Director Interface –The knowledge connection for business

Following graduation in Biotechnology and process engineering from Dublin City University, Ireland, Siobhán studied for a PhD in the Department of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin in human genetics. Moving to Edinburgh in 1994 she took up a position as a senior researcher directing a programme in cell and developmental biology at the Medical Research Council, Human Genetics Unit and the University of Edinburgh. 

Siobhán joined the Proof of Concept Programme, Scottish Enterprise in 2001 where she managed the application and award processes being responsible for ensuring that those leading edge technologies which are capable of commercialisation within Scotland were identified and financially supported. She was also responsible for managing the annual awards ceremony, recruitment campaign and legal processes for the funding offers. Siobhán also developed programmes to facilitate networking and mentoring of female entrepreneurs amongst the Proof of Concept Programme Associates. 

In August 2005 she has become the Director of INTERFACE – The knowledge connection for business, an initiative being supported by Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government. Interface provides a central point of access for industry and commercial organisations to the Scottish research base representing all Scottish Universities, Higher Education Institutions and the Scottish Research Institutes.  As a group, the Scottish Universities and Research Institutes represent a huge store of skills, expertise and resources with many academic staff and research associates available for consultancy work. Interface supports companies and individuals in providing information and facilitating introductions in response to enquiries regarding the specialist expertise that is available; including research capabilities, consultancy, technology, access to equipment, facilities etc. See www.interface-online.org.uk

Siobhán is currently a member of the the Scottish Funding Council’s Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Group, Scotland Food and Drink Innovation Group and Chemcial Sciences Scotland Innovation Group. She enjoys reading, theatre and running as well as modern Scottish Art.