Stirling academic announced as member of inaugural RSE Research Leadership cohort

A University of Stirling academic has been chosen as part of the inaugural cohort of the RSE’s new Research Leadership Scheme, generously funded by the RSE Foundation and Caledonian Research Fund.

Dr Heather Price, Associate Professor in Geography at the University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, has been chosen as one of Scotland’s 13 most promising academics who represent 11 Higher Education Institutions across the country.

Aimed at supporting Scotland’s next generation of research leaders, the new Scheme will equip participants with the skills to lead major interdisciplinary research bids that address critical scientific and societal challenges.

Real-world impact

As part of a two-year pilot, the Scheme will provide two small cohorts with structured support to build confidence, skills, and leadership capacity through a mixture of mentoring, seed-corn funding, training, and peer learning.

The first cohort, who represent a variety of disciplines, from geography to molecular crop science and public art and design to sustainable development, will work collaboratively around the theme of Building Scotland’s Green Future.

Dr Price said: “I’m delighted to join the first cohort of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Research Leadership Scheme. My research focuses on air quality, and I’m looking forward to developing leadership approaches that support evidence‑informed decision making and real-world impact.

“I’m particularly excited to work with researchers from across disciplines to develop solutions that contribute to building Scotland’s green future.”

Ambition

RSE Vice President, Research, Professor Anne Anderson OBE FRSE added: “The strength of Scotland’s research sector depends on nurturing talented people, and empowering them to lead with confidence, creativity, and ambition.

“This new Scheme is an important investment in that future. By bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines and supporting them to collaborate on some of the most pressing challenges of our time, the RSE hopes to help build the leadership capacity our country needs.

“I am delighted to see such an exceptional first cohort embark on this journey, and I look forward to following the positive impact they will undoubtedly make.”

Challenges

Professor Alistair Jump, Deputy Principal (Research) at the University of Stirling, said: "Dr Price’s selection for the inaugural RSE Research Leadership Scheme is a significant achievement and a fitting reflection of her outstanding work to help build a healthier and greener future. 

"The exciting Scheme will provide Dr Price with a platform to further develop interdisciplinary collaborations and lead research that addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Scotland and beyond. My thanks go to the RSE for their continued support of our impact‑driven research."