SSCN expanding with new management positions

A part-time Chief Executive Officer and a full-time Business Relationship Manager will be appointed to help the Edinburgh-based not-for-profit company with its aims to improve the rate at which stem cell research translates to therapeutic benefits for patients with degenerative diseases.

The SSCN, launched in 2003 with support from Scottish Enterprise, has made excellent progress since its formation and now has over 900 members in the UK and overseas.

It has formed positive links with the life sciences sector and successfully stages regular public information events to stimulate debate and increase understanding of the issues surrounding stem cell research as well as stem cells’ potential use in medicine.

With new European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) secured - match funded by Scottish Enterprise - covering the next three years, SSCN believes the new management set-up will help it build on its successes to date.

Now it is seeking to increase further both revenue and income, and to attract additional sponsorship and external funding, which have been identified by the SSCN Board as key issues in the coming years. 

The new additions to the management team will further support and improve the SSCN overall as it positions itself for, hopefully, significant growth including new members.

“This is an exciting time for regenerative medicine and these two new appointments will demonstrate SSCN’s determination to promote and support the world-leading work in stem cell research taking place in Scotland,” said Dr Marilyn Robertson, who will be Director of Operations under the new set-up.

“The SSCN is in an undoubtedly strong position but these two important appointments will help us become even more robust, effective and competitive while enhancing our reputation and role not only in Scotland but worldwide.” 

The first-ever CEO for SSCN will be responsible primarily for business strategy planning and implementation while forging new links with industry.

Rhona Allison, Senior Director Life Sciences at Scottish Enterprise, said: "Collaboration is key to the continued success of the life sciences strategy and the Scottish Stem Cell Network is an excellent example of academic, clinical and industry based research groups in Scotland working together to enhance the life sciences sector in Scotland. 

“The SSCN has already made significant achievements since its launch in 2003 and the creation of these two new positions is an important step in its goal to achieve self-sustainability in the future."

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About The Scottish Stem Cell Network (SSCN)
SSCN is the Edinburgh-based, not-for-profit organisation, with funding from Scottish Enterprise that brings together scientists, academics, clinicians and businesses to help in the advance of stem cell biology towards new treatments for degenerative diseases.  SSCN was launched in 2003 with support from Scottish Enterprise.