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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

A recent evaluation of the digital pain assessment tool, PainChek , by a team at Edinburgh Napier University suggests it could improve the way pain is identified and managed for people with dementia in Scottish care homes.   Designed for residents who may have difficulty communicating verbally, PainChek® uses facial recognition and behavioural indicators to support pain assessments. The tool was tested through pilot projects supported by the Care Inspectorate, alongside a literature review and a staff survey.   Care home staff were generally positive about the tool, and a preliminary cost analysis suggested potential prescribing savings, but further research has been recommended to draw firm conclusions.  In summary, PainChek® shows early signs of helping staff provide more effective, tailored care for people with dementia. With further support and evaluation, it could be a valuable addition to digital practice in care homes.   Read the full evaluation report: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/resources/evaluation-of-a-digital-solution-for-the-assessment-and-management-of-pain

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is an independent charity established in 2021 by the Scottish Government. RDS collaborates with organisations in Scotland and the UK to enhance the data research system, aiming to improve lives through research and evidence-based decisions. They facilitate access to health, social care, and administrative data, making it easier for researchers to address societal challenges. RDS Business Plan 2025-2026 RDS recently unveiled its ambitious new business plan for 2025-26, marking a significant step forward in its mission to enhance health and social wellbeing in Scotland. This plan outlines key priorities aimed at simplifying data access, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a sustainable research ecosystem. The plan focuses on these key areas: Aligning Approaches: RDS aims to unify Scotland's research infrastructure, making it easier for researchers to access and utilise public sector data. Building Trustworthiness: Emphasising transparency and security, RDS seeks to build and demonstrate trust in its data services. Shaping Researcher Services: Enhancing the efficiency of data access processes to reduce delays and improve user experience. Unlocking Scotland’s Data: Increasing the availability of Scottish datasets and facilitating innovative research through the Researcher Access Service. Read the full plan here: https://www.researchdata.scot/news-and-insights/rds-publishes-new-business-plan-for-2025-26/ RDS Safe Haven Charter Update In addition to the business plan, RDS has also updated its Safe Haven Charter for the first time since 2015. This charter underpins the secure and ethical use of sensitive health data, ensuring that researchers can access and analyse data within a trusted framework. The revised charter introduces five streamlined principles focused on: Supporting Public Health: Enabling research that improves health services and treatments. Ensuring Ethical Research: Adhering to high ethical standards and legal requirements. Protecting Privacy: Implementing robust measures to safeguard patient identity and privacy. Facilitating High-Quality Research: Providing access to comprehensive data sets within secure platforms. Promoting Collaboration: Encouraging collaborative research efforts across Scotland and the UK. These updates reflect RDS's commitment to advancing health and social care research while maintaining public trust and integrity. Access the updated Safe Haven Charter here: https://www.researchdata.scot/news-and-insights/first-major-update-to-safe-haven-charter/

63-year-old Fleming McNiven from Broxburn spent 40 years sitting behind a desk as a chartered accountant before the desire to “give something back” took hold. “I never really enjoyed my work, but one thing I really did enjoy was the sense of community of being with people in the office. And so, when I retired, I wanted to get out and be with people. Also, I wanted to keep the brain cells going but really, I wanted to give something back.” So, when the chance to volunteer at St John’s Hospital in Livingston came up during Covid, he threw himself into it. Fleming works Tuesday mornings in the outpatient department for ophthalmology, diabetes, and podiatry and on a Thursday morning at the hospital’s main entrance reception. “I greet people as they come in, directing them if they're vulnerable or nervous. I think it's really good for them to see a friendly face. And when people are obviously distressed for any reason, we can support them by sympathetically showing them where to go or just talking to them. “I once took a lady up to the second floor in the hospital in the lift because she couldn’t use the stairs and was too scared to go in the lift on her own, so if I hadn't been there, she would have missed her appointment. I know that's very much appreciated because patients and visitors regularly come back to us to say thank you so much for helping them out. “I'm only there for a few hours a week, but they really do show appreciation and thank me.” Volunteering is vital to the NHS, but volunteer numbers halved to 3,000 since the Covid pandemic. To tackle this, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) , which is part of NHS Scotland established – and is now delivering - a business transformation programme to reshape Scotland’s NHS volunteering service. With shifting age demographics altering traditional engagement models, this initiative will deliver a modern, scalable, and digitally enabled volunteer service fit for the future. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) has collaborated with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) to shape and drive the transformation through co-developing a new model of volunteering. This will regenerate the service while broadening the scope of volunteering opportunities. It will also help demonstrate impact and value to individuals, communities and society. The result is a new national NHS Scotland Volunteering Service, underpinned by a market-leading Volunteer Management System (VMS), which will automate and streamline the volunteering processes. The collaboration used design innovation to develop a new business and operating model for volunteering, setting out an efficient, sustainable, national approach to the volunteering lifecycle. The transformed national service, underpinned by efficiencies enabled by the VMS, aims to double participation to 6,000 volunteers, together contributing over one million hours annually. The project is now entering the delivery stage, with HIS piloting the VMS in one board area in May, before rolling out to two further boards. Expected benefits include volunteer self-service through digital engagement to build capacity in NHS Scotland Volunteering teams and robust data collection and impact measurements to assure continued investment in volunteering. A crucial goal enabled through the changes is improving inclusivity of roles, expanding engagement across Scotland’s diverse communities to involve a wider range of volunteers. Fleming believes there are lots of reasons for youngsters in particular to get involved. “The young people I've been involved with who want to volunteer or who are maybe thinking of a career in the NHS get to see how the hospital works and meet the professionals to ask questions. So, I get to be an example to these young folk and that’s gratifying for me, because I've never really been involved in doing anything like that in my career. “Also, volunteering looks great on a CV and it's a tremendous experience of interacting with people of all ages and all abilities. Some kids are very nervous when they come in; their parents or a guidance teacher may have told them to do it and they're really not sure why they're there. But when they finish, they are more outgoing and more confident, and quite a few come back to be regular volunteers.” Government Support The programme is backed by the Scottish Government as part of its commitment to societal development, civic engagement, and sustainable healthcare. The economic value of NHS Scotland volunteering is projected to exceed £18 million over five years, reinforcing the social and economic importance of volunteering to the people and communities of Scotland. Health Secretary Neil Gray said, ‘Volunteers have played an important role in the health service for many years and the Scottish Government recognises and appreciates the contribution they make. “The new Volunteer Management System will help to make the process of recruiting volunteers more efficient and will help us to create volunteering opportunities that are flexible and responsive to the needs of NHS Scotland. I am particularly keen that we make volunteering available to a wider demographic of people, so that more people who would like to volunteer are able to do so.” “Our programme has the potential to offer more patients and families the chance to be supported by volunteers in a caring and compassionate way. It’s a major shift in volunteering, bringing more diverse opportunities and digital ways of engaging. For example, it could mean a student nurse in Aberdeen could volunteer during term time and then continue to volunteer back home in Glasgow during holidays. That could prove to be a real benefit.” said Dawn Fisher, at Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Bill Kendall, Lead Consultant at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, added, “This collaborative project represents a transformational shift in NHS Scotland Volunteering to provide more and higher quality opportunities for people to give their time freely to support others, ‘giving back’ to society and improving their well-being. Working together with NHS HIS, the volunteer management community and Scottish Government, we are transforming the service to a new, more scalable and flexible model, showcasing how business and digital change can deliver meaningful change for patients, volunteers and staff, and for our society.” As for Fleming, he says volunteering has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening things he’s ever done. “I see how busy the staff are at times, and I see the quality of the care and compassion that the nurses and doctor’s show. I'm seeing that human side of the NHS. When I say I'm just a volunteer, they say, ‘No, you really do add value’ and that's appreciated from my perspective. I really, really enjoy every shift.” The refreshed service and VMS digital toolset are being rolled out during 2025, with all Health Boards fully transitioned by May 2026. To find out more about the NHS Scotland Volunteering Programme: https://www.hisengage.scot/equipping-professionals/volunteering-in-nhs-scotland/ If you are interested in volunteering and giving back to your communities, go to: https://www.volunteer.scot.nhs.uk/

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is thrilled to offer Master's scholarships to support the development of future talent in the Digital Health and Social Care sector. Thanks to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), we are offering Master's scholarships in digital health and social care for the 2025-26 academic year. These scholarships, valued at £7,775 per place, are available for students starting their courses in September 2025 or January 2026. Applications will be processed by course convenors on behalf of the student. We encourage you to email us expressions of interest by the end of May. Please include the student's name, planned course of study, mode of study (full-time or part-time), and confirmation that the student meets the residency criteria. DHI will host a series of information sessions relating to these scholarship opportunities on May 14 and May 28. These sessions will take place between 1100 - 1140 and 1645 - 1730. The deadline for applicants is as follows: Courses starting in September 2025: 30 June 2025 Courses starting in January 2026: 31 August 2025 Find out more about the DHI Master’s Scholarship here or email us at: scholarships@dhi-scotland.com .

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) recently participated in the 'Creating Environments for Health, Care and Technology' symposium - a dynamic international event exploring how design and technology can shape the future of health and care environments.  Hosted at Politecnico di Milano , the symposium was a collaborative effort between several leading institutions: The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) - a founding partner of DHI - The Care Lab , ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering (Barcelona) , and Tsinghua University (Beijing) .    DHI’s design-led projects were featured throughout the day, highlighting how creative approaches are making a real impact. Don McIntyre , DHI’s Design Director, delivered a keynote, sharing insights into co-design and innovation in health and care. The event was organised by DHI Research Fellow, Sneha Raman , helping to bring together voices from across design, health, and technology.  The symposium underscored the power of international collaboration in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of health, care, and technology. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect, share ideas, and showcase how design-led innovation is making a real difference in healthcare

We are introducing an updated newsletter delivery schedule to better support our subscribers. This change is designed to improve your reading experience and offer earlier access to our latest updates, insights, and event information. What's changing? Starting in May, newsletter subscribers will enjoy exclusive access to the newsletter on the first Tuesday of each month. This means you will get access to all of the latest updates, insights, and event registration links before anyone else. Why the change? We value our subscribers and want to offer you something special. By providing early access with a two-day head start on public release, we aim to create a more tailored and exclusive experience for subscribers. Public release The newsletter will be shared publicly on our social media channels on the Thursday of the same week. How to subscribe Not yet subscribed? Click the button below to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox and gain early access each month. By subscribing, you will be joining a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about staying informed and connected with all things Digital Health and Social Care. Thank you We appreciate your continued support. Your engagement and feedback have been instrumental in helping us grow and improve, and we’re confident this change will enhance your experience.

The Chief Scientists Office (CSO) launched a national open innovation challenge aimed at innovating mental health services in Scotland on 22nd June 2022.  The aim of this challenge was to develop disruptive innovative solutions that deliver sustainable, accessible, and equitable mental health services, addressing one or more of the following areas: Young person’s challenge. Hard to reach populations (people with existing mental health conditions and/or people with a co-occurring condition e.g., sensory loss, alcohol, or substance issues). Patient centred care pathways. Treatment resistant conditions. Prioritisation of backlog. Organisations could apply for a share of £630,000 over a 2-phase competition. Phase 1 was allocated £180,000 for a maximum of 6 projects. Phase 2 was allocated £450,000 for a maximum of 3 projects.   Red Star/ NHS Glasgow Red Star worked with clinicians from NHS Glasgow to understand what they would like to see from a modern, data-driven clinical system to support mental health services. The team co-designed a solution with users which will provide a modern IT platform, which addresses NHS Scotland Mental Health Services priorities, including streamline pathways for ADHD diagnosis and care by offering a digital first approach addressing the needs of young people, pilot a pathway for ADHD diagnosis, enhance remote monitoring for people with eating disorders, capture of information and digital referrals through asynchronous assessments and triaging, enhance the communication between community mental health, specialist services and GPs, and the digitalisation of information in one system. Learn more about Red Star: https://redstar.ai/   Voxsio/ NHS Grampian Voxsio worked with NHS Grampian. Voxsio has created the disruptive digital health app UB-OK to give young people with gastrointestinal functional disorders access to evidence-based psychological therapies and support for their physical symptoms. Bypassing waitlists, UB-OK provides instant support, helping these young people to manage their physical and mental symptoms, creating better health outcomes. Voxsio has worked with young people and NHS clinicians to make UB-OK engaging, useful, and ethical. With colleagues in NHS Grampian, Tayside, Highland, and young people, Voxsio will now run a feasibility study based on the Medical Research Council framework. This study will establish early estimates of the efficacy of UB-OK and, importantly, prove how young people engage with the app. Learn more about Voxsio: https://voxsio.com/   Wysa/ NHS Lothian Wysa worked with NHS Lothian. Wysa aims to increase young people’s access to self-management support across Scotland whilst supporting services to receive referrals in a way that captures the voice of the young person and reduces the number of referrals that are rejected, improving services' capacity but most importantly improving the journey for young people. Wysa has launched a trusted AI-enabled mental health app in Northwest Edinburgh for students aged 12-18 years in a pilot study aiming to increase access to psychological self-management tools for young people. Full access to the Wysa platform provided students with a wide range of tools and resources to help address challenges young people often face, such as anxiety, sleep, stress, relationships, body image, and more. Learn more about Wysa: https://www.wysa.com/

A digital platform designed to help those at risk of falling has received funding to move into a trial phase.  The No Need To Fall project has been co-designed by people with lived experience of falls and the health and care staff who support them. Its effectiveness is currently being researched as part of a trial with 20   patients in Lanarkshire, in the hope it can eventually be rolled out further across the West of Scotland and nationally. The platform is being supported by the Health Foundation in the third phase of its trial, with earlier stages finding that many older people view falls as an inevitable part of ageing and often blame themselves when they occur. The project, which started in September 2023 and will run until the end of the year, explores how technology can be used to address and improve people’s daily care and support needs and the response if and when there is an incident.  No Need To Fall is being managed through the West of Scotland Innovation Hub (WoSIH), which is hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in partnership with West of Scotland health boards in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway and Forth Valley.  During phase three, a digital space will be provided for people to have information about themselves stored in ways that are secure and only they control in a Personal Data Store. Information will include their circle of care, preferences, values and emergency contacts, and the individual can then decide whether to share parts or all of the information with the teams they interact with. They will also be provided with a website which gives personalised community support and guidance.  The aim of the model is to help people better co-manage their health and care and to access support that allows them to stay well, and No Need To Fall also enables appropriate responses in the event of a fall.  Dr Ana Talbot, WoSIH Innovation Fellow for Frailty and Falls and Consultant in Older Adult Medicine with NHS Lanarkshire, is leading the project in collaboration with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships and the University of Strathclyde, as well as six local and national voluntary sector charities. Dr Talbot said: “Our No Need To Fall project is seeking to provide a digital solution that helps to prevent falls and is also empowering and supportive to the individual." “As we move into phase three, we will trial a Personal Data Store to shape and tailor the support offered.  “In collaboration with partner organisations, I am pleased we are moving forward with the next stage of this project to improve outcomes for people with the highest risk of falls.” Chaloner Chute , Chief Technology Officer, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, said: “This project is helping us understand how to support effective self-management for those at risk of falls. “Digital tools will allow us to better integrate support between the person, their family and other informal or formal care and support providers. “This should help us keep people thriving and independent in their own homes for longer and reduce pressures on strained public services.” Professor of Digital Health and Care at the University of Strathclyde, Marilyn Lennon, said: “It is important to evaluate how people feel about using digital health tools to ensure they are accessible and usable in practice for them to be a success. “The University of Strathclyde is leading an evaluation that will help capture what older adults and their informal carers think about the tool and also what might help make the tool work in practice to improve care for older adults." Click the arrows below to view the prototype gallery:

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) , on behalf of the Life and Chemical Sciences Skills Group, has produced a new resource aimed at supporting Life Sciences and Industrial Biotechnology companies to navigate the skills development support available to them throughout Scotland. The video has been developed as a direct response to recommendations from the first Scottish Life and Chemical Sciences Skills Summit held in September 2023 and hosted by Edinburgh Napier University , with support from Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance . It is thought that these outcomes, through further collaboration, may inform future planning, investment and policy making in pursuit of the identified opportunities. To see a summary of the outcomes from the summit, read the full report The animated resource developed by SDS serves as a guide to help find more information about: Apprenticeships College and University Courses SDS Employer Hub Innovation Centres and Regional Hubs Watch the film: If you liked this story, you'll love our e-newsletter! Get more stories like this, along with exclusive insights and updates, delivered straight to your inbox.

During the ITEC 2025 conference on March 17th and 18th, 2025, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre’s Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) was given a fantastic opportunity to highlight the great work of the programme and outline how they are transforming digital health and care in the Moray region of Scotland. ITEC 2025 is an annual conference hosted in Birmingham, UK, which brings together thought leaders, innovators, and experts to unlock insights and build knowledge to improve outcomes in the Technology Enabled Care sector. Speaking of the event, Marie Simpson , RCE Programme Manager, said, “It was heartening to see the passion and hear about the progress being made towards a nationally shared vision to transform health and care services through TEC. Thank you to all the exhibitors, there were some really interesting and innovative solutions and a clear desire from all to keep iterating their solutions. I made some great new connections and caught up with existing ones through the networking opportunities this conference creates.” Marie’s presentation particularly focused on the Community Connections platform for the Care in Place Living Lab and the progress made in the Smart Housing Smart Communities Living Lab. Marie commented, “It was fantastic to be able to update on the significant progress being made by [the RCE] at one of yesterday’s knowledge and networking sessions. The feedback received was amazing and testimony to the hard work of the team to drive health and care transformation at a whole system level, tackling key issues such as citizen difficulty finding the right service at the right time, siloed working across organisations leading to the need for frequent repetition of information, and a proposed pathway and tools to move services from reactive to proactive and preventative TEC”. As part of her presentation, Marie also premiered a new video created to highlight the support Community Connections offers to stakeholders in the Care in Place Living Lab. Watch it below. Learn more about the Rural Centre of Excellence and the Living Labs . If you liked this story, you'll love our newsletter! Get more stories like this, along with exclusive insights and updates, delivered straight to your inbox.

Last month, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), in collaboration with College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC), was delighted to organise the first ever Social Care Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. Over three weeks (from 26th February to the 14th March 2025) this first-of-its-kind training (delivered in-person by Stuart McDowall from City of Glasgow College) equipped social care professionals with the skills to think entrepreneurially and apply innovative approaches to their work. The final day saw participants pitch their own innovation proposals - something many couldn’t have imagined doing just weeks before! The programme demonstrated the power of networking, collaboration, and ecosystem building. Participants left with a stronger understanding of innovation—not just as a concept but as a structured process that can drive real change in social care. Key takeaways included: Recognising that innovation is more than just technology - it’s also about service and organisational improvement. Understanding how innovation can help navigate sector challenges, such as mergers and restructuring. Collaboration is crucial – networking and ecosystem building were highlighted as essential elements of driving change within the sector. Overcoming Barriers to Innovation However, despite the enthusiasm for innovation, structural barriers remain. Many social care organisations face tight budgets, making it difficult to invest in new initiatives. There’s also a common misconception that innovation is purely about technology, which can deter participation. To address this, future training may need to be framed around service or quality improvement rather than just ‘innovation’, making it more relatable and accessible to a wider audience. Looking Ahead: A New Era for Social Care Innovation The Social Care Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp demonstrated that innovation is not just a buzzword—it is a necessity for the future of social care. The enthusiasm, ideas, and confidence generated through this training are just the beginning. With ongoing support and refinement, initiatives like this can empower social care professionals to drive meaningful change in their organisations and beyond. As we reflect on this milestone, one thing is clear: innovation is the lifeline for social care, and the journey is just getting started. If you liked this story, you'll love our newsletter! Get more stories like this, along with exclusive insights and updates, delivered straight to your inbox.