Prof. Nicholas J P Owens

I am a marine scientist with considerable experience of leadership of complex organisations engaged in research, commercial income generation and education in environmental science. Prior to being Director of SAMS I was Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science as well as Chair of Marine Science at the University of Newcastle. I have a strong research background in marine biogeochemistry.  

I have led transformational change programmes in the public sector, including the introduction of new funding models, staff restructuring and cultural change. I am an experienced CEO and accounting officer for budgets >£55m pa and 500+ staff. 

I am inspired by the wonders of the natural world. I am committed to public service and the standards expected of the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’. 

Prof. Nicholas J P Owens
Director (SAMS), Principal (SAMS UHI) and CEO (SAMS Research Services Ltd), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)