InnoScot Health regulatory expert awarded honorary professorship by Heriot-Watt University

Elaine Gemmell, Head of Regulatory Affairs at InnoScot Health, has been awarded the title of Honorary Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University

The award reflects Elaine’s service and contribution to Heriot-Watt University, and close ties forged, particularly with the university’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC), which helps Scotland's SMEs translate medical device concepts into commercial products.

A five-year collaborative partnership was signed by InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University in 2022, to help fast-track innovation in medical and healthcare technologies. As part of the MDMC Advisory Group, Elaine is a pivotal to the development of this strategic relationship, supporting ongoing projects, training and development.

Commenting on the award, Elaine said: “I am both surprised and delighted to be awarded with the title of Honorary Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University.

“I enjoy a strong relationship with the University and share its ambition to accelerate medical device innovation across Scotland and beyond. I am privileged that my contribution has been recognised in this way and will continue to share my knowledge, experience and expertise in medical device regulation to support healthcare innovators across Scotland.

“When we come together and pool our expertise, the impact is greater; so, I look forward to continuing my work with the University and building further networks and collaborations across the sector.”

Elaine joined InnoScot Health in 2002 and helped establish the organisation. With more than twenty years’ experience in medical device development, she is a certified ISO 13485 /ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and has experience of regulatory approval and CE marking for medical devices.

Elaine led InnoScot Health spinout company Clear Surgical, helping to launch two innovative devices – The Oplight™ and Cannulated Forceps – onto the market; and previously worked with Motorola Semiconductors for twenty years, gaining experience in manufacturing, design and technical marketing.

Elaine now provides extensive regulatory expertise to NHS, academia and industry. She sits on a range of advisory boards; and provides training, presentations and expert comment on a range of medical device related topics.

Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson, said: “This honour is a testament to Elaine’s valuable regulatory expertise, and commitment to sharing that knowledge to drive forward healthcare innovation in Scotland.

“Elaine’s knowledge and experience of medical device regulation is invaluable in the fast-moving world of innovation, and is a vital driver of our commercialisation work at InnoScot Health.

“As one of our original staff members, Elaine has been continuously involved in shaping the organisation since 2002 and this award is incredibly well deserved. Congratulations Elaine!"