Dr Adam Hughes, a researcher at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), has been given the title of professor of innovation in the Blue Economy. The new professorial title signals an intent by SAMS and UHI to develop solutions to these challenges. Professor Hughes has spent the majority of his academic life at SAMS, having completed a PhD at the Oban-based institute on the ecology of sea urchins with Dr Maeve Kelly. Over the past 10 years Professor Hughes has worked with 32 companies on 12 projects to secure £3.6 million of innovation funding into Scotland. Professor Hughes’ inaugural professorial lecture entitled Innovation in the Blue Economy will take place at SAMS and online on 1 October.