Sharing Learning on Innovations in Addiction Care
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The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) continues to promote Scotland’s position as a leader in addiction care innovation working in collaboration with subject matter experts from the University of St Andrews (USTAN). Over recent months, our joint involvement in key national and international initiatives is helping to shape a coordinated, evidence-led approach to improving prevention, treatment and harm-reduction outcomes across Scotland.
In September 2025, DHI supported the Innovation in Addiction Medicine Summit hosted by USTAN. This three-day event brought together international researchers, clinicians, policymakers and industry partners to explore addiction as a complex systems challenge. Discussions at the summit highlighted the need for deeper collaboration across sectors, with a clear emphasis on translating research and emerging technologies into impactful frontline practice. These discussions also emphasised that globally informed innovation must be adapted to ensure digital advancements are integrated into Scotland’s broader care system.
The summit concluded with the development of a roadmap for the new IDEAS in Addiction Medicine St Andrews Hub https://ideas-addiction.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/ , designed to accelerate innovation by strengthening leadership, supporting community-based recovery approaches, and creating clearer pathways for research. This work is now being progressed by USTAN and DHI, through a series of funded initiatives with other partners that aim to position Scotland as a global contributor to addiction care innovation.
View the SUMIT Project page:
View the Digital Lifelines Scotland Project page:
DHI and USTAN also participated in the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) Technology Foresight Workshop in February 2026, which explored how emerging technologies could reshape approaches to treatment, harm reduction and early warning systems. These discussions highlighted the need for system-wide thinking, as advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, biosensing and digital diagnostics begin to influence the wider drug landscape.
To further support academic, industry, citizen, health and care provider participation in this important agenda, DHI is working with USTAN, Research Data Scotland and other experts to facilitate an invitation-only workshop on 27 April funded by the Scottish Council for Global Affairs. The workshop will bring together addiction care experts and researchers to assess Scotland’s current strengths, explore areas for development, and establish shared priorities for future collaboration.
This will help shape the next collaborative steps for Scotland’s contribution to global addiction care innovation, engaging with a wide range of Scottish, UK and international interests.