Dr Ian Simpson

Role

Ian is our Project Manager for the EU LIFE funded “Saving Wildcats” project, being led by the RZSS on behalf of a partnership of collaborators and co-funders. He is based at the Highland Wildlife Park and responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. He feels passionately about his role and aims to build a world class team that will ensure this iconic species has an opportunity to thrive again in the Scottish Highlands.

Background

Ian trained and practiced as a freshwater ecologist in his early career and then held several operational and management positions on route to specialising in environmental project management. He spent 2.5 years in the Philippines conducting research at the International Rice Research Institute and then 20 years working for the Natural Environment Research Council which included managing UK Government and EU funded consortium projects. Before joining the RZSS he spent 4 years managing community-based Climate Challenge Fund projects in Perthshire.

Education

MBA (Lancaster University) Business Administration

PhD (University of Wales) Environmental impacts of agrochemical use in rice cultivation

MSc (University of Wales) Applied Hydrobiology

BSc (University of Stirling) Environmental Science and Biology