Professor Gary Hutchison to take on new Vice Principal role at Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has appointed Professor Gary Hutchison as Vice Principal Regional Innovation & External Affairs.

Professor Hutchison is the University’s lead for the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre project, and Chair of the University Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group.

Professor Hutchison has been the University’s Assistant Principal since May 2025 and will take on his new role in the coming weeks. He was previously ENU’s Dean of the School of Applied Sciences from 2015.

In his new role, Professor Hutchison will be leading Edinburgh Napier’s role in the developing the regional agenda in terms of policy, skills and innovation.
Gary’s association with Edinburgh Napier goes back to his PhD, which examined the toxicology of inhaled particles. 

Gary’s external influence extends across the higher education sector as chair of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research Board of Governance and previously the Edinburgh Exchange Initiative. 
He is also a trustee and member of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland Governing Council.

As of 2026, Gary has agreed to chair the governance board for the newly formed NHS National Services Scotland/Edinburgh Napier University Scottish Healthcare Built Environment Network.

Professor Gary Hutchison said: 

I’m really delighted to take on this role, which demonstrates the University’s intent to act as a positive force for people and organisations in our local communities.

I am looking forward to working with the incredible talent that we have across the University, building on work which already demonstrates the value Edinburgh Napier University brings in terms of innovation in education and research.