Professor Steve McLaughlin

Job title

Vice-Principal and Provost of Heriot-Watt University

Professor Steve McLaughlin is the Vice-Principal and Provost of Heriot-Watt University. He joined the University as a Professor of Signal Processing in 2011, going on to become Executive Dean of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and our Deputy Principal for Research and Impact from 2022-2024. Prior to that he was a Development Engineer in industry and Chair in Electronic Communication Systems at Edinburgh University. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he has been providing excellent leadership with a firm focus on innovation.

Professor McLaughlin brings a wealth of experience and vision which strongly resonates with the University’s distinctive portfolio and values. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the European Signal Processing Association, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Working as a member of the University Executive and Global Operations Executive teams, the Vice-Principal and Provost leads on institutional strategic and resource planning, as well as portfolio development of our undergraduate and postgraduate offering in alignment with our Global Research Institutes’ mission to address the global challenges we face.

Professor McLaughlin said: “Our fundamental purpose is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society. That includes driving excellent co-created education and research across the five campus locations we serve globally, enhanced by their unique heritage, and cultures. Together with ensuring engagement with business and industry, they are unparalleled.

I am committed to continuing to effect real change through our strategic vision, underpinned by our values and collaborative approach.