Senior Management Team

Professor Iain Gordon, Chief Executive

Iain, who holds both British and Australian nationality, returned to Scotland to take up the post after eight years working with CSIRO - the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation - in Canberra. CSIRO is the national government body for scientific research in Australia.

Professor Gordon is native to Aberdeenshire and graduated with a zoology honours degree from the University of Aberdeen. He was awarded his PhD by the University of Cambridge.

He worked at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in Aberdeen, leading the Ecology Group, before moving to Australia in 2003.

Dr Karen Shaw, Chief Operating Officer

Karen began her career as a research biochemist in the USA and UK university systems and for the last 12 years has held various senior research support positions in the not-for-profit sector.

Karen has a distinguished academic background: she holds a BSc (Hons) in biological science from the University of Stirling (1986), a PhD in biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Leicester, a postgraduate diploma in law and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice both from the College of Law, London and an MBA from the Manchester Business School, at the University of Manchester.

Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Research Impact

Bob is Director of Research Impact and is responsible for the development and delivery of the Institute’s research portfolio, associated knowledge exchange, and income generation strategies.

He has over 20 years experience in water resources management in particular the hydrological, hydrochemical and ecological consequences of environmental change; in particular land use and management, and climate change.

Professor Colin Campbell, Director of Science Excellence

Colin is Director of Science Excellence and is responsible for the strategic development of the excellence of the institute's scientists, facilities and resources.

He has 23 years of research experience in soil microbiology/soil science applied to agri-environment issues. His expertise lies in fundamental and applied studies on the effects of pollutants on soil microorganisms and soil health and in understanding how microbial diversity contributes to ecosystem functioning.