| 2018-11-07 |    |
Scotlands First Minister Opens Innovation Hub
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally opened the Roslin Innovation Centre at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies on Monday 5th November 2018.
The launch took place as the First Minister hosted a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Cabinet at the University’s Easter Bush campus.
The First Minister formally opens Roslin Innovation
Centre at the University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary School
photo:
Norrie Russell
Roslin Innovation Centre serves as the business gateway to the University’s world-leading research in animal sciences.
It offers flexible laboratory and office space to companies in the animal health, life science, agritech, aquaculture or One Health sectors seeking to undertake collaborative research with experts on campus.
It also provides research space for veterinary and animal science companies to support the commercialisation of innovations developed at The Roslin Institute within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Spin-out companies can be formed by University researchers to commercialise technologies developed on campus. External companies can also spin-in to the University, to access expertise, technologies and facilities to develop a commercial opportunity.
The Centre is housed within the Charnock Bradley Building at the heart of the Easter Bush campus.
As part of the visit, the First Minister also met pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School as they took part in lab experiments in the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.
The event coincides with the announcement of £5 million investment into the national Interface programme, helping to match businesses to Scotland’s world-leading academic expertise.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“The Roslin Institute is at the centre
of innovation that is enhancing animal and human welfare through world
class research into animal biology. It is a great privilege to open the
Roslin Innovation Centre, which was supported with £10 million investment,
and meet businesses driving forward life science innovation.
“Research and innovation, the economy and higher education are key priorities for this government and The Roslin Institute is an outstanding Scottish success story in that regard.”
Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University
of Edinburgh, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the First Minister and
her Cabinet to our world leading campus for animal sciences. The opening
of Roslin Innovation Centre brings opportunities for enterprise together
with our excellent teaching and research facilities.”
John Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer of the University of Edinburgh’s
Roslin Innovation Centre, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the First
Minister to cut our ceremonial ribbon for the official opening of the Roslin
Innovation Centre. Today is also a great opportunity for the First Minister
to meet some of our 15 tenants and hear more about their innovative and
collaborative work.
“We are filling up fast and should be two-thirds occupied by the end of the year, including many international companies, and are well on our way to becoming one of the animal health science capitals of the world.”
