InnoScot Health head of regulatory affairs becomes honorary professor

NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University have further strengthened their strategic relationship through the award of an honorary professorship. 

Elaine Gemmell, head of regulatory affairs at InnoScot Health, has been conferred the title of honorary professor in the Edinburgh-based university’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences in recognition of her expertise.

The award reflects Gemmell’s service and contribution to Heriot-Watt, and the 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 last year to help fast-track innovation in medical and healthcare technologies. As part of the MDMC Advisory Group, Gemmell is pivotal to the development of this strategic relationship, supporting ongoing projects, training, and development.

Commenting on the award, Gemmell said: “I am both surprised and delighted to be awarded 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.”

Gemmell joined InnoScot Health in 2002 and helped establish the organisation. With more than 20 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.

Gemmell led InnoScot Health spinout company Clear Surgical, helping to launch two devices – The Oplight and Cannulated Forceps – onto the market; and previously worked with Motorola Semiconductors for 20 years, gaining experience in manufacturing, design, and technical marketing.

Gemmell now provides regulatory expertise to NHS, academia, and industry. She sits on a range of advisory boards and provides training, presentations, and 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!”