Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli steps into RSE President’s role

Economist Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli PRSE, vice chancellor and principal of the University of Glasgow has officially taken over the role of President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh today. 

His research has covered monetary economics, central banking, fiscal policy and international trade and finance. He has been a special adviser to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee on fiscal and monetary policy, and the Chair of Trustees of the Royal Economic Society and Academic Co-Chair of the International Finance Forum.

Sir Anton takes over the role of President at the same time as a number of other office bearers in the RSE’s Council begin their tenure.

He said: “Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to my predecessor Sir John for his stewardship of the RSE over these last years. I am relishing the chance to begin my term as President of the RSE.

“This institution not only has a distinguished history, but it plays a crucial role today through its expert analysis and advice on the major challenges which face our society, its continued and growing support for the research community, its strengthening relationships with learned societies abroad, and its myriad public engagement efforts.

“I look forward to working with our Fellows, our universities, the other national academies in the UK, and with both government and third sector to ensure that RSE will contribute to its maximum effect to improve Scottish society for everyone.”

Sir Anton takes over from Professor Sir John Ball, who held the position from October 2021 until this year.  

Outgoing RSE President Professor Sir John Ball said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to serve as President of Scotland’s National Academy for the past four years.

“During this time, I have witnessed the extraordinary dedication and passion of our members, and together we have achieved significant milestones in advancing knowledge, research, and innovation across Scotland.

“I am deeply proud of the strides we have made, and I am confident that the RSE will continue to thrive under Sir Anton’s leadership. His wealth of experience will shape an exciting future for the RSE, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.”

RSE Chief Executive Professor Sarah Skerratt added: “I am grateful to all outgoing members of the Council for their work over these past years in delivering to the RSE’s mission of “knowledge made useful”.

“I welcome Sir Anton as incoming RSE President and look forward to working with him, and indeed with each of the new office bearers. It continues to be an immense privilege to enhance the impact of the RSE as Scotland’s national academy, and I am thrilled to be looking ahead to where we go next.”

New Council members from 1 April 2025

There are also several new appointments to RSE Council posts. Professor Jo Shaw, head of Edinburgh Law School, has taken over the position of RSE General Secretary from Professor Michael Keating.

Education expert Dr Janet Brown has officially begun as the new Vice President of Education, while composites and energy engineering specialist Professor James Njuguna is the new Vice President for International.

Research and innovation leader Dr Poonam Malik has started her tenure as the new Vice President for Economy and Enterprise. Theresa Shearer, CEO of ENABLE, will now sit on the RSE Council, and Actuary Dr David Hare has taken over as the RSE’s new Treasurer.