Edinburgh Napier University has appointed Professor Peter Barlow to a new role of Dean of Research & Innovation.
Professor Barlow, who has been serving as the University’s Interim Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Chair of Immunology & Infection, will take up his new post at the end of this month.
Peter’s association with the University goes back over 20 years, completing a PhD here in 2004. Following spells at the University of Edinburgh and the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta, Peter returned to Edinburgh Napier in 2011.
In 2015 he was appointed Director of Research for the School of Applied Sciences, a role he held until 2021. In July 2025, he was appointed Interim Dean of the same School.
Outwith the University, Peter is Chair of the Chief Scientist Office Clinical Academic Fellowship funding panel as well as a member of the Food Standards Agency Committee on Toxicity as an Independent Scientific Advisor, and holds an external examiner appointment at the University of Birmingham.
In his new role, Professor Barlow will develop a Research & Innovation strategy that aligns with ENU’s ambitions and objectives.
Professor Peter Barlow said: "I’m really delighted to take on this role, and excited by the challenge and opportunity that it brings.
“With the incredible talent that we have across the University, there is huge potential to grow our research and innovation activity, strengthen our collaboration and partnerships, and to continue to deliver fantastic real world impact"
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University said: “I would like to congratulate Peter on his appointment, and look forward to working with him as we continue to build on our high-quality, high-impact research that brings huge benefits to society and the communities we serve.”