Professor Ian Bryden

Professor Ian Bryden who did a lot of his early work in tidal energy and marine renewables in Orkney has had a £8.2million cross-border research centre for renewable energy projects named after him.

Professor Bryden who died suddenly in November 2016 had a distinguished academic career and was latterly a Vice Principal of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The Bryden Centre for Advanced Marine and Bio-Energy Research located at Queen’s University in Belfast will cater for 34 PhD students across the sector.

It is funded by the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, and managed by the SEUPB with match-funding  provided by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in Ireland.

The research includes the use of tidal power at ocean energy sites in Western Scotland, Strangford Lough and the North Antrim Coast, as well as the potential for wave and tidal power generation in Donegal.

Professor Clive Mulholland, Principal and Vice-chancellor of the University of Highlands and Islands said:

“There is huge potential for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland to lead the way in marine and bio-energy. We are proud to collaborate with our partners to develop cutting-edge research and we believe the centre is a fitting tribute to our much missed colleague, Professor Ian Bryden.”

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor James McElnay, said:

“The role of Queen’s University in leading the Bryden Centre for Advanced Marine and Bio-Energy Research is substantial to the University and to the entire renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland and Ireland, producing vital cross-border research.”

Professor Bryden’s son Christie who still lives in Orkney was delighted when he heard the news. He said :

“For the first time since my father’s passing I can safely say an act has been done that he would truly be happy with.

“Whenever my father visited me in Orkney and I brought up his work I could feel the enthusiasm he had about it.  I stood in wonder as he explained the good it could do and it was done in a way I could understand.

” Though I was unable to follow in his work I am glad to see it is continuing and thus want to express my heartfelt thanks for  the institutions and people involved in naming the centre after him”.

Prof Ian Bryden in the early days setting up an experiment in the wave tank