The Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE), which promotes enterprise education for science, engineering and technology students and business start-ups in Scotland’s higher education sector, has appointed Sharon Bamford to be its new Director. She will take up the post in early May 2003.
Ms Bamford joins SIE from her current position as Director of the Edinburgh Technopole, the University of Edinburgh’s Science and Technology Park where she has taken a leading role in driving forward the £100 million science park development and its many research and commercialisation projects.
Sir Alan Langlands, Chairman of SIE, said: "We are delighted to have appointed such an experienced, forward-thinking and capable individual to take SIE forward. Sharon has direct experience of working in both business and academia, and her valuable insight and understanding of the issues we’re working with make her ideally suited to this role.
"SIE has achieved a great deal in promoting the spirit of enterprise in Scotland’s universities. Most notably, it has been successful in expanding its activities across all 13 universities and two Higher Education Institutions. Two major initiatives - SIE’s Business Plan Competition and Student Patent Fund have been launched, and the number of new student start-ups has exceeded our targets.
"Improving the enterprise culture in Scotland’s universities and colleges remains a key challenge for SIE and will require sustained effort over the next five or six years. To this end, we will continue to invest in enterprise education and commercialisation services to an increasing percentage of the student population."
Sharon Bamford said: "I am delighted to be joining SIE and I look forward to the challenge of ensuring its continued success. Extensive work has already been done to improve collaboration in and among the academic and entrepreneurial communities. Building strong relationships and world class educational programmes will continue to be at the top of my agenda.
"Support has to come from all sides to ensure continued growth in the number of nascent entrepreneurs coming from the Scottish higher education base. Importantly, I will do all I can to ensure this dynamic organisation has a sustainable future."
Ms Bamford will succeed Carl Togneri whose secondment from Scottish Enterprise ends on March 14th. Commenting on Carl’s achievements, Sir Alan Langlands said:
"Carl Togneri has been the real driving force in SIE. By establishing first rate education programmes, expanding the influence of SIE and building a bridge between higher education and the entrepreneurial communities in Scotland, she has set a clear direction for the future. She is universally respected and will be greatly missed. I wish her well on her return to Scottish Enterprise."
Further information:
Joanna Downie, TVI - T: 0141 552 9877 Email: joanna@tvi-ltd.co.uk
By Jenny Marra, Press Officer 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk