James Hutton Limited commercial director shortlisted for Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award

“This is testament to the breadth and quality of the research base at the James Hutton Institute, coupled with the excellent links we have established with companies the length and breadth of Scotland as well as overseas.

Dr Jonathan Snape, Commercial Director of our subsidiary James Hutton Limited, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge Exchange category of the inaugural Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by Interface. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday 25th February.

Dr Snape has made a sustained contribution to knowledge exchange in Scotland for more than 18 years through his role as Commercial Director for Mylnefield Research Services Ltd and latterly James Hutton Ltd. He has been an ambassador for KE in Scotland for many years, not only between academia and business but also through raising aspirations of school children and raising awareness among politicians.

He has also had a major impact on the uptake of Innovate UK funding by Scottish companies, especially in the AgriTech sector. As a consequence of this funding, a range of molecular markers have been developed for the breeding of soft fruit and potatoes for Scottish growers, leading to new varieties and helping maintain their reputation for world-class produce.

On being shortlisted, Dr Snape commented: “This is testament to the breadth and quality of the research base at the James Hutton Institute, coupled with the excellent links we have established with companies the length and breadth of Scotland as well as overseas.”

The categories of the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards are:

• Innovation of the Year: For an innovative product, process or service that has been developed with a university or research institution.
• Building Skills Award:  Recognising Postgraduate students or Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associates who have worked within a business on a specific project to increase innovation within the company.
• Sustained Partnership: For a partnership that has demonstrated long-term benefits to both the business and the academic teams.
• Multi-Party Award: Recognising groups and consortia across all industry sectors that demonstrate innovation and impact through working together while also having a significant benefit to each party.
• Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge Exchange: Recognises an individual who has played a pivotal role in knowledge exchange in Scotland.

You can find a full list of finalists in all categories on the Interface website.