Professor John Turner, New Dean of Postgraduate Research

Professor Turner has been appointed to a newly created post at Bangor University, that of Dean of Postgraduate Research.

In this key role that is set to support and develop the University’s already vibrant postgraduate research community, Prof Turner will lead the Doctoral School. The Doctoral School aims to provide high quality standards of training and support, ensure an excellent postgraduate student experience, attract new funding initiatives, and increase the number of postgraduate students at Bangor University.

The Doctoral School will provide a stimulating and vibrant cross disciplinary research environment, bringing together junior and senior researchers to demonstrate research excellence, create international and inter-institutional collaborations, and to enhance opportunities for the University’s graduates in research and professional careers.

John says

‘The requirements of the doctoral student and doctoral degree are changing and we are recognising this by building a distinct organisation unifying and promoting high quality graduate education and administration across the University to create an inspiring research environment to support the development of independent researchers. We will provide activities, events, courses, and workshops, to develop personal and professional skills to complement academic and technical training at the discipline level, and show case the diversity of doctoral research to partners and the public. Our doctoral students are, after all, the future leaders of world class research and we must give them a first class experience.’

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Impact, Jo Rycroft-Malone says “I am delighted that John has taken up this new role. I know he will bring a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to leading the Doctoral School and to making it a great success.”

John Turner has led an internationally recognised MSc course in Marine Environmental Protection for 22 years, he held a Visiting Lectureship at the University of Mauritius, and was involved in the establishment of postgraduate training in East Africa and Mexico.  He is a regular external examiner at postgraduate taught and research levels.  He was awarded a university Teaching Fellowship in 2007 and has been the Director of Graduate Studies in Ocean Sciences since 2011, supervising both home and international students often involved in projects overseas.  

John is a field biologist, undertaking experiments and surveys underwater, and is experienced in the management of scientific diving operations. His research focusses on marine environmental protection, and he has undertaken sustainable development projects for international organisations such as the United Nations and Global Environment Facility, and marine impact assessments for major companies.  He has recently been Principal Investigator of 3 UK Government Darwin Initiative projects to design, enhance and assure engagement in Marine Protected Areas in the UK Overseas Territories in both the Indian Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  He was winner of the University’s Best Impact on Public Policy and Public Services Impact and Innovation Award, 2015 sponsored by the ESRC Impact Accelerator Account. 

John has a degree in Botany and Zoology from the University of Bristol and a doctorate in marine symbiosis from University of Oxford, St John's College.  He came to Bangor University in 1985 for a postdoctoral position in Zoology, before taking up a post in Marine Biology at the School of Ocean Sciences in 1988.  There he developed teaching and research in temperate and tropical marine biology, today focussing on the resilience of coral reef ecosystems and marine conservation. 

Publication date: 20 October 2016