Jeane Freeman, the former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport in the Scottish Government, is to join the University of Glasgow in a key role within the University’s College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS).

Ms Freeman, who stood down from her post in May 2021 and didn’t stand in the last Holyrood election, takes up the part time role of Ambassador for Community Engagement, Public Health and Innovation for the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences with immediate effect.

Ms Freeman will bring a wealth of expertise in community engagement to the University. She will play an active role in the pioneering £91m Living Laboratory project in Govan, which, via collaboration with the NHS and industry partners, will see the acceleration of world-changing research into a real-world clinical setting.

Ms Freeman was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Carrick, Cumnock and the Doon Valley from 2016-2021. She was Minister for Social Security from May 2016-June 2018 and was Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport from June 2018 until May 2021.

Ms Freeman said: “I am delighted to join the University of Glasgow, and the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, in this new position of Ambassador for Community Engagement, Public Health and Innovation. The University leads many world-changing projects all poised to create real-world impact for people, locally, nationally and internationally. I am particularly excited to play a role in the Living Laboratory project in Govan, where working together with all partners, we can realise health benefits for patients and our NHS.”

The College of MVLS is home to over 2,500 staff and over 7,000 students and has a turnover exceeding £200m per annum. The College is involved in a wide range of strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders, partners and industry collaborators, with a vision for innovation and translational research that will provide world-changing improvements in health and bring economic growth to the city of Glasgow.

Prof Iain McInnes, University of Glasgow Vice-Principal and Head of the College of MVLS, said; “We are absolutely delighted that someone of Ms Freeman’s calibre will be joining the College. Ms Freeman’s experience will be a very welcome addition to the University, and we are confident that it will help us achieve our ambitious aims across a wide-range of innovative projects to improve the health and lives of the people in Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.”

The appointment was also welcomed by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, who said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Ms Freeman to the University of Glasgow, in what will be an important role that harnesses her expertise in health policy and community engagement. Ms Freeman’s background as one of Scotland’s most prominent and respected politicians, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be invaluable in making a success of this new role."

Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831

First published: 16 February 2022

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