John Harris was appointed Interim Executive Director in August 2024. The role provides leadership to five portfolios within the research services directorate (RSD): Advanced Research Centre Operations, Research Culture and Researcher Development, Research Impact and Engagement, Research Policy, Governance & Integrity and Strategic Research Initiatives.

In addition, the role has oversight over large cross-disciplinary research investments, namely the Centre for Data Science and AI and Glasgow Changing Futures.Prior to this, John played a key role in the successful delivery of the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) project at UofG, and assumed responsibility for operational management and strategic development of the ARC following building handover in 2022.Before joining UofG in 2020, John played a key role in research infrastructure projects between HEI’s, industry and the NHS. Most notably, John was instrumental in the development of the UK’s first Nikon Imaging Centre at King’s College London, and the Queen Elizabeth Teaching and Learning Centre/Clinical Innovation Zone, Glasgow.

John has a research background in semiconductor laser technology, microscopy and bio-photonics.