Meet the team
Karen Primrose, Director of Eden Campus
Karen has been instrumental in the evolution of Eden Campus, serving as a vital link between the University, industry, policymakers, and stakeholders. Her leadership ensures momentum and progress, steering strategic partnerships and delivering impact on the ground. With a strong track record in business and estate management, Karen brings deep expertise in strategy, operations, stakeholder engagement, programme delivery, and fundraising. A constant presence since the early days of the Campus, she is committed to its transformation and to fostering collaboration that drives innovation and delivers a low-carbon future for Scotland.
Derek Watson, MBE, Chief Executive Officer
Derek has been a driving force behind the transformation of Eden Campus, providing consistent strategic leadership and vision. He was central to the sites acquisition for the creation of the biomass plant and district heating system, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the site’s development and continues to influence its direction through his insight and guidance. Derek’s commitment to innovation and sustainability was recognised in 2023 when he was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for Services to Entrepreneurship and Sustainability.
Fiona Ross, Innovation & Development Manager
Fiona is the Innovation and Development Manager at Eden Campus, responsible for showcasing the site and supporting its continued growth and activity. She works closely with partners to identify and secure funding, enabling research, innovation, and tenant development across the Campus. Fiona also leads on digital promotion and representation of the site, and produces reports and written content to capture its impact. Although a recent addition to the team, she is committed to the continued growth and redevelopment of the Campus.
You can contact the team via [email protected]
Academic Leads
Professor John Irvine
Professor John Irvine CBE, FRSE, FRSC is a leading energy materials scientist at the University of St Andrews, driving innovation at Eden Campus through his work in hydrogen and battery technologies. As Chair of the Hydrogen Accelerator and lead academic for the Translating Hydrogen into Action initiative, he fosters collaboration between academia and industry to advance low-emission solutions across Scotland. His leadership has been instrumental in developing key facilities such as the Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology, the Fuel Cell Laboratory, and Power-to-X infrastructure. Closely aligned with the University’s strategic goals in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and world-class research, Professor Irvine’s work positions Eden Campus as a national hub for clean energy innovation and industrial engagement.
Dr Paul Webb
Dr. Paul Webb is a Reader in the School of Chemistry at the University, where he leads research focused on decarbonising the chemical industry through innovative approaches such as Power-to-X technologies, electrification, and the utilisation of sustainable carbon feedstocks . His expertise encompasses catalysis and hydrogenation, contributing to advancements in clean energy and sustainable chemical processes . Dr. Webb has played a pivotal role in Eden Campus in recent years, his efforts have been central to securing significant funding, including a £2 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation for the hydrogen facility.