Uzma Khan has been appointed as Vice-Principal Economic Development and Innovation for a four-year term, from 1 August 2022. Uzma will also continue in her roles as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Strategic Planning.

In March 2022, arrangements were announced to take forward the Innovation remit at Senior Management Group level, following Bonnie Dean’s retirement. Uzma Khan was appointed on an interim basis as Vice-Principal Economic Development and Innovation and Professor Chris Pearce was asked to broaden his portfolio to include Knowledge Exchange and Research Impact – with his title changing to Vice-Principal Research and Knowledge Exchange. These arrangements have now been confirmed, and as Vice-Principal, Uzma will take forward not only the Innovation remit but also the University’s plans for the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) and the key role the University plays in relation to economic development. This remit aligns with Uzma’s experience and background in economic development. 

Uzma and Chris will continue to work closely with the teams in Research and Innovation Services (led by Bryony Wakefield and Declan Weldon) as well as College and senior management colleagues to progress the University’s ambitions as set out in the Research Strategy and Innovation Strategy. 

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli said: “Uzma has already brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the University since joining us in 2020 and I am pleased that she has been appointed as Vice-Principal Economic Development and Innovation for a four-year term. Uzma will play a key role in developing our ambitions as a civic university that exists for the benefit of the city of Glasgow and beyond, and she has demonstrated great leadership and ingenuity so far in advancing the University’s innovation agenda and plans for the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID).

"The University is one of the largest contributors to the region’s economy and I am certain Uzma will continue to evolve our approach to economic development so that we continue to build strong partnerships with industry, government and, importantly, stakeholders in our local community.

I look forward to working with Uzma in the months and years ahead,  and I wish her the best of luck as she takes up her four-year term.“

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Newly appointed Vice-Principal Economic Development and Innovation, Uzma Khan

Uzma Khan said:
“I am delighted to be taking on this role as VP Economic Development and Innovation.  Working closely with Declan Weldon, Executive Director of Innovation and Enterprise, we will be engaging across the University and with Colleges to clearly set out, and deliver on our ambitions for improving innovation performance across a range of dimensions.  This will include a focus on commercialisation and increasing quality spin-outs, enhancing our strategic partnerships and engagement with industry, and in supporting the development of major innovation projects.  

In taking this forward, we will also re-visit our approach to the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, aligning this closely to the University Strategy 2025 vision on community, connectivity and in addressing societal challenges.  Our innovation services directorate will be restructured to provide dedicated professional support in helping the University to realise these ambitions.”

 

First published: 15 August 2022

<< 16 August 2022