ERI head to step down

Derek Waddell, the long-serving head of Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI), is to step down after 10 years at the company’s helm.

Mr Waddell was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ERI, the University’s research and commercialisation arm, in 2005.

He has spent a total of 27 years at the University, having joined UnivEd Technologies, the forerunner of ERI, in 1988 as European Contracts Manager.

ERI’s Company Secretary and Head of Finance & Operations, Ian Lamb, will become acting Chief Operating Officer, with effect from 15 April.

Great success

In 1999, Mr Waddell was appointed Deputy Director of the newly formed ERI, after UnivEd merged with the University’s Research Support division.

In 2005, he was made Director of Research Services and Commercialisation at the University, and Chief Executive Officer of ERI.

During Mr Waddell’s time in charge of ERI, the company has become one of the world’s leading technology transfer offices, recently placing 18th in the 2014 Global University Venturing Rankings.

A number of successful company formation initiatives including the Edinburgh Pre-Incubator Scheme and LAUNCH.ed, and Old College Capital, the University’s venture investment arm, were established by ERI under his leadership.

Derek has been a loyal member of staff throughout his 27-year career. He has led ERI with great success and has contributed significantly to the reputation of the University at an international level.