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- Vacancy: Innovation Design Associate (SUMIT Project)
DHI is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to support the development and delivery of SUMIT using design innovation methods which co-develop meaningful digital solutions with stakeholders. Salary range: £37,694 - £46,049 FTE: 1 (35 hours/week) Term: (Fixed 18 Months) Closing date: 21/09/2025 The Innovation Design Associate (IDA) will play a key role in the delivery of the SUMIT project (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology, an interdisciplinary, cross-border research initiative supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme and managed by the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB). Postholder will be employed by the University of Strathclyde and work as part of Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) to support DHI to deliver SUMIT, which is a €6.8 million (£5.7m) funded project which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). SUMIT aims to support 1,500 people living with addictions and mental health challenges who are currently facing significant barriers to accessing treatment and care. As part of a dynamic team of cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary experts, you will play a vital role in the delivery of the SUMIT project which forms part of DHI’s wider innovation portfolio. IDA will support DHI’s Design Director and SUMIT Research Fellow and will be located within DHI’s design team which aims to ensure people remain at the centre of the innovation process, with lived experience driving change rather than technology alone. The team are experts in bringing insights from participatory design to life through visualisation, collaborative making, prototyping, and simulation. Their approach helps shape future digital health and care products, services, and systems that are grounded in real-world needs and experiences. Postholder will specifically apply design innovation methods and engage with 4 local test bed localities to co-design and develop three new digital interventions aimed at improving access to treatment and care for individuals facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. Successful postholder will bring experience of working within higher education, health, care or the creative or digital industries—ideally in research, public engagement, technology development or communications—and will bring strong organisational skills and attention to detail to support collaborative, design-led research and innovation. They will demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility, initiative, and sound judgement, with the ability to respond independently to challenges and adapt in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. Excellent communication skills are essential, as the postholder will be responsible for establishing and developing key stakeholder relationships, having the skills to contribute to robust knowledge exchange networks involving government representatives, professional bodies, industry, academia and key external organisations, supporting a portfolio of ground-breaking research & innovation within the addictions and mental health environment. The post will be line managed by the Digital Addictions Support Portfolio Lead and work in a matrix management approach with the DHI Design Director and SUMIT Research Fellow. DHI operate a blended working environment where working from home, traveling to other parts of Scotland, UK and internationally are part of our operating model. Travel within Ireland will be a requirement of this post. The formal base for the post will be the DHI HQ in Glasgow. Click here for further particulars. Formal interviews for this post are scheduled to be held in October 2025. For Informal enquiries, please contact Alan Connor, Portfolio Lead for DHI Digital Addiction Support at (alan.connor@dhi-scotland.com)
- GSA Students Showcase Final Projects in Digital Health and Care Elective
We are thrilled to share the achievements of a group of 18 students from the School of Innovation and Technology (SIT), Glasgow School of Art (GSA), who recently completed an elective course in Digital Health and Care. Developed and delivered by the DHI Design Team based at the SIT, this elective study option was the first of its kind to be offered to the second and third year Undergraduate students from the SIT. Over the last four weeks, students immersed themselves in three DHI projects: Backpack , Transforming the Frailty System of Care in Midlothian , and Creating My Care Record . Using these projects as a starting point, the students worked in small groups to build on the co-design work undertaken by design researchers, to conduct their own research into the relevant context, engage with lived experience and domain experts, and design an innovative approach to person-centred care responding to insights from research and participatory engagements. The course culminated with students showcasing their design process and outputs through a series of presentations and an exhibition at the DHI offices on Friday, 13 December 2024. Attended by the elective course tutors and colleagues from the wider DHI team, the students left everyone impressed by demonstrating a deep level of understanding of the contexts and producing a diverse set of proposals – including, a system to support consent-based sharing for a Personal Data Store (PDS), an interactive co-authored trauma-informed approach to creating care records involving care experienced young people and their carers, and a series of tools to support unpaid carers and family members to make caregiving feel less isolating. We would like to extend our congratulations to all the students who took part and thank everyone who supported and mentored the students throughout this elective course!
- CEP Innovate Health: The Foundation Series
Are you a healthcare professional or student with a passion for innovation? Join the CEP Innovate Health: The Foundation Series, a free, CPD-accredited webinar programme designed to equip you with the essential skills to begin your journey into healthcare innovation What is the Foundation Series? Delivered by the award-winning team behind the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, this standalone foundation course is designed to inspire and empower healthcare students and professionals to think creatively and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing healthcare today. The programme includes a series of engaging webinars and workshops that introduce key concepts in innovation and entrepreneurship. You’ll hear from experienced founders and healthcare professionals, gain insight into the startup ecosystem, and develop the foundational knowledge needed to begin your own innovation journey. How is it delivered? The course is delivered entirely online through four interactive webinars, each focusing on a core aspect of healthcare innovation. Autumn 2025 dates have been release and sessions will take place on: Thursday 25th September 2025 – 6pm-7.30pm ‘Introduction to Innovation in Healthcare’ Thursday 2nd October 2025 – 6pm-7.30pm ‘Identifying a Problem and Generating an Innovative Idea’ Tuesday 7th October 2025 – 6pm-7.30pm ‘Lean Canvas Approach to Planning’ Thursday 23rd October 2025 – 6pm-7.30pm ‘Pitching and Articulating Your Innovative Idea’ To receive your CPD certificate and certificate of completion, you must attend all four sessions. Registration can be found below. Who can apply? This course is open to: Healthcare professionals (both clinical and non-clinical) Healthcare students enrolled in courses that could lead to a career in the NHS Eligible courses include, but are not limited to: Medicine Nursing and Midwifery Paramedic Science Pharmacy Vision and Hearing Sciences Clinical Science If you’re committed to improving healthcare and curious about innovation, this programme is for you. To apply simply register here: https://nhscep.com/foundation-series/ If you have further questions please contact the team at: cep@aru.ac.uk Please note that to receive your CPD points and certificate of completion you need to attend all four sessions in full.
- Call for Proposals - AI for Health: Scaling Indian Solutions in the NHS
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is looking for a supplier to deliver a qualitative study to explore how the UK can strategically leverage India's AI innovation ecosystem strengths to address NHS challenges, and scale trusted innovation for the benefit of the UK health system. It is intended to do the following: Provide evidence on where Indian AI SMEs are well targeted to support the NHS delivery. Set out the regulatory, technical and operational barriers for integration. Outline the key market-entry pathways for an audience of both UK policymakers and Indian innovators. Test how the current Healthtech Accelerator programme can support the integration of Indian AI solutions into NHS pathways. Providing recommendations for improvement. Requirements Suppliers for this study should have the requisite in-house expertise or access to expertise on AI innovations for healthcare, UK NHS requirements and processes, the Indian AI innovation ecosystem and a good understanding of the UK’s regulatory, operational and technical landscape for the integration of AI innovation in the NHS. Timeline The study is expected to be completed by March 2026. Budget £60,000 (excluding taxes) How to Bid? Please email uk_evidence_fund_administration@pwc.com to request the Terms of Reference (ToRs). The deadline for submission is 22 September 2025
- BE Connected: Scotland’s Innovation Centres & Education Exchange
Over the last 10 months, Scotland's four Innovation Centres - The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), Built Environment-Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) , Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) , and The Data Lab - have been travelling across the country to engage with colleges and collaborative business partners, exploring opportunities for innovation and partnership that can strengthen the local economy and shape the future workforce. The next edition of the Innovation Centres Roadshow will take place as part of Scotland's Innovation Week 2025 . The Centres aim to bring college educators and industry professionals together for a day of interactive workshops and idea-sharing, focused on enhancing collaboration welcoming sectors from Digital Health, Built Environment, Industrial Biotechnology and Data and AI. Join us on 23rd September at BE-ST for a dynamic day of innovation and networking as we explore ways to build stronger connections across Scotland’s innovation landscape. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Agenda 0930 Arrival and teas/coffees 1000 Welcome 1015 Presentation from the four Innovation Centres 1100 Comfort break 1115 Innovation panel - Industry leaders who have harnessed innovation to grow their business: - Kirsty Mitchell, Skillsminer - Shreekanth Ramananthan PhD, Technical Director, MiAlgae - Other speakers TBC 1215 Lunch and networking 1300 CLIC Workshop - Empowering workforce development through targeted training programmes that build skills in cutting-edge practices and emerging technologies 1400/ 1430 Finish Key details Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025 Time: 0930 - 1430 Location: Built Environment-Smarter Transformation, Unit 3B, Hamilton International Technology Park, 3 Watt Pl, Blantyre, Glasgow G72 0AH, United Kingdom Registration Reserve your place for this event at the button below:
- Become the next Chair of the TEC Services Association
Our friends at the TSA are looking to recruit a new Chair of the TEC Services Association . The TEC Services Association (TSA) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a clear vision: to drive transformation and growth of the technology-enabled care (TEC) sector by strengthening partnerships, harnessing data and empowering people. TSA exist to improve lives. TEC helps people of all ages - whether living with disabilities, long-term conditions, or in later life - to live safely, independently and with dignity, often in their own homes. From supporting people to manage health conditions to reducing loneliness and providing families with peace of mind, the impact of their work is felt in communities across the UK. The TSA achieves this by shaping national policy, setting standards, and guiding organisations to deliver services that are safe, resilient, and person-centred. Through their subsidiary, TEC Quality, they deliver the UK’s only UKAS-accredited Quality Standards Framework (QSF) for TEC and community equipment services. This ensures services not only comply with regulations but also actively raise the bar for quality and innovation. TSA also represents a vibrant and committed membership. Their 350+ members include local authorities, health and care providers, housing organisations, charities and technology suppliers, working together with us to embed technology into health, housing and social care, and create better outcomes for people and communities. Driving national priorities forward TSA is not only responding to the national policy agenda; it is also actively shaping and supporting it. Through the NHS Long Term Plan and the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, three strategic shifts are clear: moving care from hospital into the community, from sickness into prevention, and from analogue to digital. TSA is working across government, regulators, providers and industry to help deliver on all three: Hospital to community : Helping services use TEC to support earlier intervention, wraparound care and safe independence at home. Sickness to prevention : Championing preventative models, from digital monitoring to proactive community support, reducing pressure on overstretched health and care services. Analogue to digital : Playing a leading role in the Analogue-to-Digital (A to D) programme, safeguarding vulnerable residents and ensuring a safe, inclusive transition. TSA is also: Driving TEC Standards : Supporting the government’s commitment to national standards, ensuring they are meaningful, practical and grounded in frontline delivery. Delivering the Telecare National Action Plan (TNAP) : Actively coordinating with government, Ofcom, telecoms providers and service providers to deliver a safe national transition. Shaping the 2030 Business Plan : Leading the sector’s evolution through innovation in AI, predictive analytics, integrated community hubs and workforce transformation. Supporting Care to Connect (APPG Report) : Convening partners and supporting pilots to strengthen digital readiness and safeguard residents across the UK. The opportunity TSA is seeking a dynamic Chair to lead our Board and work closely with our Chief Executive. This position requires a high-profile leader with the authority, vision, and credibility to influence government, regulators, and system leaders, and to help convene partners around the TSA’s mission. The successful candidate will: Provide strategic leadership, ensuring TSA fulfils its mission and national role Guide effective governance and accountability across TSA and TEC Quality Influence at the highest levels of government, regulatory bodies, care systems and industry Act as a convenor, bringing together diverse voices to support a shared vision for the future of TEC Champion the role of technology in improving lives and strengthening services Who they are looking for The TSA need an individual with: Proven senior leadership experience in complex organisations Strong governance expertise and the ability to lead Boards effectively The credibility to engage directly with ministers, regulators, system leaders and industry figures A deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges across health, housing and social care, and the role technology plays in addressing them Outstanding communication skills and ambassadorial presence, with the ability to convene and influence Why this role matters The TEC sector is entering a new era of growth and transformation. With the NHS and government prioritising prevention, community-based support and digital integration, technology is becoming central to how care is delivered. TSA is leading this transformation. The Chair will guide our vision to 2030, shape the national agenda and ensure technology delivers better outcomes for people and communities across the UK. If you are interested in this unique opportunity to lead the UK’s voice for technology-enabled care, click the learn more and apply button below
- Quick Quote: Digital Transformation Business Case Training - from Evidence to Adoption Supporting Digital Health & Care Adoption Cases
Introduction This Quick Quote seeks proposals from a delivery partner to co-design and deliver an introductory training programme tailored to the specific needs of health and care staff in Moray. This programme will increase their skills in creating Digital Transformation Business Cases, utilising relevant evidence and data that will help managers present cases to decision makers/ leadership teams. This initiative is being led by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) Rural Centre of Excellence in partnership with the National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care (the National Centre) - a Scotland-wide initiative hosted by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) for Scottish Government. The purpose of this specific training course is to complement and enhance the national programme outlined in Tender 1 (Appendix B), by focusing locally on Moray and on the translation of locally generated evidence into outputs that can help build a solid Business Case for adoption to influence service delivery and decision-making - focusing on rural, remote, and island contexts. The work will build skills in framing and communicating evidence in relation to Digital Transformation Business Cases - in ways that lead to change in health and care. Background Earlier this year, the National Centre commissioned research to explore the research training requirements of NHS Scotland practitioners in remote, rural, and island (RRI) settings. The findings identified a strong appetite for practical, participatory, and place based research approaches, as well as a clear requirement for flexible, supportive, and context-sensitive training opportunities. In August a delivery partner was appointed to equip remote, rural and island NHS practitioners across Scotland with the skills and frameworks to lead community-engaged and locally-relevant research. This will provide a foundation in research methods and ethical practice. The next phase of this work is to bring this research to life in Moray - creating a space for local practitioners and communities to explore what that confidence and collaboration looks like in practice through a digital health and care lens. It will address a particular gap: translating findings into persuasive outputs that influence service delivery and healthcare decision-making. Senior managers may be uncertain about how to act on practitioner-generated evidence. This work will create a short programme to strengthen the ability to convert evidence into action through different methods (e.g. case studies, stories, accessible data summaries and Business Cases). Specification The training delivery partner will work closely with DHI and NES to: Develop and deliver a sustainable, scalable online training module tailored to Moray’s health and care workforce to support Digital Transformation Business Case Development. Address the identified gap in digital leadership and evidence translation by equipping participants with practical skills to turn evidence/findings into outputs that help deliver Business Cases that can inform service delivery and healthcare decision making. This may include short persuasive reports, digital stories, infographics, case studies or Business Cases and Value Canvas illustrations, particularly in translating research into Business Cases and Value Propositions. Pilot an online training model that can inform national rollout under Tender 1. Strengthen local capacity and confidence in digital health innovation approaches for research service improvement through a clear Business Case structure. Generate insights for national scalability on how research evidence can translate into tangible change on the ground. Proposed Activities: Co-design programme content to ensure relevance to Moray’s workforce and community context. Develop 3-4 online workshops which are recorded for asynchronous, self-paced training (hosted on NES’s Turas platform). Create a toolkit or online tool to support senior leaders in developing Business Cases and Value Propositions (turning local evidence into persuasive outputs for decision-making such as short reports, case studies, digital stories, infographics and Business Cases and Value Propositions). Integrate Moray-specific case studies and stakeholder input to ensure contextual relevance. Develop a Moray Evidence-to-Action Toolkit Evaluate pilot outcomes and provide recommendations for national scaling (concise evaluation report with recommendations for national scaling and integration with Tender 1). Key Timescales: Tender Process Date Issue call for proposals 29 August 2025 Deadline for submissions 10 September 2025 Contract awarded 17 September 2025 Inception meeting 25 September 2025 Project Phases Date Phase 1: Co-design and planning activities By end October 2025 Phase 2: Development of online workshops and digital modules By end November 2025 Phase 3: Evaluation and reporting 30 March 2026 Budget A maximum budget of £10k (inc. VAT) has been assigned to this work, covering: Staff time for co-design and delivery Development of digital content and tools Evaluation and reporting Response You are invited to respond to this document with the following information: Your proposal for delivering on the requirements, scope, and deliverables described above, detailing: Your understanding of the main issues to be addressed; How you intend to deliver on the requirements; and The methodology you propose to use The expertise and experience of the team undertaking the work. This should include CV(s) and statement of availability of the individual(s) who will undertake the work. Summaries of similar work undertaken, including contact information (name and telephone number or email address) for at least one reference Details of risks identified, and how these will be mitigated A realistic timetable of activities, including contingency management, to meet the timescales outlined above A breakdown of costs, including any expenses Response proposals are to be submitted to research@dhi-scotland.com . For further information, or to assist with the completion of your response, you may contact jennifer.thomas@dhi-scotland.com . The full quote and Tender 1 are included in the document below:
- CySpace CCN: UK Cyber and Space Domain Awareness Capability Mapping Workshops
The CySpace Connected Capability Network are hosting a series of in-person regional workshops across the UK between May and September 2025. These workshops are part of a UK-wide mapping exercise of space domain awareness (SDA) and cyber security capabilities. In the workshop, participants will learn about the CySpace CCN, meet other cyber security and SDA professionals in their region, and identify regional cyber security and SDA capabilities in order to map them to the CySpace cyber and SDA requirements catalogue, as will be made available. While this workshop focuses on space and cyber, the themes of secure data sharing, resilience planning, AI innovation, and supply chain risk are highly transferable to digital health and care. NCC and the Cyspace CCN would greatly value perspectives from the health and care sector on how health innovation in Scotland can inform, and benefit from, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and cyber resilience work. Key themes include: Managing Security Risk Governance, including risk, asset, comms and data management, and supply chain analysis for physical and data assets. Protecting Against Cyber Attacks, including data and system security, data lifecycle and involved actors, resilience through backups and repositories, staff awareness and training and service protection policies, processes and procedures. Detecting Cyber Security Events Security Monitoring, with proactive security event discovery, latency and remote access issues, AI and autonomous defence. Minimising the Impact of Incidents, including response, recovery, lessons learned, resilience through space assets and AI/autonomy solutions. More on CySpace CCN The programme is led by Space West and delivered in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East, Space Wales, Space East and Space Northern Ireland as well as cyber clusters across the UK. The programme is funded and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult as part of their Connected Capability programme. We aim to increase resilience of UK space infrastructure, bringing together partners from across industry, academia and government within SDA and cyber security to map capabilities and expertise that can be leveraged to create new products and address critical vulnerabilities. Upcoming workshops 4 September 2025: Edinburgh, Scotland 23 September 2025: London, England Agenda - Edinburgh, 4 September 2025 The Capability Mapping workshop will last from around 10:00-16:00, followed by a networking event. 1000 – 1030: Arrival and coffee 1030 – 1100: Presentations: Christina MacLeod - Space Scotland, Janice Andrew - Skills Development Scotland, Elliot Thornton - UKSA 1100 - 1130: Introduction to CySpace CCN, Requirements Catalogue, SDA and Cyber 1130 – 1200: Discussions: Regional capabilities 1200 – 1300: Lunch 1300-1330: Continued discussions: Regional capabilities 1330-1430: Discussions: Mapping Capabilities to Requirements 1430-1450 Tea and coffee break 1500-1530: Presentation of discussion findings session 1530-1600: Closing remarks and next steps Networking: Hanover Tap Registration To register for either of the above workshops, please complete the form linked here: https://www.nccuk.com/sectors/other-sectors/space/space-west/cyspace-connected-capability-network/cyspace-connected-capability-network-mapping-workshops/ If you experience any issues completing the form, please email: spacewest@nccuk.com
- Glasgow School of Art team secure funding to develop design innovation skills training for health and care professionals in Moray
Glasgow School of Art’s Future Skills team have secured a funding deal to develop design innovation skills in Moray’s Health and Social Care industry. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) awarded funding to GSA’s Future Skills team in April. This funding will equip frontline health and social care staff across Moray with tools and resources to embrace the digital transformation and improve services across the Health and Social Care sector. The initiative is part of the Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) Skills and Workforce Development work package, funded through the Moray Growth Deal . The RCE is a £5 million initiative funded by the UK Government that focuses on advancing research and innovation in digital health and aiding remobilisation of health and social care services in the region, delivered by DHI. Based on research undertaken by the University of Oxford in 2024, funded by DHI, the training will focus on the challenge of deploying mature digital health innovations in digitally immature environments. The programme will be delivered through a hybrid approach combining online resources and in-person workshops to ensure accessibility and sustainability for rural contexts. Currently under development, the course will be ready for testing in October 2025, with the potential for roll out nationally following review.
- Spotlight on Rural Innovation: UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill Visits DHI’s Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation in Moray
On Thursday, 28th August, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) welcomed Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill to the Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) in Moray — a pioneering hub driving forward next-generation digital health and care solutions. The £5m Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Care (RCE), funded by the UK Government as part of the Moray Growth Deal and managed and delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), aims to advance Scotland's digital health agenda and support economic recovery. It includes a Demonstration & Simulation Environment (DSE) in Elgin and Living Labs for innovation collaboration across Moray. Established in early 2022, the RCE was designed to develop scalable digital innovations with the potential to be deployed nationally and internationally and co-designed with rural communities. The Centre has played a vital role in supporting economic and societal recovery by creating high-value jobs, fostering research and development, and addressing the digital skills gap across the region. A standout achievement of the RCE is the creation of a Demonstration and Simulation Environment — a hybrid physical and cloud-based infrastructure focused on person-centred care located in Elgin at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health . Leveraging Living Lab methodologies and DHI’s innovation process model , the RCE has attracted strategic partners, delivering tangible benefits for both Moray and the wider UK. Key Impacts: Economic Growth: The RCE has directly contributed to the creation of more than 10 new jobs and leveraged over £2 million in additional R&D funding for Moray and the wider region. New services and products are being tested and transferred to other regions, and additional capacity for research and innovation is being focused on community research and network-building activities. Digital Inclusion & Skills Development: The Centre has championed digital inclusion across a number of initiatives, empowering individuals to become digital and research champions, strengthening the pipeline of talent in the region. Service Co-Design & Innovation: Moray has become a testbed for co-designing future-ready health and care services in collaboration with citizens and local partnerships. This person-centred approach enables solutions that are demand and user-led to be developed and is enabled by the Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands & Islands -based Design Researchers and Service Innovators. Minister McNeill’s visit highlights the vital role rural communities play in shaping the future of digital health and care. The Rural Centre of Excellence is a powerful example of how smart investment and collaboration can fuel inclusive growth, drive digital innovation, and deliver sustainable, community-focused care — all aligned with the UK’s vision for a more predictive, preventative, and wellbeing-led model of care. UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: "I was pleased to visit the Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation in Elgin to see how £5 million of the UK Government's £32.5 million Moray Growth Deal funding is trailblazing life sciences and health advancements in the region, while boosting economic growth. The UK Government is working closely with partners across Scotland to invest around £1.7 billion in local projects as we deliver a decade of national renewal as part of our Plan for Change." Director of Planning & Performance Janette Hughes said: "DHI was proud to share the progress made in Moray, where universities, colleges, health and care partners — including the third sector — and businesses, including Archangel and Daysix , are working together to co-design future-ready products and services. It was a pleasure to discuss with Minister McNeill how this aligns with national strategies, including the refreshed industrial strategy, life sciences, and rural skills development strategies." The Moray Growth Deal represents a combined investment of over £100 million, with the UK and Scottish Governments each investing up to £32.5 million over 10 years, and regional partners contributing up to £35.8 million over the same period. The Deal is expected to directly support up to 450 jobs.
- Kicking off innovation: Scottish and UAE pupils to tackle women’s football participation with tech
Secondary pupils from across Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being invited to design digital solutions that could help inspire more girls and women into football, challenge stereotypes, and promote healthier lifestyles. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) has teamed up with the Scottish Women’s Football for this year’s DigiInventors Challenge . Fresh from a summer of record-breaking attendances at the Women’s Euro’s and headline-making sponsorship deals, the global innovation challenge aims to maintain the momentum of the women’s game, with the hope that pupils will bring fresh ideas that combine a passion for sport with the power of technology. The success of DigiInventors since its creation in 2017 resulted in the foundation of a parallel competition running across the UAE. Now in its ninth year, the competition has engaged nearly 2,700 young people. This year’s participants will undertake a new programme of classroom teaching, access to a range of digital resources and, if shortlisted, take part in a two-day entrepreneurial bootcamp featuring business mentors and leading entrepreneurs. The finalists will then pitch their ideas to expert judges in a live-streamed final in December with the winning teams taking home top tech prizes and national recognition. Grant Reilly , DigiInventors project lead at DHI, said: “Sport and exercise generally have the power to transform communities and play a massive role in improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing. We want to tap into the excitement around women’s football and use it to spark digital ideas that can break barriers and make the game more inclusive. “The overall focus of the challenge is to empower and inspire young people to learn entrepreneurial, digital, design innovation and STEM skills while exploring potential career opportunities in the digital health and social care sector.” A recent report by the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board found that across all age groups boys are more likely to participate in organised sports such as football. However, female participation in football in Scotland is at an all-time high and there is a national strategic aim to increase the total number of registered female players to 25,000 by the end of 2025. The report emphasises the importance of media and digital assets in normalising women's football and shaping public perceptions, which can directly influence participation levels, but there is evidence that negative aspects, such as social media abuse, can have a detrimental impact on mental health and the willingness of women and girls to participate. Vivienne MacLaren, Chair of Scottish Women’s Football, which oversees more than 700 teams and runs over 70 competitions nationwide, said: “As well as growing the game across Scotland and providing girls and women at all ages and stages with the opportunity to play football, it is also key that we educate and inform as best we can to ensure our players are physically and mentally healthy. Being able to be part of DigiInventors and combine raising awareness of our game with digital technology is a perfect partnership and we very much look forward to the ideas that the young people will have. “Girls face additional challenges not only in taking up sport and physical activity, but in staying involved as they get older, so ideas on how to best engage them are very much welcomed.” For more information or to take part:
- Pioneering Digital Lifelines Scotland programme secures new funding to reduce the risk of harm and death from substance use
Report on phase two of the programme found it “has had a positive impact...and provided new ways to stay safe and reduce immediate risks of harm” The Scottish Government’s Digital Lifelines initiative which seeks to reduce the risk of harm and death amongst people who use drugs through digital inclusion and services has secured new funding to continue its vital work. Delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in collaboration with core partners Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and Simon Community Scotland , Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) has been granted £783,150 for 2025/26 with further programme activities planned for delivery over the following two years, subject to funding confirmation. DLS has committed to improving digital inclusion for people who use drugs, including building confidence, skills and motivation alongside access to devices and connectivity. Digital solutions have been developed that keep people safe and enable them to become and remain connected to family, friends and relevant support services. The programme was launched in 2021 with an initial £3.2 million in funding from the Scottish Government. An independent report by Figure 8 Consultancy Services on the impact of Phase Two of DLS has found “significant results [which] show improvements in digital inclusion, access to services, wellbeing [through reduced isolation], and harm reduction for the people and communities involved”. The evaluation report has supported the decision to continue the programme into a third phase. Since its creation, DLS has reached a significant number of participants, with 5,502 individuals supported, 3,044 digital devices distributed, and 518 staff and volunteers trained in digital inclusion across Scotland. This was delivered through partnerships with 35 organisations across six separate funding rounds. Professor Margaret Whoriskey MBE , Head of Innovation for Care & Well Being, DHI, said: “It is a testament to the impact of Digital Lifelines, and the contribution of all delivery partners, that the programme has received additional funding. DLS is making a real positive difference to people at risk of harm from drugs and to the organisations that support them. The independent Evaluation evidences the successes achieved through digital inclusion and how this can increase access to services and improve outcomes. I am excited to see how our new collaborations will further enhance learning and embed new ways of working." Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy and Sport, Maree Todd said: “The Digital Lifelines programme is a powerful example of how innovation and compassion can come together to save lives. By supporting digital inclusion, we are helping people at risk of drug and alcohol related harm to stay connected, access vital services, and rebuild their lives. I’m pleased that the Scottish Government is providing further funding to continue this life-changing work, and I want to thank all the partners involved for their dedication to improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.” An example of one of the 35 organisations to have received funding through DLS is Harbour Ayrshire , set up to create opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in society, allowing them to live a life free of the stigma and suffering of addiction. Harbour currently runs 14 separate support groups including an online zoom room. David {not his real name} , who is 35, is a recovering heroin addict and says being given a device when he got involved with Harbour was life changing. “Just before leaving rehab I met Vari from Harbour and she gave me a digital device to use. I had lost all self-respect because of things that I've done in my past which I found hard to accept so on leaving rehab I didn’t want to come out of the house. But having the device, doing Zoom calls and online meetings meant I was able to slowly integrate into the community again. If it wasn't for that, I don't think I would have picked up the confidence to have left the house even to this day. Now I can leave the house with my head held up high and without looking over my shoulder with paranoia. It’s been truly life changing.” 41-year-old Susan {not her real name} is a recovering alcoholic who now volunteers with Harbour. “When COVID hit, that's when I lost full control. I was just stuck in the house at first. I don't know what happened, this great big cloud just came on me, and I was drinking alcohol from eight o'clock in the morning, every single morning. Then one day I’d just had enough. There's always a breaking point. I was mentally broken. I phoned someone and said, ‘I don't want to die anymore, what do I do?’. She suggested I phone Harbour. “Harbour gave me a device and a free SIM card, and they encouraged me to delete all of my old contacts. I was given access to their online platform and that was my absolute saviour. It was a slow introduction into society again, and safe rooms with the same faces and similar stories. My self-esteem returned and I'm thriving. I have a life again.” Vari McFadzean, Harbour Ayrshire’s Digital Inclusion Officer, said: “The digital inclusion initiative has been instrumental within Harbour Ayrshire, giving us the opportunity to work with those who have the biggest challenges in terms of isolation, rural residence, tags from prison or mental and physical conditions. These supported people now have the same opportunity to recover from addiction and to be integrated into an online community which has been the foundation for connection and a chance at life again, solely through access to a device and Harbour’s support.” Councillor Paul Kelly , Spokesperson for Health and Social Care at COSLA, one of the partners which has delivered the DLS programme, said: “I’m delighted that Digital Lifelines has secured further funding to continue delivering its award-winning work. The recent evaluation highlights the significant impact of the programme in our communities, with over 5,500 people at risk of drug harm supported to become digitally included. As a strategic partner, COSLA is committed to supporting Digital Lifelines as it enters its next stage, taking a place-based approach to improving wellbeing and enabling better access to vital services through digital inclusion.” The full Phase 2 report can be viewed by clicking the button below David and Susan's full stories: David's story “I grew up in a very affluent town near Glasgow. We were a really tight knit family, a loving, caring family, no alcohol or drugs were ever used at home. Me and my brother never wanted for anything. My problem with drugs started when I was 14, just like everyone else, dabbling with hash in school, following the crowd, doing the wrong thing, eventually getting expelled from school for being in possession of cannabis. I moved schools and things got better; I passed all my exams and went to college. That’s when I found harder drugs. I was on ecstasy, speed, and cocaine. I couldn't hold down a job. I was at college training as a chef and working 14 hour split shifts, six days a week. There were a lot of drugs being taken and that’s when my problems were beginning to really evolve. I went down a really dark path and by 24 I had moved on to heroin which led me on to intravenously using for about six years. My family had to reject me. I went through prison sentences. I went through rehab at that stage, but I didn’t last at it. My second stint in rehab did work though and I haven’t touched heroin since the fifth of April last year. Just before leaving rehab I met Vari from Harbour and she gave me a device to use. I had lost all self-respect because of things that I've done in my past which I found hard to accept so on leaving rehab I didn’t want to come out of the house. But having the digital device, doing Zoom calls and online meetings meant I was able to slowly integrate into the community again more. If it wasn't for that device, I don't think I would have picked up the confidence to have left the house even to this day. Now I can leave the house with my head held up high and without looking over my shoulder with paranoia. It’s been truly life changing.” Susan's story “How did I end up an alcoholic? I just got lost in life. I was a singer; I was a promo girl. I did all this cool stuff all my life, and then I had my daughter and alcohol just kind of infiltrated into my life slowly until it became a daily habit. When COVID hit, that's when I lost full control. I was just stuck in the house at first. I don't know what happened, this great big cloud just came on me, and I was drinking alcohol from eight o'clock in the morning, every single morning. It was beer that I was drinking, and I would count how many I would have that day, how many I had in the fridge left for the next day to prepare me to go to the shop for opening at 10 o'clock. COVID finished, and everyone got back their lives, but I didn’t. I just was stuck in this house, constantly. I just couldn't get out the door, not even to go to the shop. I was phoning the shop and getting my alcohol delivered. Then one day I’d just had enough. There's always a breaking point. I was mentally broken. I phoned someone and said, ‘I don't want to die anymore, what do I do?’ She suggested I phone Harbour, and even that was a big battle for me. The poor guy on the phone had to convince me for ages to even try and talk but when I did, everything changed. Harbour gave me a device and a free SIM card, and they encouraged me to delete all of my old contacts. I was given access to their online platform and that was my absolute saviour. It was a slow introduction into society again, and safe rooms with the same faces and similar stories. You can have your camera and microphone on or off, it’s whatever you’re comfortable with. I was introduced to WhatsApp groups, and attended meetings in America and women only groups. I was interacting with people who also suffered from this illness and I made new friends. My self-esteem returned. I started going to live meetings and slowly my confidence came back. I'm thriving now and I’ve even started volunteering for Harbour. So, this is my life now. It's a beautiful community to be part of. I have a life again.”
- Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) programme gains significant momentum
Announcement of new partnerships and locations for Phase 3 of DLS. After assessment of applications submitted last month DLS were delighted to announce East Ayrshire and Angus Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP) will be the two locations for this phase. Each ADP provided strong and creative proposals in collaboration with their local partners who will also receive funding. A place-based and person-led approach will incorporate Digital Inclusion and Digital Products workstreams and seek to identify new ways of working to better integrate service for people who use drugs. This new phase marks an evolution of DLS from a learning programme to a change programme. Implementing sustainable system change which can be adapted and adopted elsewhere in Scotland. DLS will be supporting the locations to deliver to key Scottish Government priorities outlined in the recently published Population Health Framework . Aligning to the principles of both the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use and Getting it Right for Everyone. Remaining at the core of the programme will be Communities of Learning, and the team intend engaging widely with previously funded partners, and other organisations and ADPs with a keen interest in embedding digital inclusion and digital services. Please contact the team if you would like to be kept informed of future opportunities: digital.lifelines@dhi-scotland.com The award of grants follows on from last month’s release of the positive Evaluation of DLS and the granting of further Scottish Government funding - read the article here: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/post/pioneering-digital-lifelines-scotland-programme-secures-new-funding Digital Lifelines Scotland is managed by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in conjunction with core partners Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Simon Community Scotland . The third phase of DLS is funded by Drug and Alcohol Policy Division in the Scottish Government with previous phases receiving funding from Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Digital Health and Care Divisions, and the Drug Deaths Taskforce in the Scottish Government.
- The #DigiInventors 2025 Kicks Off with a Challenge to Change the Game
The #DigiInventors Challenge returns with new partners, a new website, fresh challenge questions, and even bigger opportunities for young people to innovate. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) has launched its international school’s competition, the #DigiInventors Challenge 2025 , calling on secondary school pupils across Scotland and the UAE to design digital solutions to real-world digital health and social care challenges. Now open for entries, the Challenge encourages pupils in S1-S6 to work in teams, identify a health or wellbeing issue, and create an innovative digital idea that could help solve it. Participants will develop a concept, submit a video pitch and compete for the chance to amazing tech prizes, recognition at a national health conference, and accreditation through the Young STEM Leader Award. Two New Questions, One Global Stage For the first time, pupils will choose between two challenge questions: How can digital innovation challenge stereotypes, inspire girls and women to play football, and support healthy lifestyles? Can you identify a real problem related to people’s health or wellbeing, and develop a digital idea to help solve it? Finalist teams will go on to attend a brand new two-day entrepreneurial bootcamp and pitch their solutions to expert judges from industry and academia during the live-streamed final in December. Key Dates 18 August 2025 – Challenge Launch (Scotland) 25 August 2025 – Challenge Launch (UAE) 10 October 2025 – Entry Deadline 17–18 November 2025 – Entrepreneurial Bootcamp 8 December 2025 – International Final 10 December 2025 – Winners Announced February 2026 – Award Ceremony More Inclusive and Accessible Than Ever This year’s Challenge introduces several exciting updates designed to widen participation and deepen impact: Teams can now include up to 6 pupils, from any year group Refreshed teaching resources, fully editable and curriculum-linked Streamlined entry process and updated scoring criteria Official recognition through Young STEM Leader Awards (Level 4 + 4 formal) Bigger prizes, including an iPad for each winning team member Powered by Industry and Education Leaders The Challenge is delivered by DHI in partnership with an fantastic group of organisations spanning education, innovation and health, including: Education Scotland, SSERC, Skills Development Scotland, Developing Young Workforce, NHS Education for Scotland, Young Enterprise Scotland, SmartSTEMS, City of Glasgow College, University of Strathclyde Inspire, Heriot Watt University Dubai, Scottish Women’s Football, RAiSE, dressCode, and the GSA School of Innovation and Technology. Making a Lasting Impact Since its launch in 2017, the #DigiInventors Challenge has engaged over 2,700 young people and attracted more than 700 team applications . The programme has become a recognised competition that provides real life learning in the classroom and is scaling internationally. Free Resources for Schools Teachers can access a full set of editable lesson plans, guides and templates via the #DigiInventors website. Resources are now filterable by Essential and Additional content to help schools tailor their approach. How to Enter Schools and teachers can now download resources and submit entries online. The Challenge is free to enter, and support is available throughout the process. For additional guidance, support or to request more information, email the team at: info@digiinventors.com About the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) , a national innovation centre funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government and hosted by the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art, leads research and innovation in digital health and social care. We aim to transform services and improve lives by building a future-ready workforce equipped with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
- 6 Million Steps, 10 People, 1 Goal: DHI’s Step Count Challenge
At the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), we champion innovation not only in health and care but also in how we support our team’s wellbeing. In the spring, ten enthusiastic staff members took part in the Step Count Challenge - an eight-week workplace walking and exercise initiative designed to encourage movement, connection, and a healthy work-life balance. We split into two teams: the DHI Steptomaniacs and DigiBeta Banditos (yes, we’re proud of those names). From lunchtime strolls to evening step scrambles, our team embraced the challenge with energy and humour - often syncing steps from beaches, airports, parks, and museums while juggling work, home life, and even holidays. Despite the occasional forgotten Fitbit (and often inclement weather), we collectively clocked up over 6 million steps - roughly the distance from Glasgow to Cairo! More than just a fitness challenge, it became a shared experience that boosted morale, encouraged daily movement, and brought us closer together. The challenge also sparked some brilliant moments of collaboration in motion. One standout example was a walking meeting between DHI’s Janette Hughes and Manira Ahmad from Public Health Scotland , where over 6,500 steps were clocked while exploring shared priorities across international development, AI and technology, and health and wellbeing. It was a great reminder of how fresh air and active movement can fuel strategic thinking and cross-sector connection. DHI understands that staff wellbeing is a priority, and initiatives like the Step Count Challenge reflect our commitment to creating a workplace culture that values health, balance, and a bit of friendly competition. If your organisation is considering taking part in the next challenge, we’d thoroughly recommend it - and look forward to seeing you on the leader board!
- Quick Quote: Strategic Outline Case (SOC) Development Support
Briefing Document Purpose The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) along with key partners are progressing a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to develop a ‘Rural AI Lighthouse for Digital Health and Care’ project based in Moray. This project has two key investment objectives: Investment objective 1: To create educational opportunities through development and provision of courses and skills to support AI from workforce development and technical skills promotion – attracting people to upskill and study along with creating more capacity and capability of AI skills and understanding on a more general basis. Investment objective 2: To create a Trusted Research Environment ‘TRE’ that will be developed (building from the RCE data infrastructure to date along with other data sets) to enable users to test new skills and innovators to test new products, services and business models, thus attracting commercial interests in digital health to the area and improve economic development and societal health and wellbeing benefits, as an overall result. DHI will award a contract (further to review) for the provision support to assist in developing materials for the Economic, Commercial and Financial case at a high level, this would form part of the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) which may then progress rapidly to a Full Business Case (FBC) for the project to potentially commence in 2026. This SOC is being accelerated to meet the request from both Governments to contribute towards the MGD programme options review in the late Autumn/Winter period. Initial draft of initial collateral of the Economic, Commercial & Financial case – 5 Oct 2025 Final version of Economic, Commercial and Financial case materials – 10 Nov 2025 Presentation and review period with minor iterations if required – 5 Dec 2025 Final version - all materials concluded and handed over – 20 Dec 2025 Budget A maximum budget of £10k (Excl. VAT) will be assigned to this work. Rationale This commission is being undertaken to assist the accelerated development of the Strategic Outline Case for the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) as part of the Moray Growth Deal request. This is to model and create materials as per the Economic, Commercial and Financial appraisal to assist the DHI to develop a robust SOC to the MGD project board to review the options. Response The deadline for responses (max 5 pages – not including appendices) to this work will be by; Wednesday 30 July at 1500 and will be marked on the basis as below. Referenced experience in developing Economic, Commercial and Financial appraisals. Experience in the team to assist in supporting the case input. Ability to start the project immediately and deliver within the timescales (milestones). Experience within this field (Digital Health and Care) will be regarded as beneficial but not essential. Background The DHI is one of Scotland’s seven Innovation Centres, funded by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council. We are a collaboration between the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde (our host institution). Our focus is innovation in digital health and care, helping the people of Scotland live longer, healthier lives, while providing sustainable and inclusive growth for our economy. We collaborate, co-design and transform great ideas into real solutions that have benefits to the system and the citizen. We provide engagement; facilitation; project management; and service, business, technical innovation to increase individual and organisation readiness to harness digital innovation for impactful results. Milestones, Deliverables and Timescales DHI would require the commission milestones will follow the timescales set out below: Tender Process: Date Quick quote for bids 24 July 2025 Deadline for submissions 30 July 2025 Contract commitment confirmed by 31 July 2025 P roject milestones and deliverables Date Initial draft 5 October 2025 Final version of Economic and Commercial/Financial sections 10 November 2025 Presentation and review period with any further feedback Dec 2025 Final FBC version concluded - Jan/Feb 2021 Jan 2026 Response You are invited to respond (max 5 pages) to this document with the following information: Your proposal for delivering on the requirements, scope, and deliverables described above, detailing: your understanding of the main tasks to be addressed; how you intend to deliver on the requirements; and the methodology you propose to use. The expertise and experience of the team undertaking the work. This should include CV[s] and statement of availability of the individual/s who will undertake the work. Summaries of similar work undertaken, including contact information (name and telephone number or email address) for at least one reference. Details of risks identified, and how these will be mitigated. A timetable of activities, including contingency management, to meet the timescales A breakdown of costs, including any expenses (please include VAT if applicable). Response proposals to be submitted on Wednesday 30 July by 1500 to; Janette.hughes@dhi-scotland.com and kara.mackenzie@dhi-scotland.com – Clearly marking in the email Subject as - Response to DHI MGD SOC - Support. For further information, or to assist with the completion of your response, you may contact janette.hughes@dhi-scotland.com – If you could email to confirm you will be submitting a response please do so, this will allow us to note your interest. Please note – all the responses will be evaluated and will have no obligation to award if the responses do not meet the needs of the briefing document.
- DHI Hosts International Diabetes Federation President for Strategic Digital Health Visit to Scotland
The two-day visit spotlighted Scotland’s digital health leadership and explored opportunities for global collaboration in diabetes innovation, research and system transformation. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was honoured to host Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Armin Scheuer, CEO of Lemonmint, for a two-day strategic visit to Scotland as part of the Digital Maturity Tour 2025 (DMT25). Coordinated in collaboration with Lemonmint Healthcare Communications , the visit convened senior leaders, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to explore Scotland’s unique strengths and advances in digital health and data-driven diabetes care, and to examine opportunities for global collaboration to advance innovation, research, and policy. On day one, hosted at the DHI headquarters in the Glasgow City Innovation District, Professor Schwarz was joined by delegates from across NHS Scotland, Scottish Government, research and industry. Through a series of high-level discussions and expert panels, the visit highlighted Scotland’s leadership in digital maturity, clinical innovation, and patient-centred care. Key themes included the role of national data infrastructure, the importance of empowering people living with diabetes through digital tools, and the conditions required to scale sustainable innovation across health systems. International attendees felt there was much to learn from Scotland, and solutions could be implemented or adapted across the globe. Watch Professor Schwarz' presentation below: Day two continued with a series of engagements in Edinburgh, including a meeting at the Scottish Parliament with Emma Harper MSP, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Diabetes, followed by a visit to the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Here, the delegation met with representatives from Research Data Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Safe Havens, and the University of Edinburgh to discuss the nation’s world-leading data assets and shared ambitions for ethical, secure and accessible use of health data to accelerate research and impact. Emma Harper, MSP, and Co-convenor for the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Diabetes, shared: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome and host the President of the IDF, Professor Peter Schwarz, at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood. We had a fantastic discussion, and Peter was very positive and complimentary towards the collaborative approach and actions taking place in Scotland, to support people in our communities who have diabetes, and how the rest of the world can learn from us!” Janette Hughes, Director of Planning and Performance at DHI, added: “As diabetes grows in prevalence globally and locally, it was energising to hear how the Scottish innovation ecosystem has developed infrastructures and initiatives that embed digital and data and transform care, but also inspirational to hear from a global perspective how Scotland and DHI could play a part in moving this agenda forward.” Professor Schwarz’s visit underscores the alignment between Scotland’s innovation-driven approach to diabetes care and IDF’s global mission to improve lives and reduce the burden of diabetes through prevention, research, and policy influence. Professor Peter Schwarz, President, IDF, commented: “It’s been a fantastic experience coming to Scotland to learn about best practices in digital diabetes care, including both the challenges faced and the successes achieved. What Scotland is doing aligns closely with the vision and mission of the IDF to improve the quality of care for people living with diabetes. The next step for me is to explore how we can take the valuable insights from DHI and Scotland and translate them into other countries with a strong digital infrastructure.” Armin Scheuer, CEO, Lemonmint Healthcare Communications, followed: “Over the past few months, we’ve been on a digital maturity tour across Saudi Arabia, Germany, and now Scotland, in connection with our new book on this topic. Visiting Scotland was a natural step, given its reputation for having one of the most advanced digital health ecosystems in the world. It’s been a valuable opportunity to learn from the people here, and I hope we continue to build on these relationships, with a visit to Germany hopefully on the horizon.” The visit concluded with a strategic reflection session between IDF and DHI leaders to explore future areas of cooperation, ranging from global research initiatives to joint digital maturity frameworks and knowledge exchange. Related Output The event builds on DHI’s contribution to international thought leadership on digital maturity in health and care. A recent chapter, “Readiness and Digital Maturity: Promoting Innovation, Integration, and Scale in Scotland” , authored by Janette Hughes, Michelle Brogan, and Ann Wales, explores how early-stage digital health innovations can transition into integrated solutions within mature healthcare systems. This work informed the development of the Digital Diabetes event in Scotland and reinforces the importance of readiness frameworks in scaling innovation. Notes: Day 1 Delegation Janette Hughes, Director of Planning & Performance, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) Michelle Brogan, Digital Health and Care Innovation Lead, DHI Dr Petra Wilson, Incoming Chair of DHI Chaloner Chute, Chief Technology Officer, DHI Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing, DHI Professor Peter Schwarz, President, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Armin Scheuer, CEO and Founder, Lemonmint Dr Robert Lindsay, National Clinical Lead for Diabetes, NHS Scotland Professor Rory McCrimmon, Diabetes Lead, NHS Research Scotland Elliott Fulton, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Government Laurie Eyles, Professional Advisor, Healthy Weight Team, Scottish Government Professor Sam Philip, National Clinical Lead and Consultant, NHS Grampian Dr Abdulaziz Alhomod, Chief Innovation Officer, SEHA Virtual Hospital, Saudi Arabia Professor Sarah Wild, University of Edinburgh Suzanne Graham, Head of Innovation Planning CFSD Arlene Dale, Senior National Diabetes CLS Educator Debbie Wake, Consultant and Founder of MyWay Digital Health Jacqueline Walker, Professional Dietetic Lead in Moray and Professional Advisor, Healthy Weight Team, Scottish Government Tobias Croft, Head of Innovation, Chief Scientist Office Dr Anke Diehl, Chief Transformation Officer, University Medicine Essen, Germany Kirsty French, PLWD/ Lived experience perspective Mark Cook, Chair of Life Sciences Industry Leadership Group Professor John Petrie, Professor of Diabetes, Scottish Clinical Perspective Donna Henderson, Head of International Engagement, Scottish Government Day 2 Delegation Janette Hughes, Director of Planning & Performance, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) Michelle Brogan, Digital Health and Care Innovation Lead, DHI Dr Petra Wilson, Incoming Chair of DHI Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing, DHI Prof Peter Schwarz, President, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Armin Scheuer, CEO and Founder, Lemonmint Emma Harper MSP, Co-convenor Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Diabetes Professor Roger Halliday, CEO, Research Data Scotland (RDS) Layla Robinson, Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer, RDS Carole Morris, Head of Service, Public Health Scotland (PHS) Michael Sibley, Service Manager, Electronic Data and Research Innovation Service (eDRIS), Public Health Scotland Prof. Nick Mills, clinical academic (cardiology) and Senior Responsible Officer, Dataloch (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Safe Haven) Kathy Harrison, Programme Lead, Dataloch (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Safe Haven) Information The Digital Maturity Tour 2025 (DMT25) is a global engagement series coordinated by Lemonmint Healthcare Communications to foster international collaboration in digital health innovation. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a global alliance of over 240 national diabetes associations in 161 countries and territories. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is Scotland’s national innovation centre for digital health and social care, supporting system transformation through collaborative innovation.
- Bright Minds, Bold Ideas: Inside the DHI Master’s Seminar
The Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) recently hosted its annual Master’s Seminar, a key event that showcases the innovative work of students funded through DHI’s academic partnerships. Held on the 4th of June 2025 at the University of Strathclyde, the seminar brought together a vibrant community of academics and students to explore emerging ideas in digital health and social care. This year’s seminar featured 12 postgraduate students from a range of institutions, including Robert Gordon University, the University of St Andrews, the University of Stirling, the University of Strathclyde, and the Glasgow School of Art. Each student presented their ongoing research, covering a diverse array of topics such as data science, digital health systems, health psychology, and exercise science. The presentations sparked rich interdisciplinary discussions, highlighting the value of collaboration across academic fields in addressing complex health and care challenges. The DHI Master’s Seminar not only provided a platform for students to share their progress but also fostered connections between institutions and disciplines, reinforcing DHI’s commitment to innovation and knowledge exchange. We now look ahead to the DHI Master’s Conference, scheduled for the 8th of October 2025 , where students will present the final outcomes of their research projects. This event promises to be a celebration of academic achievement and a showcase of impactful work in the digital health and care landscape. Find out more about the DHI Master’s Scholarship here or email us at: scholarships@dhi-scotland.com .
- Public Contracts Scotland Tender Notice
Living Lab 4: Smart Housing, Smart Communities Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future Deadline: 04/07/2025 The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), which is hosted at the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and the Moray Growth Deal (MGD) Housing Mix Delivery (HMD) project, is looking to procure a forward-thinking yet practically grounded digital blueprint for a smart rural home of the future—one that is adaptable across various geographic and demographic contexts and supports health and wellbeing across all stages. This work is a cornerstone of the Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) for Digital Health & Care Innovation, part of the Moray Growth Deal’s (MGD) commitment to advancing integrated innovation in housing, health, and care. The digital blueprint will be widely showcased at national and international levels. The digital blueprint will not be a fully architecturally resolved house design. Instead, it will provide a strategic, design-informed framework combining technical insight, digital integration, and visual storytelling that makes the vision compelling and understandable for a range of audiences—from policymakers and funders to developers, planners, and residents of all ages. What makes this blueprint different is its truly integrated and forward-facing nature. It merges cutting-edge digital health and care technologies with sustainable, low-carbon construction and rural-specific design challenges, right from the start. The appointed contractor will have a rare opportunity to lead the development of a nationally significant model for future rural living and integrated care. The successful team will be embedded in a high-profile, cross-sector collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s Digital Care & Innovation Centre (DHI), Built Environment – Smart Transformation (BE-ST), local authorities, and innovation partners. It offers the contractor an opportunity to be a thought leader in digital construction, sustainable design, and preventative smart health and care integration, areas of increasing strategic importance across public and private sectors. Please note: We are using a PCS-Tender to carry out this procurement process. This is a separate website, and if you are not already registered, you will be required to do so in order to express your interest. For any enquiries please contact: procurement.enquiries@strath.ac.uk
- A New Era for Health and Social Care in Scotland
Launch of the Service Renewal and Population Health Frameworks The Scottish Government, in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) , has taken a bold step forward in transforming the nation’s health and social care landscape. The newly published Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework and Population Health Framework mark a pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey toward a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. A Vision for Healthier Lives At the heart of these frameworks lies a shared vision: a Scotland where people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. They are designed to address the root causes of poor health, reduce inequalities, and build a health and social care system that is person-led and community-focused. The Population Health Framework: A Decade of Prevention The Population Health Framework sets out a ten-year, cross-sector strategy focused on primary prevention. It represents a cultural shift from treating illness to promoting well-being. This live programme of change will evolve over time, with initial actions already identified and more to follow. The framework emphasises collaboration across the NHS and wider partners to tackle the social determinants of health and reduce disparities. The Service Renewal Framework: Transforming Care Delivery The Service Renewal Framework outlines a long-term strategy to reshape how health and social care services are planned, delivered, and experienced. It is built on five core principles: Prevention People Community Population Digital These principles will guide decisions, including on workforce, finances, and infrastructure, ensuring services are equitable, efficient, and effective. An example of this transformation is the enhanced collaboration efforts between the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24 to improve access to unscheduled and out-of-hours care. What This Means for the People of Scotland? Over the next decade, the people of Scotland can expect: Faster and fairer access to care Empowerment to take charge of their own health Reduced waiting times for planned treatments Earlier interventions when health issues arise Expanded capacity in primary and community care Greater use of digital innovation to enhance service delivery Achieving this vision will depend on similar collaboration and innovation across all parts of the health and social care system, ensuring people can access timely, appropriate support – wherever and whenever they need it.

















