Abertay University appoints new Professor as strategic research enhancement continues

Abertay University appoints new Professor as strategic research enhancement continues

Professor Christopher Gwenin brings experience and international industry connections to the School of Applied Sciences 

Abertay University’s School of Applied Sciences has appointed international biology and chemistry expert Professor Christopher Gwenin as part of a continuing strategic priority to provide research with real-world impact. 

Professor Gwenin joins from Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) and brings a strong track record of working on high value and impactful projects that link academia and industry. 

The appointment comes as Abertay’s focus on research and innovation continues to ramp up and follows significant success in the Research Excellence Framework, which saw the University record the biggest climb of any Scottish institution in terms of research assessed to be ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’. 

Leading on the development of health-based research, Prof Gwenin’s expertise and academic leadership will align with the University’s Research Strategy (R-LINCS) and the Health and Care Challenge Space Leadership Group. 

Alongside his own research, cross-institutional collaborations, and interdisciplinary work, Prof Gwenin will provide guidance and mentorship for research staff and support the infrastructure needed for Abertay’s research, knowledge exchange and innovation activities to continue to grow. 

Prof Gwenin previously worked at Bangor University’s School of Chemistry, where he managed and grew the Electrochemistry and Biosensors Group before converting it to the Applied Research in Chemistry and Health team.  

In his career to date he has supervised 18 PhD and 12 MSc students to completion, filed 11 patents and secured almost £5m in funding through a broad range of research projects. 

Students at Abertay will also benefit from the appointment as Prof Gwenin helps to enhance science-related teaching on the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree programmes through research-led pedagogy. 

Prof Gwenin said: “It’s fantastic to be joining Abertay at this exciting time and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across all areas of the University as we seek to build on the positive result in the REF, foster new relationships and partnerships with industry and continue to offer our students a first-rate experience.

"Abertay’s goals of providing transformational opportunities to students and contributing to inclusive economic growth align perfectly with my own ethos and I’m keen to get started on driving forward new ideas and innovations with my colleagues from across the School.” 

Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Liz Bacon said: “We are delighted to have appointed Prof Gwenin to the Abertay team. He brings a wealth of expertise that will help the University deliver on its research and innovation goals while also benefiting students, adding value and senior leadership to our staff, and strengthening our links to industry both in the UK and overseas.”