SAMS launches first UHI marine science graduates

History was made on Friday 25th September. Argyll’s stellar research and teaching establishment, the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences (SAMS) at Dunstaffnage, saw the first four marine science graduates fledge from UHI Millennium Institute, the emerging University of the Highlands and Islands.

UHI degrees had previously been validated by the Open University but the Privy Council granted UHI the power to award its own degrees for taught programmes last summer.

The four students, their families, friends, and lecturers gathered at SAMS for a colourful and upbeat ceremony honouring their dedication and celebrating their successes.

Three graduated with an honours degree in marine science after four years of full-time study and one graduated after three years with a BSc Marine Science with distinction.

The degrees were conferred by UHI Vice Principal of Research and Commercialisation, Dr Jeff Howarth.

Professor Axel Miller, Head of Education and Academic Development at SAMS, said: ‘This year’s graduates were very dedicated and, as lecturers, we are delighted with their results. We awarded Anita Eriksson, who graduated with first class honours, the SAMS Council Prize for Academic Excellence, and Andrea Veszelovszki the SAMS Prize for Outstanding Achievement, but all graduates are to be congratulated on their sustained efforts.

‘We wish Heather, John, Andrea and Anita all the best for their futures, and that they will benefit from what they have learnt during their time at SAMS UHI. Please keep in touch’.

Former member of SAMS Council, Mrs Moya Crawford, Managing Director of the deep water salvage company Deep Tek Ltd, delivered a keynote address to the students on the relationship of marine science with industry.

This was the first dedicated graduation ceremony at SAMS. In previous years the event was integrated into the organization’s Annual General Meeting. It was also the first time that lecturers wore gowns to mark this very special occasion.

Students and lecturers took the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to Dr Keith Davidson, who had acted as programme leader for the marine science degree since its beginning in 2000 but who stood down from the role to focus on his research career.

Marine ecologist, Linda Robb, is taking over as programme leader.

The photograph at the top shws the four graduates, John, Anita, Heather and Andrea, flanked by Dr Jeff Howarth, UHI Vice Principal of Research and Commercialisation, who conferred the degrees and Mrs Moya Crawford, Managing Director of Deep Tek Ltd, who delivered the keynote address.

In the second photograph, Linda Robb, who is taking over as Programme Leader, is pictured to the left (in the photogrpah) of Dr Howarth.