Salmon farms seabed innovator is made associate professor by UHI
A benthic ecologist and statistical modeller whose work has helped improve the efficiency of seabed monitoring around salmon pens has been awarded the title of associate professor by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Tom Wilding, from UHI partner the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), is one of four academics to be named associate professors by the UHI Academic Council. He is now associate professor of innovative environmental assessment.
Wilding leads the development of innovative computer vision and environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to assess communities on man-made structures and across the seabed.
Working at the intersection of research, policy, and regulation, he collaborates closely with industry and regulators in the renewables, oil and gas, and aquaculture sectors. With his team, he won at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2025 and achieved a global first by integrating eDNA-based monitoring into statutory fish farm compliance assessment.
He said: “I am delighted to be awarded the title of associate professor and look forward to further championing innovative methods for assessing communities growing on structures and the seabed.”
Archaeology and health
The other three academics to receive new titles are Antonia Thomas, now associate professor of art and archaeology, UHI Archaeology Institute; Jen Harland, associate professor of environmental archaeology, UHI Archaeology Institute; and Michelle Beattie, associate professor of healthcare improvement, UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences.
Professor Brian Williams, UHI deputy principal academic and research, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate our new associate professors. Their work is grounded in collaboration with students, colleagues and communities, and reflects the real-world impact that defines UHI. Through their research and teaching, they are addressing meaningful challenges and creating positive change locally and beyond.”
