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WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

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SKILLS GAPHonorary degrees forindustry leadersIndustry leaders in the power andenergy sector have been madehonorary graduates of the Universityof Strathclyde – recognising theiroutstanding contribution to one of themost important fields in the Scottisheconomy.International technologicaluniversityAs a leading international technologicaluniversity, Strathclyde plays a pivotal rolein research, teaching and knowledgeexchange in power and energy, and iscurrently the Times Higher Education UKUniversity of the Year.The Power <strong>Network</strong>sDemonstration CentreThe University of Strathclyde is home tothe largest electrical power engineeringand energy research group in Europe.Later this year it will officially open– a worldclass research centre which is the first ofits kind in Europe.PresentationThe honorary degrees were presented ata specially-arranged Power and <strong>Energy</strong>event held in the Glasgow Science Centre,with First Minister Alex Salmond deliveringthe keynote address.Receiving the awards were KeithCochrane, Group Chief Executive of theWeir Group; Ignacio Galán, Chairmanand Chief Executive Officer of Iberdrola;Steve Holliday, Chief Executive of theNational Grid; Professor David MacKay,Chief Scientific Advisor at the Departmentof <strong>Energy</strong> and Climate Change; IanMarchant, Chief Executive Officer of SSEand Sir Ian Wood.Academic seminarThe ceremony was preceded by anacademic seminar involving the sixgraduates, where each spoke on themajor themes and challenges facing theindustry. It was attended by researchers,students and figures from across thesector.Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principalof the University of Strathclyde, said:“Strathclyde plays a key part in theglobal power and energy sector and thisevent provides us with the opportunityto recognise the significant contributionmade by key individuals.“As a major contributor to economicdevelopment in Scotland, it is vitallyimportant that academia and industrycollaborate to develop world-classresearch and ensure that Scotlandcontinues to flourish as a leader in powerand energy.“In being named UK University of theYear, Strathclyde was described asa ‘bold, imaginative and innovativeinstitution’ – an approach we share withthe individuals we have honoured today.”First Minister’s commendationFirst Minister Alex Salmond said: “The sixprominent energy figures honoured byStrathclyde University today have beencentral to the development of the energyindustry in Scotland in recent yearsthrough their business leadership andacademic expertise.“These deserving graduates have made,and are making, a major difference to oneof Scotland’s most important sectors andby doing so are also making a differenceto the prosperity and wellbeing ofcommunities across the country.“Today’s event also recognises the extentto which universities such as Strathclydebenefit from close links to industry, andhow much each of the industry figuresreceiving these awards gain from theirinteraction with the education sector.“Only by forging partnerships andcollaborations such as the ones highlightedtoday will Scotland’s energy sector be ableto harness the talent of our young peopleand continue to drive the renewablesrevolution in the coming decades.”Technology and InnovationCentre (TIC)In addition, 2014 will see the opening ofthe TIC. The centre will forge new levels ofcollaboration with business and industry,creating jobs and attracting inwardinvestment.Major partnersDeveloped with industry, for industry, the£89 million centre has already attractedmajor partners including SSE, the WeirGroup and ScottishPower and it willbecome the cornerstone of Scotland’sInternational Technology and Renewable<strong>Energy</strong> Zone (ITREZ), a global research anddevelopment hub in the heart of Glasgow.University of Strathclydewww.strath.ac.uk16www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

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