Professor Cara Aitchison

Professor Cara Aitchison brings extensive experience of higher education leadership across the UK and internationally, including over a decade as a University Principal. She has particular expertise and skills in transformational leadership of: higher education strategy, culture and finance; equality, inclusion, and widening participation; international strategy and transnational education; and partnership working with local and regional economic development bodies.

Cara served as President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University (2016-2024) where she led significant growth, diversification and improvement, recognised by awards including: The Times Higher Education ‘UK & Ireland University of the Year 2021’ and People and Planet’s Green League for Ethical & Environmental Sustainability ‘UK University of the Year 2022/23’.

Cara was previously Head of Moray House School of Education at The University of Edinburgh (2010-2013) and has served as Chair of: the Research Excellence Framework Sub-Panel for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism in REF 2014 (2010-2014); Universities UK’s Staff-Student Sexual Misconduct Advisory Group (2018-2022); and Universities Wales’ Wales-Ukraine Universities Group (2020-2024). She has also served as a member of: the Council of the All-Party Parliamentary (Universities) Group (2022-2024); Board of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (2021-22); Economic Growth Board of Cardiff Capital Region (2019-2024); Council of CBI Wales (2016-2023); Council of the Academy of Social Sciences (2015-2021); and Board of the Equality Challenge Unit (2015-2018).

Cara, who was born and educated in Scotland and now lives in Stirling, completed a Geography degree at Edinburgh University (1983-1987) before undertaking a series of postgraduate and teaching qualifications including a part-time PhD at Bristol University (1996-1999). She has extensive experience of research leadership, is Professor Emerita in Geography and Cultural Economy, Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, Royal Geographical Society, Learned Society of Wales, and the Higher Education Academy, and is currently a member of the Boards of Visit Scotland (2023-), the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (2023-), and Arts University Plymouth (2024-).

Cara’s appointment runs from 29 June 2024 to 28 June 2028.

Register of interests

1. Remuneration

Board Member, Scottish Funding Council (Scottish Government Public Appointment).
Board Member, Visit Scotland (Scottish Government Public Appointment).

2. Other roles

Trustee, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Scottish Government Public Appointment).
Senior Independent Governor, Arts University Plymouth.
Honorary Professor in Education, Geography and Cultural Economy, University of Edinburgh (from 1 December 2024).

3. Contracts

Nil.

4. Houses, Land and Buildings

Joint home owner of a house in Stirling.
Sole owner of an apartment in Edinburgh.

5. Interest in shares and securities

Nil.

6. Gifts and Hospitality

Nil.

7. Non-financial interests

Fellow of:

• Academy of Social Sciences.
• Royal Geographical Society.
• World Leisure Academy.
• Learned Society of Wales.

8. Close family members

Partner’s son is registered for undergraduate degree at Stirling University.