Professor Pete Smith, Chair in Plant & Soil Science at the University of Aberdeen, is a leading expert on climate change, sustainability, and ecosystem modelling. Since 1996, he has contributed to global climate science as a lead author for the IPCC, including its Fourth Assessment Report, which was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Currently, he serves as co-lead of the Environmental Modelling Group and Science Director of ClimateXChange, Scotland's centre of expertise connecting climate change research with policy. Through his work, Professor Smith plays an instrumental role in shaping strategies for a sustainable future in Scotland.
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP grew up in the Scottish Borders and now lives in the Isle of Lewis. He attended Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities, gaining a PhD in Scots Language in 1998. Alasdair was elected MSP for the Western Isles in 2007. He became Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages in 2011 and was then Minister for International Development and Europe from 2016 to 2018. Prior to becoming an MSP, Alasdair was senior media relations officer for the Church of Scotland, and was named Gaelic journalist of the year in 2006. He was the National Secretary of the SNP from 2003 to 2006.
