Top academic appointed as head of new Institute for Advanced Studies

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A leading Scottish academic has been appointed as Dean of the new Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) at the University of Stirling.

Professor Iain Docherty will join Stirling from his role as Professor of Public Policy and Governance and Director of External Engagement at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School.

The IAS has been established by the University to replace the Stirling Graduate School.

It will act as an umbrella for the University’s flagship research programmes, Research Week and the researcher development programme, among other activities.

As Dean, Professor Docherty will work with the Deputy Principal for Research, Professor Judith Phillips, and the Research & Innovation Services team to guide the early development of the IAS.

Professor Phillips said: “I am delighted Professor Docherty will be joining the University as Dean of the new Institute for Advanced Studies in April.

“I look forward to working with him on the development of the institute and the activities to be delivered through it.

“Professor Docherty will lead the ongoing review and redevelopment work which is designed to enhance the recruitment and experience of postgraduate students, and the opportunities for development for all research and academic staff.” 

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Professor Iain Docherty

I look forward to working with new colleagues from across the University to maximise the potential that research at Stirling has to make an even greater impact in tackling the challenges facing the economy, environment and society.

Professor Docherty said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Stirling at such an exciting time in its continued development.

“I look forward to working with new colleagues from across the University to maximise the potential that research at Stirling has to make an even greater impact in tackling the challenges facing the economy, environment and society.”

Professor Docherty has advised and worked with a range of private sector, governmental and other organisations, including governments and public agencies in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, The Netherlands and Sweden, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In 2015, he was appointed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Innovate UK as one of five thought leaders working to integrate scientific innovation and social science research across the UK, and he is currently one of the co-investigators managing the £1.2m ESRC Productivity Insights Network - which aims to bring together leading social science academics to help address the UK economy’s resilient productivity gap.

His other current appointments include international expert advisor to the Swedish National Transport Laboratory for its work on connected and autonomous vehicles, Non-Executive Director of the ScotRail Operating Board, Deputy Chair of the Glasgow Connectivity Commission and a member of the Scottish Ministers’ Governance Board overseeing the revised National Transport Strategy.

Background information

Media enquiries to Rosie Free, Communications Officer, on 01786 466169 or rosemary.free@stir.ac.uk