Professor Brian Quinn gives his inaugural lecture

Warm congratulations to Brian Quinn on his Inaugural Lecture ‘Developing Science with Impact’; a very interesting talk on his work spanning ecotoxicology, medication affecting zebra mussels, micro-plastics and fish health.

SAIC’s Aquaculture Innovation Manager, Polly Douglas, attended the lecture, and tells us that Brian spoke passionately and energetically about working closely with industry. He highlighted that research – rather than just existing for the sake of pure science – should have impact, as defined by the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

The REF definition of impact is ‘an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia’.

SAIC is very pleased to have helped fund some of Brian’s important fish health research, and look forward to future knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The University of the West of Scotland provides more information about Brian:

“Professor Quinn joined UWS as lecturer in 2013 and was promoted to Reader in 2016. Brian received his degree in Marine and Environmental Biology from the University of St. Andrews in 1997, and his PhD in environmental toxicology from Trinity college Dublin in 2002.

“He has received fellowships from the Canadian (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) and Irish (Environmental Protection Agency) governments and has worked closely with regulators throughout this career. Since joining UWS, Professor Quinn has been actively involved in teaching, in particular, contributing to the Applied Bioscience and Zoology programme and greatly enjoys engaging with, and enthusing students.

“His research initially focused on investigating the presence and impact of microplastics in the environment. More recently he has used his ecotoxicology experience to develop new methods to assess fish health in aquaculture. This research has the potential to generate significant impact within the aquaculture industry (economic and environmental) and has been widely supported by industrial partners and funding agencies.”