Robert Gordon University Aberdeen has appointed Chris Pearson as director for the National Subsea Centre (NSC), who will lead the centre’s drive to tackle current and future challenges in subsea engineering with world-class research and development.
Chris will take up the new post immediately and will be responsible for the leadership and development of the multimillion-pound partnership between RGU and The Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC), which is part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
The NSC represents an investment by the partners to deliver cost effective, faster, smarter and cleaner technology which will be developed with, and deployed across, the industry.
Pearson was previously Marginal Developments Solution Centre manager at the OGTC, where he led a team focused on identifying and introducing new technologies and techniques to reduce the cost of marginal field development, improve hydrocarbon recovery and unlock small undeveloped discoveries.
Professor Paul Hagan , RGU’s Vice Principal for Research, said: “The appointment of Chris as director marks a significant milestone in the development of the National Subsea Centre.
“Chris brings with him a wealth of experience in technology development for industry and will now work to strengthen the already very strong ties RGU has with industry to deliver world-class subsea research and development.”
Drawing on the university’s academic talent, tailored research and expert facilitation, the development of the NSC aims to build capacity and capability in subsea research and anchor that in the north-east of Scotland.
The NSC aims to support and nurture a collaborative approach to problem solving in areas involving communications, data, energy integration, remote monitoring and underwater robotics.
Russell Stevenson , industrial director at the OGTC, stated: “Establishing this new subsea centre of excellence takes Aberdeen a step further to becoming a recognised leader in subsea research. With Chris leading the team at the National Subsea Centre, we can foster closer collaboration between the OGTC and RGU, allowing us to tackle subsea engineering challenges, particularly automation and communications.”