A Shetland research scientist has been appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and UHI Millennium Institute to promote research and improve commercialisation prospects throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Dr. Joe Irvine will take up the position of research and commercialisation manager in January next year and will be based at the Shetland Business Innovation Centre in Lerwick.

The role will see Dr. Irvine working in close collaboration with academic institutions to encourage research.  He will also work with the innovation support company Fusion to match up those projects with commercial organisations, entrepreneurs and investors.

Announcing the appointment, Calum Davidson, head of knowledge economy within HIE's Growing Businesses group, said:  "Joe has commercial and industrial experience as well as a strong research background, and I am delighted to welcome him on board.

"With modern technology, this important post can be carried out from anywhere within the area, and I am pleased that Joe is able to remain based in Shetland."

Dr. Irvine attended Anderson High School in Lerwick and then went on to study at Napier University and Edinburgh University. He has held research positions in Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow and New Orleans.  In addition to five years of commercial experience, Dr. Irvine also recently graduated from Durham University with a Masters degree in business administration. He is currently working on a research project at the North Atlantic Fisheries College in Scalloway, Shetland.

Commenting on his new role, Dr. Irvine said:  "I am delighted to be offered the post and am really looking forward to the challenge.  I am especially looking forward to visiting the UHI academic partners and helping them to further develop their local communities through expansion and creation of sustainable businesses based on technology and innovation.

"I returned to Shetland with my wife and daughter a year and a half ago and I am delighted that this job will allow me to stay here."

Dr. Neil Chisholm, director of research at UHI Millennium Institute said:  "Joe is ideally suited to fill this role and has all the necessary skills to help stimulate commercialisation and knowledge transfer developments. This post will be instrumental in the economic advancement of our region in particular and Scotland as a whole".