With a distinguished career in physical oceanography spanning more than three decades, Mark’s links to the wider scientific community will ensure that Marine Directorate policy continues to be underpinned by the best scientific evidence available.
Drawing on his extensive academic experience and networks, he will further embed scientific evidence at the center of decision-making and provide oversight and assurance, which delivers maximum impact for Scotland’s seas.
Mark will continue his part-time role as Marine Physicist at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban, maintaining valuable industry links. He will carry out the Chief Scientific Advisor Marine role for three years.
The role of the Chief Scientific Adviser Marine is to provide an independent challenge to our science advice and evidence, which informs our work across marine and freshwater policy areas. The Chief Scientific Adviser Marine will also work with the Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland and the Scottish Science Advisory Council to help ensure that the Scottish Government has access to the best scientific advice to inform its work across all policy areas.
The Chief Scientific Adviser Marine will also be an advocate, across Scotland and further afield, of our world-leading marine and freshwater science and its potential to benefit our economy, people and environment.
The Marine Directorate has a key role to play in tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Mark’s input will be significant in mitigating their impact on the marine environment and improving marine ecosystem resilience.
We are delighted to welcome him and know his experience and expertise will provide a strong scientific lens through which to deliver the Blue Economy Vision for Scotland.
Mark said: “Scotland has such a rich marine heritage and a bright but complex marine future. The Scottish Government acknowledges the vital role scientific evidence plays in guiding our current and future uses of the diverse waters that surround us, and the role of Chief Scientific Adviser Marine will contribute an important role in delivering that for the Scottish Government.
“It is a great privilege to take up the role of Chief Scientific Adviser Marine. I look forward to the challenge and will put all my energy into it!”
About Mark
Mark Inall gained his B.S. in Physics from the University of Edinburgh, followed by both MSc and Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of Southampton. He has undertaken research at the Universities of Cambridge, Bangor, and Victoria (BC).
Since 1998, he has led a marine physics research group at SAMS, with more recent responsibilities for directing the Institute’s research portfolio. He co-developed Scotland’s first Marine Science B.S. for the University of the Highlands and Islands. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and is an Honorary Professor in the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
