Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell, said, “The creation of a European center of excellence for earth and marine technology at Heriot-Watt University is great news for both industry and Scotland as a whole as it enhances our already strong reputation for world-leading scientific research and innovation. I’m proud that the Scottish Government has invested in this center via the Funding Council, allowing the delivery of a unique postgraduate student experience based on cutting-edge collaboration between industry and universities. This will help to ensure better educated, more skilled and more successful individuals and help increase sustainable economic growth.”
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said “The creation of the Sir Charles Lyell Centre assembles world-leading expertise from the British Geological Survey and Heriot-Watt University in a common enterprise bringing together investment and skills from the UK Research Council and University sectors to support future UK innovation and growth.”
Professor Duncan Wingham, Chief Executive of NERC said “NERC Council has been extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of both British Geological Survey and Heriot-Watt University to a shared vision for a national center of innovation. We are very happy to have reached agreement with Heriot-Watt and the Scottish Funding Council to realize this vision.”