Lord Dunlop: Value of Scottish research and innovation shouldn’t be underestimated

“The importance of research and innovation in British society really can’t be underestimated. It is what helps us to solve problems and develop the tools and technologies to advance in the world.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Lord Dunlop, held a roundtable discussion today at the James Hutton Institute's Invergowrie site near Dundee, on the implications of Brexit for research and innovation.

Lord Dunlop was joined by Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, alongside colleagues from across the wider research and innovation community.

Speaking in advance of discussions, Professor Campbell said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lord Dunlop and colleagues from the sector to our Institute. Brexit is a key issue for the research and innovation community, which is very international, so it is great to have an opportunity to compare notes and discuss issues in the round.

"The meeting is also a good opportunity to meet with representatives from the wider research and innovation community, particularly from an industry perspective.”  

After the meeting, Lord Dunlop commented:“The importance of research and innovation in British society really can’t be underestimated. It is what helps us to solve problems and develop the tools and technologies to advance in the world.

“That’s why I was pleased to meet with a wide variety of people from the sector to discuss the impact of the forthcoming negotiations to leave the EU. I heard about their current priorities and their thoughts about the future, as well as reassuring them that the UK Government is listening to what is important to them as we prepare to leave the EU.”

Notes to editors:

The following organisations were represented at the roundtable discussion:

• University of Aberdeen
• Offshore Renewable Catapult
• Scottish Engineering
• Oil & Gas Technology
• Centre University of Edinburgh
• University of Stirling
• Medical Research Council
• Edinburgh Bioquarter
• Scottish Renewables
• University of Dundee
• Heriot-Watt University
• Scottish Lifesciences Association
• Astrostat
• Synthetic Biology Research Centre
• Green Investment Bank
• University of Strathclyde
• Biocity Scotland