers.
The new Members are:
- Professor Maurizio Collu, University of Strathclyde (renewable energy engineering)
- Dr Jessica Enright, University of Glasgow (computing science)
- Professor Muhammad Imran, University of Glasgow (communications and signal processing engineering)
- Dr Kirsten Jenkins, University of Edinburgh (human geography and sustainable development).
- This is an upgraded position from her current Associate Membership.
- Professor Tim Kerby, Edinburgh Systems Ltd. (systems engineering)
- Professor Robert Lamb, Leonardo and Heriot-Watt University (physics)
- Professor Cait MacPhee, University of Edinburgh (biological physics)
- Professor Peter MacPherson, University of Glasgow (public health)
The new Associate Members are:
- Dr Fiona Bunn, University of Edinburgh (synthetic biology and biotechnology)
- Dr Jasmin Wertz, University of Edinburgh (developmental psychopathology)
- Dr Ellen Wiliamson, University of Glasgow (food and nutrition)
The new Members will serve for three years, until 30 September 2029, and the new Associate Members – who are early career researchers – are appointed for an initial one year term, until 30 September 2027.
Commenting on the new appointments, SSAC Chair Professor Julian Jones said:
“Our new members and associates bring extensive experience to the SSAC, putting us in an excellent position to continue to provide the Scottish Government with the best scientific advice. It is an exciting time for the SSAC and I look forward to our new members joining us as we continue our work together, spanning the broadest range of science and technology, which enables us to support the Scottish Government in developing their policies, and in recognising the opportunities provided to Scotland.”
Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland Professor Calum Semple welcomed the appointments:
“Science is at the heart of much of the Scottish Government’s work and these new appointments will ensure that this continues. I am excited to work with the new and existing members to ensure that policy officials and Ministers across the Scottish Government have the best evidence base possible to inform robust decisions that will benefit Scotland’s society and economy.”
BACKGROUND
The SSAC is Scotland’s highest level science advisory body. It provides independent advice, through its Chair, to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for Scotland, to inform policy development and delivery across all areas of the Scottish Government’s work.
The SSAC supports the work of the CSA Scotland, Professor Calum Semple; the Chief Scientist (Health), Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak; the Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Professor Mathew Williams; the Chief Scientific Adviser for Marine, Professor Mark Inall; and the Chief Social Policy Adviser, Professor Linda Bauld, all of whom are ex-officio members of the SSAC.
Details of other members of the SSAC can be found on the SSAC website: http://www.scottishscience.org.uk/members
The next meeting of the SSAC will be on Tuesday 8 September 2026.