Heriot-Watt shortlisted for six Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards

Heriot-Watt University has been shortlisted for six awards at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, delivered by Interface. The shortlist reflects the scale and range of the University’s knowledge exchange activity, from enabling new capabilities in advanced manufacturing and logistics, to community-led innovation that delivers tangible societal benefit.

Shortlisted entries

Innovator of the future: two routes from research to real-world impact

Heriot-Watt has secured two shortlist places in the Innovator of the future category, reflecting the breadth of its enterprising research and the different pathways through which ideas become impact.

Professor Michael Crichton and spinout TissueMetrics Ltd are recognised for translating research into a new health technology venture, developing vibroacoustic sensing that could improve how inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are assessed and managed.

Alongside this, Dr Ross Sanders and Diageo are shortlisted for an industry-facing collaboration focused on innovation for the brewing and distilling sector, applying academic expertise to practical challenges and performance improvements within a globally significant industry for Scotland.

Multiparty collaboration: 5G future farming robotics

A consortium bringing together The National Robotarium, The James Hutton Institute, The Scotland 5G Centre, Tay 5G, Freshwave Group and Boston Dynamics has been shortlisted for work pioneering autonomous farming in rural environments. The collaboration integrates private 5G networks with advanced robotics to tackle connectivity challenges and support more sustainable, productive precision agriculture, with a model that could translate into other sectors including energy, construction and emergency response.

Knowledge exchange hero: Emma Perfect, Business Development Manager, Heriot-Watt University

Emma Perfect has been shortlisted in recognition of her behind-the-scenes leadership supporting knowledge exchange across the University’s partnerships portfolio. Since 2022, she has supported over half of Heriot-Watt’s KTP and Interface projects, while strengthening internal processes and mentoring colleagues to help more collaborations move from first conversation to real-world delivery.

Making a social difference: Justisigns2 (J2) and SILENT HARM, Police Scotland and Heriot-Watt University

This shortlisted partnership recognises work improving access to support and information for deaf women when reporting domestic abuse. Led by Professor Jemina Napier, training and an integrated suite of resources were developed with Police Scotland, co-created with community members and representative organisations.

Place-based impact: Listening to Scotland’s future – West Lothian and youth AI & robotics engagement, Heriot-Watt University and West Lothian Council

Heriot-Watt and West Lothian Council have been shortlisted for a collaboration placing young people and families at the heart of Scotland’s conversation on AI and robotics. Through community workshops, national debate activity and a Youth Advisory Panel with young people from the region and beyond, the project supports local voices to shape how emerging technologies influence their lives and strengthens the region’s contribution to national decision-making.

Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said:

“Each of these shortlist places speaks to enterprising research in action; teams working with partners to solve real problems, at pace, and at scale. We’re seeing collaboration across global challenges, from net zero-driven innovation in advanced manufacturing, logistics and connectivity, to inclusive solutions shaped through community co-creation and engagement. It’s also a strong signal of our innovation pipeline, with successfully created companies and spinouts represented on the shortlist, showing how research translation can create new products, services and jobs here in Scotland, and internationally.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said:

“What stood out this year was the strength of collaboration across sectors. We’re seeing businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations working with colleges, research institutions and universities in ways that are delivering real impact for Scotland, from tackling net zero challenges to improving health and well-being. That’s exactly what these awards are here to recognise.”

About the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards

Now in their 11th year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by Interface, shine a spotlight on innovative partnerships between business, the third sector, the public sector and academia. The awards recognise and reward exceptional collaborations that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Scotland. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony due to take place at the Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on 19th March.

Businesses and organisations interested in knowledge exchange projects, innovation support or R&D collaboration with Heriot-Watt University can explore opportunities and get in touch via our Innovation page.