My role involves fostering a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation, startup creation, and entrepreneurial education, plus helping create and deliver entrepreneurial initiatives across the universityAt the heart of my work is the Bayes Centre, the university's hub for data-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. Here, I oversee flagship programs such as the Venture Builder Incubator and the AI Accelerator, which are designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, turning groundbreaking research into impactful startups.I am also responsible for the EIE, Scotland's international investor showcase. EIE is a premier event that has helped over 540 tech startups and scale-ups raise more than £1.2 billion in investment since its inception in 2008. My mission is to ensure that the University of Edinburgh takes an active role in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation that extends beyond the university to the broader Scottish entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Operating at a senior strategic level, i had operational responsibility for enhancing and delivering the Bayes Centre’s programme of entrepreneurship activities, paying particular attention to securing long-term sustainability through revenue generation, corporate partnerships and external funding sources.Working with closely with the University commercialisation teams i developed and embedded programmes and initiatives in support of data science and artificial intelligence entrepreneurship initiatives across the institution. I helped shape strategic projects, grew and delivered data-driven entrepreneurship capability within the Bayes Centre and wider University, and brought a focus on engaging with the external ecosystem; helping understand and define the role the university can and should be playing within this. A specific area of networking and connectivity was investor relations. These activities involved managing project teams, resource and budget management, business case development, the influencing of internal and external stakeholders to elicit and scope requirements, defining partnerships and developing and delivering novel and innovative solutions.

Delivering the company’s growth strategyManaging and retaining key relationships both internally and externallyLead negotiation of key commercial contracts and documents (SLA’s, MTA’s, MSA’s, CDA’s)Building a pipeline of business development opportunities that align with the company’s corporate strategyExternally representing the company as requiredDeveloping market and competitive analyses, producing reports, presentations and internal file notes for management and BoardWorking collaboratively with teams and colleagues at all company sites

Long term strategic planning of University research asset development Develop collaborative research partnerships with external partners (pharmaceutical and medical device companies, NHS, private medicine) to expand University research portfolio and increase revenue Negotiation of commercial terms for collaborations with third parties ensuring excellent communication with the contracting party and internal departments (Edinburgh Innovation, research support, research governance, NHS R&D, legal etc.)Business analysis to develop financial plans and forecasts to ensure long term sustainability of University research assets alongside strategic asset development Promotion of activity and diversification of income via business development, external representation, and profile-raising marketing activity Operational and financial management of University clinical research facilities (£40million+ capital investment, £4million+ annual turnover, £100million+ research grants supported)Oversight of major building projects and other complex projects with UoE/NHS/PFI/external contractors and vendors, acting as a central liaison point for all stakeholders.

Business Development and Networking - identification of new leads and new projects plus expansion of the areas of research imaging the University operates inFinancial Monitoring plus Modelling - for future stability and growth of significant University facilities and assetsMarketing - Improving the status and awareness of the University via networking and marketing activities, development of University Imaging identity and online presenceManagement - Imaging facility managementResearch governance compliance - Research study ethics and R&D management approval, staff training programs, SOP production, review and enforcementLocal HR management

The Good Thinking Company are a team of mental health professionals who design and deliver mental health awareness training for staff in customer-facing businesses. We cover a range of conditions - from schizophrenia to suicide, depression to dementia - and we tailor our training to your business. We believe that Good Thinking leads to a better customer experience.

Client facing role (both on and off site). Coordinating the business development activity of a number of operational areasIdentifying areas to target to increase activity/incomeDiscovering new areas of opportunity

Development and delivery of a new commercial drug screening service based on academic scientific research skills and knowledge. Market analysis, business analysis and cost model development to drive cost recovery and to derive profits from scientific research activity.Identification, purchase, installation, and validation of a complete commercial research facility plus supporting labs and equipmentSOP, standard protocol and report template developmentBusiness development and client contact to increase the business throughput of the group within a larger Operational Area and across the whole company