The School of Law at the University of Glasgow is delighted to welcome Jim Gallacher, Head of the Justice Department at the Scottish Executive, who has been appointed as Visiting Professor of Government.

The University has a particular involvement with the economic, social and cultural development of Scotland, contributing to government policy formation through its centres of excellence. Through this secondment from the Executive, Mr Gallacher will further develop the University's contribution to Scottish policy-making in the justice area and beyond.

Welcoming the initiative, Professor Noreen Burrows, Dean, Faculty of Law and Financial Studies, and Acting Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, said:

"This is an exciting development, and a very encouraging move by the Executive. Jim has a number of ideas that will facilitate cross-faculty initiatives in key policy areas, leading to interdisciplinary research, and to policy proposals for public dissemination. We are keen to work with him on the development of innovative policies which will keep Scotland moving forward."

Professor Gallagher will also be Visiting Professor at the new Unit for Applied Ethics at Glasgow Caledonian University. He will remain a member of the Scottish Executive Management Group team looking at long-term planning.

He takes up his post at the University of Glasgow in January 2005.

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First published: 15 November 2004