From ideas to impact
Professor Chris Turney has three decades of experience across the international higher education sector and industry. He leads the development and growth of Heriot-Watt University’s world-leading research and innovation, championing impactful, globally relevant research through strategic partnerships with industry, government, and communities.
The impact pipeline begins at the intersection of ideas and comes to life through translational research and commercialisation.
Since Heriot-Watt’s formative years, during the Industrial Revolution, it has remained true to its founding purpose of sharing knowledge that benefits society.
We are now facing a new revolution; where technology and humanity are converging, driven by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, energy transition and biotechnology. This transformation is reshaping not only how we work and create, but how we understand ourselves and our relationship with the planet. Heriot-Watt is driving world-leading and emerging research in many critical technologies.
However, these innovations are emerging against a backdrop of increasingly complex societal, environmental and security challenges. From the climate to global health crises, digital equity to sustainable development, the challenges are complex and require a multipronged and mission-orientated approach.
Universities must engage actively with external stakeholders, helping to set ambitious targets, to coordinate action with governments, businesses, and other groups across society. This requires agility underpinned by research excellence and innovation, and we are well-placed to help tackle these global challenges.
The impact pipeline begins at the intersection of ideas and comes to life through translational research and commercialisation. A mission-driven focus provides the opportunity to deliver even greater impact.
The pipeline is not always free-flowing and can be lengthy, but our inspirational examples show that it’s worth grasping the mission.
Professor Chris Turney FRSA FRSN FRMetS FGS FAHE GAICD Deputy Principal of Research and Innovation
