Edinburgh Innovations boosts global links with non-exec appointments

14/01/2021
Dr. Karin Immergluck, Non-Executive Director of Edinburgh Innovations

A SENIOR US pharmaceuticals executive and Stanford University’s head of technology transfer are to become two Non-Executive Directors of Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service.

Dr Gillian Cannon has more than 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceuticals industry, including leadership roles at the multinational Pharmaceutical company Merck and Co Inc., and a series of startup successes.

Dr Karin Immergluck is Executive Director of the Office of Technology Licensing at Stanford University and previously held an equivalent role at the University of California, San Francisco.

The appointments demonstrate Edinburgh Innovations’ commitment to building international relationships.

The two women are the latest Non-Executive Directors appointed by Edinburgh Innovations, as the organisation expands industry engagement and commercialisation for the University of Edinburgh. Dr Cannon is a University of Edinburgh alumna.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked fourth in the UK in Research England’s latest annual Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey.

In the summer of 2020 the University of Edinburgh became a founding member of TenU, an international initiative that brings together 10 leading research-intensive universities to increase the social and economic value of university research. The University of Edinburgh is represented at TenU by Edinburgh Innovations.

John Reid, Chairman of Edinburgh Innovations, said: “Industry engagement is becoming ever more important for universities, as we seek the collaborative innovations needed to meet the modern world’s challenges.

“As Edinburgh Innovations’ ambitions grow, particularly on the international stage, we look forward to benefiting from the experience and insights Gillian and Karin will bring to our Board.”

As Non-Executive Directors, Dr Cannon and Dr Immergluck will support Edinburgh Innovations to continue the high levels of growth achieved over the last four years.

Dr Cannon said: “I am delighted to be joining the Edinburgh Innovations Board at such an exciting time. The progress made in the last four years has been incredible and I look forward to supporting Edinburgh Innovations to move to the next step in its global ambitions.”

Dr Immergluck said: “I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to serve as a Non-Executive Director of Edinburgh Innovations. We all have much to gain from the broadened perspectives that result from transatlantic collaboration and exchange of new ideas. I look forward to working with George, John and the other Directors to support Edinburgh Innovations’ global efforts.”

Dr George Baxter, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, said: “Karin and Gillian will both bring a fresh perspective and experience to our Board which will be invaluable as we continue to grow and embrace new challenges.”

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