RSE announces two new Stirling Fellows

Two University of Stirling Professors have been elected as Fellows of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

Andrew Tyler, Professor of Environmental Science, and Dr Sam Alberti, Honorary Professor in Heritage Studies, are to join the RSE, which recognises leading thinkers and experts from Scotland and across the world, whose work has a significant impact on our nation.

The Stirling academics are two of 87 new intakes from across sciences, arts, education, business and public life, announced by the RSE.

This year’s cohort, who join RSE’s current roll of around 1,600 thinkers and practitioners, include many Fellows who have made a positive impact during the global COVID-19 pandemic: either as a result of their academic research, through their contribution to arts, or for the role they have played in communicating complex information with the public. Those who are nominated, and then invited to join, have undergone rigorous assessment of their achievements, professional standing and societal contribution.

University of Stirling Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, said: “This is a fantastic accolade from an internationally-renowned organisation, and on behalf of the University community, I send our warmest congratulations to both Professor Tyler and Dr Alberti.”

Professor Dame Anne Glover, President of The Royal Society of Edinburgh said: “As Scotland’s national academy we recognise excellence across a diverse range of expertise and experience, and its effect on Scottish society. This impact is particularly clear this year in the latest cohort of new Fellows which includes scientists who are pioneering the way we approach the coronavirus; those from the arts who have provided the rich cultural experience we have all been missing, and some who have demonstrated strong leadership in guiding their organisations and communities through this extraordinary time.

“Through uniting these great minds from different walks of life, we can discover creative solutions to some of the most complex issues that Scotland faces. A warm welcome is extended to all of our new Fellows.”

Professor Andrew Tyler

Professor Tyler is Deputy Dean and the Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Prior to this, he was head of Biological and Environmental Sciences (2011-2017). His research specialises in the development of in-situ and Earth observation (EO) approaches to characterise the impact of human and climate induced environmental change, especially in the inland and coastal environments.  He is now exploiting these technologies to develop new paradigms of water monitoring and management and support the green recovery.   

Dr Sam Alberti

Dr Alberti is Keeper [head] of Science & Technology at National Museums Scotland, and an Honorary Professor in Heritage Studies at the University of Stirling. For twenty years he has worked at the intersection of museums and universities, first in Manchester, then as Director of Museums and Archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (including the Hunterian Museum), while holding visiting research appointments in London, Philadelphia, and Edinburgh. He has published, curated and lectured widely on the histories and cultures of science, nature and medicine. Sam is passionate about STEM engagement, especially in relation to climate change.