Val Hughes-White appointed Director of Innovation (DoI) for the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush Campus, a critical role to continue the growth and recognition of this leading research and innovation community within Midlothian Science Zone.
Val Hughes-White formally commenced this position on 1st August 2024, following a phased transition period in the weeks prior to this to allow a handover of Val’s current role responsibilities as Campus Operations Officer – a position Val has held for over 13 years.
In this previous role, Val has provided strategic advice and support to three Directors of Institute (Roslin Institute) and three Heads of School (The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies), being instrumental in the Institute’s successful navigation through three rounds of strategic funding from the BBSRC and contributed to the raising of over £200m in external capital funding to support campus development.
Val is well known both within the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine (CMVM) and with the Institute’s strategic funder – the BBSRC. This wealth of experience will ensure the future success of the innovation activity on Campus.
“I’m delighted to be able to continue to develop and expand the thriving ecosystem for innovation that we have on Campus in this strategic new role.”
Val Hughes-White
The DoI will be responsible for managing the Roslin Innovation Centre and current tenant companies, ensuring a thriving environment for growth. Val will work to secure further follow-on space to allow expansion of current tenant needs and nurture a welcoming environment for early-stage entrepreneurs on Campus.
In support of the development of new innovation initiatives across Campus and Midlothian Science Zone, Val will lead on the University’s Data Driven Innovation agri-tech hub activity, alongside the Director of the Institute.
The DoI, in partnership with the Director of the Institute, will be responsible for the delivery of the Campus Innovation Strategy; with the key objective being the creation of an innovation eco-system which fosters and supports commercialisation opportunities within Animal Bioscience, Aquaculture and Agri-tech (the 3A’s) and One Health sectors.
In the short to medium-term, Val will be focussing on the development of the EMBED (Engage, Motivate, Bridge, Evolve, Drive) innovation strategy, to progress the innovation ecosystem on Campus for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland’s internationally recognised A3 sector.
