Candidates for next election

Proposed by Dr Luis Soares, PhD 2018

Seconded by Mr Nisheeth Srivastava, MSc 2011

As CEO of IIT of Kanpur Incubator and AI Center, India’s largest tech incubator, and a Fellow at the University of Cambridge’s CRSD, I possess unique insights into global innovation networks. With my PhD from the University of Edinburgh, I deeply understand the Scottish academic environment and its potential for international collaboration. Leveraging this, I aim to enhance the University of Edinburgh’s global engagement, particularly in technology and sustainability.

Proposed by Rev Dr Harriet  Anne Harris

Seconded by Professor Sarah Prescott 

My main contribution to the Business Committee would be on international and/or postgraduate matters: I have represented the University in China and worked extensively in Asia and the USA. I chaired the postgraduate report for the curriculum transformation project for the University. I served as Professor and Head of Moray House from October 2019 to October 2022. This position enabled me to work at high levels within the University, attending Senate and (by invitation) Court as well as to engage in the strategic and day-to-day management of a large School within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Proposed by Mr Rohan Mowgli Dodhia, BA 2015

Seconded by Mr Timothy Silvester, MA 2016

My expertise across UK and Scottish Governments from working on Housing, Trade, Economy, Health and Employability could directly contribute to the wide-ranging objectives of the Business Committee. I can bring my experience of good governance and delivering impact to this role immediately. I am passionate about the University of Edinburgh and would like to see its students excel in a range of sectors and industries. I would like to prioritise connecting Scottish businesses with students to mutually benefit from each other.

Proposed by Ms Lisa Noelle Mackenzie, MSc 2013

Seconded by Dr Katherine Helen Murray, MSc 2010; PhD 2015

As a former Head of Higher Education in the Scottish Government, I have a long-time interest in how universities meet the substantial challenges they face. Since leaving the senior civil service, I have researched and published on higher education, especially funding and access, recently completing a PhD at the University on student finance, with an interest also in questions of academic freedom. I have lived in Edinburgh for many years and have a child at a LEAPS programme school. I would welcome the opportunity to use my experience to help the University flourish as a local, national and international institution.

Proposed by Mr Kenneth Young, LLB 1995

Seconded by Ms Candice Donnelly, LLB 2005; Dip LP 2006

King’s Counsel at the Scots Bar, with wide experience of commercial work. Originally from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Was a part-time tutor and lecturer at Edinburgh. Holds non-executive posts in private, public and charitable sectors. Attended Harvard twice (LLM student 2001-2002; Visiting Scholar 2018-19). Can contribute legal, business, academic and analytical skills, informed by that background.

Member of the Business Committee (2020-2024); Convener, Finance and Services Standing Sub-Committee (2022-2024).

Proposed by Dr Mary Gunn, LLM 2014

Seconded by Mr Jeken Harry Andrew Elwin, BSc 1988

Fraser is a leading Interim Supply Chain and Technology Director, with operational and board experience across a wide range of industry sectors, from eye-care to the MoD, the drinks industry to the Royal Mint. He is also a board member and investor in an eyewear start-up company.

Throughout his career, Fraser has acknowledged the part his time at UoE played and has been keen to nurture and encourage graduates in the workplace, including redesign of graduate recruitment at The Boots Group. He has tutored business school MSc students, and mentored young professionals with the Institute of Engineering and Technology. 

Proposed by Mrs Kirsty Joan MacGregor MA 1981; MBA 2001

Seconded by The Hon Lady Sarah Poyntell LaBudde Wolffe KC, LLB 1989

I believe that my extensive experience in medicine, professional bodies and chairing committees could be of great value to the Council. I worked in Malawi and as a general practitioner and educator in Scotland for many years. I was Chair, Royal College of GPs in Scotland from 2010 to 2014 and deputy director of the Scottish School of Primary Care 2015-2019. www.sspc.ac.uk. I speak Scottish Gaelic. In 2018, I was asked by the Scottish Government and Scottish Medical Schools Board to chair a report on increasing GP input into undergraduate medical education in Scotland, involving communications across all Scottish medical schools.

Proposed by Ms Krystyna Irena Szumelukowa, MPhil 2006

Seconded by Professor Stephen Gilbert Hillier OBE, DSc 1992

Originally a mathematical physicist, I returned to the Business School to prepare me for general management.  My career has spanned both private and public sectors including: IT Director of Edinburgh City Council, Best Value Inspector, Strategic Finance Director, Change Management Consultant and Chair of a Community Council. I enjoyed my previous service on the Business Committee and wish to contribute more from a graduate perspective. This fine University is leading the world with its Futures Institute, Data-Driven Innovation and exciting City Region Deal. Let me help the Business Committee deal with these challenging areas and others on your behalf.

Proposed by Dr Mary Gunn, LLM 2014

Seconded by Mr Jonathan McGlynn, BSc 1988

I have spent over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, in both large pharma as well as CROs. Over the past 7 years my work has focussed on partnerships with VC funds and private equity groups who invest in biotech companies, and I believe that this experience could help bridge the academic and commercial worlds. As a member of the Business Committee, I could, for instance, help foster relationships between de novo life science companies spinning out of the university, and potential investors.

Proposed by Mr Marcus Evans, LLB 1996

Seconded by Mrs Sarah Skinner, MA 1995

I am proud to be a graduate of Edinburgh having had a very enjoyable four years there, particularly when leading the University fencing team. My degree started me on my journey into communications, and I currently lead my own corporate communications and government relations consultancy with 30 consultants working across all four nations, Ireland and Brussels. I hope that my near 30 years’ experience in communications, including a period as an elected politician, means that I can contribute to the Business Committee particularly as I have experience of advising clients in the FE and wider education sector.

Proposed by Dr Miriam Claire Gamble

Seconded by Miss Olivia Grace Thomakos, MSc 2022

I graduated in 2022 in Creative Writing. As an international student with experience in education and communication, I believe I can contribute to the University’s role on the global scene. My priority is to support Edinburgh’s international community of students in all the challenges that they may face.

Proposed by Professor Stephen Gilbert Hillier OBE, DSc 1992

Seconded by Dr Donald Bruce Nelson, MBA 1990

I have been a member of the Business Committee for over three years and been glad to contribute to the present and future direction of the university.  As a biochemist I have spent a long career, mostly at the University of Edinburgh, in all areas of academic life with significant contributions to research, teaching and management.  Through working with the Academic Standing Committee, and being invited to become its next convener, I would like to continue to help enhance the experience of our large and diverse student population.  I hope that you give me the chance to do so.

Proposed by Mr Richard Fitzpatrick, BSc 2013; MSc 2016; PhD 2021

Seconded by Mrs Sheila Ross, MA 1977

Having started my working life at the University, implementing the current website system, I’d enjoy being able to influence the direction of the University through Committee membership.

My experience in IT since then has given me a grounding in the challenges and opportunities that face organisations as they go through periods of change and transformation. This ranges from implementing and designing solutions to sitting on governance bodies. I feel this puts me in a good position to constructively contribute both to the specific IT aspects that have been identified as being required but also across all the committee’s responsibilities.