Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has appointed Professor Paul Hagan as its new Vice-Principal for Research and Research Commercialisation.
Professor Hagan, who is currently Director of Research and Innovation at the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), will take up his post on 1 December.
Professor Hagan, who attended school in Coatbridge, is a graduate of the University of Glasgow. His research career began at the Medical Research Council Unit in The Gambia, where he carried out work on parasitic diseases, before moving to the National Institute for Medical Research in London. He held academic posts at the University of Glasgow from 1991, during which he also was on a three-year secondment to the European Commission's International Scientific Cooperation Programme, before joining the SFC in 2010.
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of Robert Gordon University, said: “One of RGU’s key strategic objectives is to develop world leading research in key priority areas, offering solutions to economic and social problems and improving the quality of life. Professor Hagan’s detailed knowledge of Scottish research will play an important role in driving this forward by building on our existing research portfolio and developing new initiatives to develop a leading reputation for RGU in translational research.”
Commenting on his appointment Professor Hagan said, "I’m delighted to be joining RGU at what is a key point in the development of its research strategy. It is clear that the university has a real desire to make a significant step change in its research performance and I am looking forward to working with colleagues to develop a culture that embraces enterprise, innovation and knowledge transfer.”