Polar expert to give free lecture

A leading polar researcher will give a free talk in Oban later this month. Professor Finlo Cottier will share highlights from his 25-year career, which has included time in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Originally from the Isle of Man, Professor Cottier is an oceanographer at the Scottish Association of Marine Science UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. He joined the institute in 2001 and has since become one of the UK’s foremost Arctic researchers. Professor Cottier currently leads the £2m international Arctic PRIZE project, observing how climate change is affecting the region. He also holds a professorship at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

Speaking about his forthcoming lecture, Professor Cottier said:

“The polar regions are special places - geographically, scientifically and culturally. Since starting a PhD at the Scott Polar Research Institute in 1995, I’ve had the privilege of working in the Arctic and the Antarctic with both a scientific and an educational role. During this lecture, I’ll touch on some of the highlights of my time in the polar regions, things we’ve discovered, the opportunities still to be explored and, most importantly, the people I’ve shared these experiences with.”

Professor Cottier’s lecture, “I’m going out, I may be some time” - research and education in the polar regions, will take place at the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI in Dunbeg, Oban, from 5.30pm on Wednesday 25 March. Attendees can also join by video conference. Professor Cottier will be available for audience questions and the lecture will be followed by tea and coffee.