Search results

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.

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:

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.”

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 .

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

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.

Graduate Communications & Marketing Intern in Moray - 726129 Join the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre as our new Graduate Communications & Marketing Intern, based at the Rural Centre of Excellence in Moray , part of the £5m UK Government-funded Moray Growth Deal. This is an exciting fixed-term opportunity until May 2026 for a highly motivated individual looking to gain valuable experience across communications and marketing activities. This role is embedded within DHI’s Graduate Innovation Intern (GII) Programme, an initiative designed to create a talent pipeline into the digital health and social care sector. As a participant in this programme, you will gain hands-on experience in digital health and care innovation with a specialist focus on communications and marketing. About DHI: The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is a not-for-profit organisation and world-leading collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art. It is publicly funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government as a key enabler and catalyst for change. It combines world-class expertise in digital health, social care, and design innovation, underpinned by cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange. Using the quadruple helix model, we empower and connect individuals, academia, industry, and public sectors to transform ideas into digital health and social care solutions. Our skilled team excels at managing complex projects, enhancing innovation readiness, and building strong partnerships and clusters that drive digital transformation in health and social care, ensuring real-world impact and sustainable change. About the role: As part of the Moray RCE team, you will contribute to five Living Lab projects by producing engaging digital content and supporting internal and external communications, marketing, and administrative activities. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team, gaining exposure to innovation processes across multiple departments within DHI. Key responsibilities: Develop and deliver digital communications materials (e.g. social media, blogs, visuals, reports) Support the planning and promotion of RCE activities and events Assist with stakeholder engagement across academia, industry, and health and care sectors Provide administrative support for project coordination and reporting Location requirement: The successful candidate must be based in the Moray region , reflecting our commitment to locally delivered, citizen-centred innovation. This role will be based in the Elgin office within UHI Moray and will involve office-based days as well as remote work. It will be supported through in-person and remote work with the Glasgow-based DHI Communications & Marketing Team. What you'll gain: A structured, mentored experience as part of DHI’s Graduate Innovation Intern Programme Exposure to real-world innovation projects in digital health and social care Opportunities to develop skills in communications, digital content, project support, and cross-sector collaboration Formal interviews for this post will be held on (TBC) Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at the DHI offices in Glasgow or Moray. Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Marie Simpson, Programme Manager RCE Details: Salary Range: £24,344 - £26,338 FTE: 1 (35 hours/week) Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months or until May 2026) Closing Date: 30/06/2025 Please click below for further details:

The Scottish Funding Council have announced the launch of a new campaign highlighting the importance of research and innovation from Scottish universities The vital role that university research and innovation play in society, the economy and the environment was the theme of a visit to Heriot Watt University today by the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey . The minister toured the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) , a partnership between Heriot Watt, Robert Gordon University and the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. The Centre provides specialist advice on a no-cost basis to medical manufacturers across Scotland. The team at MDMC includes engineers, scientists, and clinicians, and has the equipment and expertise to support companies through prototyping and feasibility testing. The visit also marks the launch of a Scottish Funding Council campaign to promote the importance of research and innovation for four key priorities within the Scottish Government’s programme for government. Universities across Scotland have contributed to a new collection of case studies to showcase the impact of their research and innovation in the areas of eradicating child poverty; growing Scotland’s economy; tackling the climate change emergency; and improving public services. The Scottish Funding Council’s Chief Executive, Francesca Osowska, said: “At the Scottish Funding Council we have a privileged view of the incredible work Scotland’s universities do across a vast and varied range of research and innovation activities. The impact of this work is felt here in Scotland and in countries across the world, and it’s making a real difference to people’s lives, their prosperity and the future sustainability of our planet. The new case studies we’re spotlighting from today will help to spread the word about this amazing work beyond SFC, universities and government and help more people understand the importance of Scottish research and innovation”. Case studies for each of the four priorities can be found at the links below: Eradicating child poverty Growing the economy Tackling the climate emergency Improving public services

On behalf of the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, BMG Research has invited members of the UK’s Engineering Biology (EB) sector to take a survey about their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). BMG is committed to safely unlocking the benefits of EB and promoting the adoption of AI tools to catalyse innovation. To do this, we need to understand your perspective on AI usage, how current levels of AI adoption vary by type of application, and the influence of barriers on future integration choices. Your inputs will be invaluable in helping DSIT formulate policy and drive adoption.   BMG's ambition is to be comprehensive in gathering the perspectives of all those working with EB products, in EB-related R&D or professionals with a relevant understanding of the sector. This includes (but is not limited to): Lab technicians Lab leaders Subject matter experts/consultants Relevant social scientists/ethicists Industry bodies Those responsible for setting strategic direction within an organisation, i.e. the senior leadership team. Even if you don’t currently use AI in your EB role, BMG want to hear from you. This survey should only take 15 minutes and will help shape the future of UK policy in the area. For every 100 survey responses, DSIT is donating £200 to Cancer Research UK.   BMG abides by the Market Research Society Code of Conduct and Data Protection laws. For details, please read the Privacy Notice . All information given during the survey is strictly confidential.  If you have not already received a personalised survey link, please contact: EngineeringBiologySurvey@bmgresearch.com

Bobby Laing, Graduate Innovation Intern at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, recently secured £15k of grant funding, from the Young EDGE category in the latest round of the Scottish EDGE  national funding competition, to support the development of his passion project, NCLSV - an accessible footwear brand catering to people with dwarfism.  A journey to better footwear Bobby Laing receives Young EDGE Award For years, Bobby has faced the frustrating challenge of finding shoes that not only fit but also suit his personal style as an adult. Children’s footwear, while close in length, is designed for younger wearers and often lacks the necessary width - resulting in a cramped, uncomfortable fit. Larger sizes provide more room but are disproportionately long, making walking impractical. Bespoke options offer a precise solution, yet their high costs make them inaccessible, leaving little choice for those seeking both style and comfort in off-the-shelf footwear. Tired of the endless disappointment - and knowing many in the global dwarfism community faced the same struggle - he set out to create a solution. That determination led to NCLSV, a brand offering stylish, ready-to-wear footwear designed specifically for dwarf feet, built on a proprietary sizing chart informed by extensive community data to ensure both comfort and sophistication.  Scottish EDGE Scottish EDGE is a funding competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. Funded by the Hunter Foundation , the Royal Bank of Scotland , the Scottish Government , Scottish Enterprise and private donors, the competition is delivered twice per year and has supported 569 early-stage Scottish businesses with over £25m in award funding.  Round 25 of the competition received 247 applicants. Following a pitch by shortlisted applicants to a panel of industry experts, 12 were selected as winners, with the best two applicants receiving £15k prizes. Further success In addition to securing the £15k top prize from Scottish EDGE, Bobby has been selected to join the 2025 cohort of the Converge Create Change challenge. As Scotland’s leading initiative for academic entrepreneurs, Converge empowers university staff, students, and graduates to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.   From over 300 applicants, Bobby was chosen as one of the founders to join this transformative programme. It is an incredible opportunity to gain expert-led training, connect with inspiring entrepreneurs, and engage with Scotland’s dynamic business ecosystem, with the chance to compete for up to £30k in equity-free funding and exceptional in-kind business support. From internship to innovation Bobby is a member of the Communications & Marketing Team at DHI. He credits his internship experience as a pivotal factor in securing funding for NCLSV. The funding will support an extensive marketing and operations strategy to maximise reach within the dwarfism community, including brand development, pop-up shops at key events, and growing a strong social media presence. Bobby Laing, commented: "I'm truly grateful to have received funding from Scottish EDGE. As a solo founder, it's incredibly rewarding to have my hard work recognised in such a meaningful way. The experience I have gained with the DHI team has been invaluable - being exposed to a range of marketing platforms and learning best practices in stakeholder engagement has provided the foundation for a robust launch plan, which ultimately proved to be the key factor with the judges in securing this funding." Moira Mackenzie, Deputy CEO/ Director of Innovation , at DHI said: "The whole DHI team is delighted for Bobby and wish him every success for an exciting future.  We are also pleased to benefit from his reflected glory, evidencing that our Graduate Innovation Intern programme enables young innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive." From refining marketing strategies to navigating stakeholder engagement, Bobby’s time at DHI has played a crucial role in shaping NCLSV’s trajectory. With funding secured and a clear vision in place, the brand is set to make a tangible impact - fuelled by expertise gained through DHI and driven by a commitment to accessibility.

Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh are proud to announce the launch of their collaborative new MSc in Biomedical Engineering, designed to develop the next generation of leaders at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and innovation. Image Credit: Heriot-Watt University, 2025 Rooted in the world-leading research and teaching excellence of both institutions, this new programme offers a future-focused curriculum that brings together engineering, digital health, and clinical applications. With a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and real-world impact, students will gain critical skills in areas such as medical device development, AI in healthcare, and rehabilitation technologies, preparing them to drive transformation across health and care systems. The programme offers: Industry-relevant learning - the teaching has been specifically designed to respond to global industry demand to ensure graduates are highly employable in sectors such as healthcare, medical technology, academia, government, and industry. A multidisciplinary learning experience guided by experts across engineering, clinical sciences, and digital health. Learning from research-active academics, students will explore the fundamental principles of biomedical science and engineering, medical device design, imaging technologies, biomaterials, and emerging healthcare innovations, while addressing real-world challenges in safety, regulation, and sustainability. Hands-on projects and opportunities to collaborate with leading industry partners, start-ups, and the NHS. Access to cutting-edge facilities and research at both Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus and the University of Edinburgh. Access to over £6 million worth of funding opportunities, including our new DHI Masters Scholarship in Digital Health and Social Care Whether you're an employer seeking to upskill your workforce or a graduate ready to shape the future of biomedical innovation, this MSc is designed to equip learners with the tools to make a meaningful difference.

Recognising 8 years of dedicated board leadership and welcoming new governance to support DHI’s continued growth. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) celebrates the leadership and legacy of outgoing Chair John Jeans CBE, while welcoming incoming Chair Dr. Petra Wilson, who brings extensive international experience to guide the board's strategic oversight and support DHI’s next phase of growth. John Jeans first became involved with DHI in 2017, drawn on his long-standing interest in the challenge of adopting transformational technology in clinical practice. He identified digital innovation as one of the most complex areas to embed successfully, not least because it lacks the tangible, 'shiny new' elements that often drive early enthusiasm. By its nature, digital transformation requires changes to working practices and often demands significant cultural shifts. It was this complexity and its potential to improve how health and care are delivered that motivated his engagement with DHI. Throughout his career in industry and later at the Medical Research Council, John observed how systems connectivity and clinical data were beginning to shape healthcare technologies, from medical devices to diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. His involvement with DHI offered an opportunity to contribute to addressing global challenges such as balancing supply and demand in health services and tackling inequalities in health and social care. Reflecting on the lessons learned during his time with DHI, John shared that success in digital health is always about people before technology. While technical solutions must be robust and fit for purpose, their relevance is ultimately determined by how well they support reengineered processes and deliver economic value in real-world environments. He also emphasised that putting individuals, patients, carers, and citizens at the centre of digital innovation is essential, noting that DHI has consistently demonstrated this approach. Throughout his eight years as Chair, John Jeans played a vital role in shaping the growth and sustainability of DHI. The organisation secured long-term financial stability through a diverse range of funding sources across the state, commercial, and third sectors. John’s tenure also saw DHI make a significant contribution to government policy in the digital health and social care space, helping to position Scotland as a leader in citizen-centred innovation. Under his stewardship, DHI delivered numerous impactful projects that have been successfully integrated into clinical practice, improving outcomes for patients and supporting the health and care workforce. In closing his remarks, John said : “It has been a privilege to work alongside a supportive board and DHI’s exceptional staff and leadership team. The way that DHI has evolved, consistently putting the person at the centre of everything it does, has made it possible to achieve so much. That approach is exemplary and remains critical to the organisation’s continued success.” Professor George Crooks OBE, CEO, said: "John’s steady leadership and strategic vision have helped secure DHI’s future for the next decade. His wisdom and counsel have been invaluable, knowing when to guide and when to empower the executive team to lead. While we will miss his presence, we are excited to build on the legacy he leaves behind." Looking ahead, DHI is pleased to welcome Dr. Petra Wilson to the board as its new Chair. Petra brings more than 25 years of experience across academia, public service, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. Her career has been dedicated to harnessing the power of data and digital tools to improve health systems, ensuring they are more resilient, accessible, and efficient. Petra previously held senior positions within the European Commission’s digital health unit, where she supported early initiatives in Electronic Health Records and Connected Medical Devices. She also served as a senior director at Cisco’s public health team and later became CEO of the International Diabetes Federation, where she advocated rights of diabetes patients at the highest levels of EU policymaking. In 2016, she founded Health Connect Partners, a consultancy advising healthcare and life sciences organisations on the strategic use of digital health. She also holds an advisory role with WHO Europe’s digital health team and serves as an editorial Board Member of Data Saves Lives run by the European Patients Forum, and a Member of the Digital Health Board Committee of EURODIS, the EU Rare Diseases Organisation. Petra expressed her enthusiasm for taking on this role, saying: “I have followed DHI’s progress closely for more than a decade, having previously served on its board during its early days. I am delighted to return as Chair. My first priority is to get to know the team, understand DHI’s current priorities, and explore where my experience and international network can best support its mission. Scotland has a unique spirit of innovation and a willingness to confront the most difficult health and social care challenges. I am excited to be part of this important work and help DHI continue to make a difference, both in Scotland and internationally.” Professor George Crooks OBE, CEO, added: “I’ve known Petra for over ten years, and her leadership and passion for digital health and social care are second to none. Her extensive experience and connections across Europe and beyond will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with Petra in the years ahead as we build on our successes and continue to impact the digital health & social care sector” With this leadership transition, DHI enters a new chapter, building on a legacy of strong governance and innovation, and reaffirming our commitment to improving health and care outcomes by placing citizens at the heart of every solution.

Project Support Officer (Moray Rural Centre of Excellence) - 716276 The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Project Support Officer based in the Moray region to support the Rural Centre of Excellence in Digital Health and Care Innovation (RCE) . This position is ideal for an individual that has some experience in the digital and/or heath and care sectors, possesses excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and has a background in project support.   Hosted by the University of Strathclyde, DHI brings together Scotland's public sector, academia, charities and industry to create new ways of working and to co-design digital solutions to some of the country's biggest health and care challenges. Our unique needs-led approach is an essential link between the Scottish Government’s national priorities and the wealth of talent across different sectors and communities in Scotland. This creates opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and enterprises to develop proven, scalable, and commercially viable solutions for use across Scotland and for export to other markets, helping Scotland to be at the forefront of the growing global digital health and care economy through developing the right workforce, infrastructure and policies to attract investment and new jobs.    We invite applications from candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding role. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting a significant programme of work with a high national profile around the Moray Growth Deal. The Project Support Officer will work closely day to day with the Programme Manager and the Commercial Innovation Lead, also based in the Moray region. Some travel will be expected as DHI has a national remit.  Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Marie Simpson, Programme Manager RCE How to apply: Applicants should visit Strathclyde’s vacancies portal using the button below, and complete an online application form including the names of two referees who will be contacted without further permission, unless you indicate you would prefer otherwise. Applicants should also submit a Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter detailing the knowledge, skills and experience you think make you the right candidate for the job. Applicants should also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Details: Department: Computer and Information Sciences Closing Date: 26/05/2025 Formal Interviews: Tuesday 3 June 2025 at UHI Moray Please click below for further details:

Young Innovators Shine at #DigiInventors Challenge 2025 Awards as SSERC Announced as New National Partner. The City of Glasgow College was buzzing with excitement last night as pupils, parents, and educators gathered for the 2025 #DigiInventors Challenge Primary School Edition Awards Ceremony. The event, hosted in partnership with DHI, RAiSE, City of Glasgow College, and now proudly joined by SSERC, recognised the standout digital health ideas created by primary school pupils across Scotland. Now in its third year, the Challenge received 68 submissions from over 200 pupils across Scotland. The initiative encourages young people to explore careers in digital health and social care while building entrepreneurial and STEM skills for the future. Meet the 2025 Winners Taking home the top prizes were three inspiring teams: Multi-ColourZ (Newton Farm Primary, South Lanarkshire) A groundbreaking app to support young people with colour blindness, featuring colour overlays, AI voice support, customisable settings, and a full colour reference and advice hub. JH Grow and Glow (Wellington School, South Ayrshire) An engaging wellbeing app for children aged 5–12, supporting healthy habits in sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise – all guided by a friendly avatar called Glow. Sweet Tooth (Carolside Primary, East Renfrewshire) An innovative dental care app for young people with braces, using Bluetooth chips to allow orthodontists to monitor oral hygiene remotely. Each winning team received a trophy, a goodie bag, and their very own Sphero Indi  - a play-based robot that teaches the foundations of coding and problem-solving through imaginative exploration. Grant Reilly, who leads the #DigiInventors  Challenge said “It’s been incredible to see the thought, passion and technical creativity these young innovators have shown. Every idea tackled a real-world challenge with empathy and innovation.”  Runners-Up with Bold Ideas The high quality of entries made judging exceptionally difficult. This year’s runner-up teams also impressed with solutions to a range of health and wellbeing challenges: Wraparitis - a heated arthritis blanket connected to an app for joint pain relief Nelly & Bert Autism Heroes - a fun, supportive app featuring AI animal companions for autistic young people Fun Bud - an ADHD support watch with calming features and interactive apps We were proud to acknowledge a number of teams who received Special Recognition for their creativity, innovation, and thoughtful design. From ideas supporting prosthetic care and asthma to tools for managing anxiety and ADHD, these pupils impressed judges with their compassion and ingenuity: Prosthetic Cheetah – Kirkhill Primary School, West Lothian (Prosthetic care) Smile, Don’t Cry – Kirkhill Primary School, West Lothian (Asthma) J&J Westpark – Westpark Primary School, Aberdeen (Anxiety) ADHD Watch – King’s Park Primary School, Glasgow (Mental health support) In a significant development, SSERC has officially joined as a collaboration partner through their Young STEM Leader Programme. As Scotland’s national provider of STEM education support, SSERC’s involvement will give even greater recognition to the pupils’ achievements. Through the partnership, all #DigiInventors Challenge participants, not just winners, will now be eligible to apply for a Young STEM Leader (YSL) Award. The YSL Award, developed by SSERC, helps young people develop leadership and communication skills by giving them opportunities to inspire others in STEM. By submitting an entry to the Challenge, pupils can now progress toward formal recognition of their innovation and boost their STEM learning journey. Sharon Macnab, Programme Manager, Young STEM Leader Programme, at SSERC, said: The Young STEM Leader Programme (YSLP) is an exciting award that aims to spark greater interest and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young people in Scotland and where young people can inspire, lead and mentor their peers through creating and delivering STEM activities and events. The #DigiInventors Challenge is a great way for young people to think about STEM in a real-life context and share their ideas in an inspirational way. Working with the team at #DigiInventors has been a pleasure, and through our Auto Awards programme, the young people involved now also achieve a Young STEM Leader Award at Level 2, further recognising their hard work Throughout the evening, guests heard from key figures including Gillian Reilly from RAiSE and Dr Sharon Macnab from SSERC, who highlighted the importance of nurturing digital skills in primary education - especially as 60% of children in P1 today will grow up to work in jobs that don’t yet exist. This year’s Challenge not only celebrated great ideas - it helped spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect young learners to the real-world potential of careers in tech and healthcare. Stuart McDowall, Head of Innovation & STEM at City of Glasgow College, said: City of Glasgow College is proud to be the education partner of the #DigiInventors Challenge, and congratulations to all the young innovators who won awards at tonight’s 2025 #DigiInventors Primary School Edition Awards Ceremony.   Supporting initiatives like #DigiInventors not only creates tangible opportunities for young people, but it also signifies the inspirational opportunities partners across the innovation ecosystem can provide when we work together.  A huge thanks to the DHI team for their continued passion and support for this unique competition. Thank you to our partners for their continued support in running the competition. City of Glasgow College RAiSE SSERC

We are excited to announce a forthcoming tender from the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), working in collaboration with BE-ST (Built Environment Smarter Transformation) Innovation Centre and Moray Council for the development of a smart housing blueprint that focuses on health, well-being, and environmental sustainability in rural settings. The project, delivered under the Smart Housing Smart Communities living lab , will involve the testing and evaluation of a personalised, proactive and predictive monitoring service pathway for citizens and health and care services in Moray. It forms part of an integrated health, social care and housing R&D digital transformation programme, which is being delivered by the DHI’s  Rural Centre of Excellence ,  a £5m project funded by the UK Government as part of the  Moray Growth Deal . This tender offers a fantastic opportunity for digital companies, working in collaboration with construction and design professionals . Potential bidders are invited to consider forming consortiums to bring together the best in digital health, technology, construction and design, helping to drive forward this innovation project. We plan to issue a tender at the end of May/early June. For further information, contact Charlotte Stoney