Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd (previously Toshiba Medical Visualization Systems Europe Ltd) in Edinburgh is a key part of Canon Medical Systems Corporation’s global R&D network and is responsible for the design and development of cutting edge products and technology for use in medical imaging equipment.
The Business Challenge
Keen to tap into the expertise available within academia, Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd became aware of Interface at an event and arranged further meetings to discuss the company’s research and development requirements.
A specification was agreed and Interface undertook an expertise search for potential academic collaborators.
Ian Poole, Senior Scientist commented, “Interface offers companies access to a diverse network of world class expertise and plays a vital role in facilitating the partnerships.”
Interface identified the knowledge and facilities required within the SINAPSE POOL.
SINAPSE, the Scottish imaging network, is at the forefront of research in the field of brain imaging and brings together six of Scotland’s top universities – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Stirling.
Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd recognised the opportunity to capitalise on the extensive expertise within SINAPSE and was keen work with the group.
The Solution
Interface worked with SINAPSE and Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd to develop a successful Staff Exchange Programme with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Aberdeen.
Both parties have experienced significant benefits from this collaboration. The programme is a true example of successful knowledge exchange between academia which involves Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd employees spending time in a clinical environment and SINAPSE researchers and students spending time at the company premises embedded in an industrial environment.
Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd were able to explore with researchers the different technologies, techniques and approaches which can be used to develop images that may result in new or improved clinical diagnosis. The programme also provides university researchers with the opportunity to see how their research can be transformed into marketable products within an industry environment, building awareness of the tough requirements involved with commercial software. In addition the programme acts as a catalyst for innovation within Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd in providing an environment which is conducive to exploring new ideas.
Two Engineering Students at the University of Edinburgh also undertook placement at Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd.
The Future
The initial partnership between SINAPSE and Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd continues to flourish and has led to discussions regarding a larger collaboration which will build on the current project. The company has also announced its decision to launch a major new R&D programme in healthcare imaging informatics at its Edinburgh facility.
Ken Sutherland, Director of R&D at Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd’s Edinburgh facility commented, “Its great that we can tap into some of the first class academic research going on here in Scotland and at the same time play a useful role by sifting and highlighting those aspects of research that look most promising in terms of commercially viable innovation”.
Dr. Siobhán Jordan, Director at Interface commented, “The Staff Exchange Programme further demonstrates the importance and potential benefits of business and academia working in partnership. I am sure the recent news announced by Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd will present future potential collaborative opportunities between the two networks.”
Alan joined the team in November 2014 as Systems and Finance Manager having worked in the charity sector for nearly 20 years.
An Engineering with Management graduate from Napier University Alan has a wealth of experience in developing and supporting IT infrastructure as well as providing bespoke management reporting systems, primarily for finance and HR.
He has an established background in software development with .Net (C#) and Java, building web based software as well as Android application development.
He is keen to promote autism awareness whenever he can and in his spare time he likes photography (landscapes and wildlife mainly), walking and watching football.
Meet Amelia Whitelaw, Interface’s Director. She joins the team with a wealth of experience, previously working as the Executive Director of the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development at London Business School (LBS). The Wheeler Institute seeks to apply business expertise and research to social and economic challenges in developing countries. Amelia brings to her leadership position success with leading academic institutions in developing, promoting and implementing multi-organisational and international collaborative programmes.
Amelia, in her roles at LBS, as the former Executive Director of Global Outreach and Director Global Experiences, leveraged the School’s work and networks to increase the profile of the School, to generate interest in degree programmes, and to create unique learning experiences. In collaboration with faculty, senior alumni and business leaders, Amelia established the experiential learning programme that allowed students practical application in live settings, the contextualisation of business knowledge and experience, and increased exposure to developing countries and micro trends. Prior to joining LBS, she provided the vice chancellor and other senior executives of The Australian National University (ANU) with strategic, operational and policy support in developing its international programme. Amelia was also representing the ANU on the east coast of the US and developed the management framework for the secretariat of the International Alliance of Research Universities. This alliance has been highly productive in developing a portfolio of global summer programmes for students, strong research programmes and improving benchmarking across institutions.
Amelia graduated from The University of Edinburgh Business School with a MBA with distinction, and holds a Bachelor of Arts.
Elaine is part of the Interface Marketing Team, with a responsibility for promoting the work that Interface do via the website and social media, developing case studies, managing events and reinforcing the Interface brand.
Elaine comes to Interface with 25+ years (ahem started very young) experience gained in various marketing and communications roles across the private, public and third sectors including Phillips BCS, Scottish Enterprise, Quality Scotland and Beatson Cancer Charity.
Outside of work Elaine likes to spend time with friends and family, cooking and eating out, and doing yoga. She also works on a part-time basis and volunteers, when possible, for the Beatson Cancer Charity. It’s her way of giving back and helping others following her own cancer journey in 2018
Glen joined the Interface team as a Marketing Executive in August 2021. He brought with him an enthusiasm for digital marketing, an appetite for creative copy, and a desire to maximise Interface’s online potential.
In 2015 Glen graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in Cinema and Photography. Since then he has worked with several companies to raise brand awareness and generate leads. Over this time, he has created social media strategies, developed and optimised websites, produced visual media and written content, as well as managed live events and webinars.
Glen enjoys baking and is a big fan of all things sweet; you can often find him in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. To balance this out, he’s also an avid cyclist and likes riding his bike up into the Pentlands.
Howell is part of the Interface Leadership Team heading up Strategic Programmes to develop collaborative models and scalable programmes that embed academic expertise into Scotland’s priority sectors, regional economies, and system-wide initiatives. Overseeing programmes that bring business and academia together across Creative Industries, Food & Drink, Immersive Technology and Tourism, Howell has delivered funding programmes on Net Zero, Healthier Product Innovation and Inward Investment. Outside of Interface, Howell sits on the Board of Directors for Newbattle Abbey College and the Management Board for CoSTAR Realtime Lab.
Howell initially joined Interface in 2012 to bring in his expertise in Food & Drink to support sector led activities. Prior to joining Interface, Howell graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Business Management with Food Marketing from Wye College, University of London and has spent most of his career working for Scottish food and drink companies and Economic Development Agencies.
Outside of work, he loves spending time with the family, attempting to keep a golf ball on the fairway and reminiscing about the good old days of Welsh rugby.
Heather is Head of Marketing & Operations and has been with Interface since 2014.
Heather champions Scottish innovation and the benefits that business academic partnerships can bring. She leads a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, programme support, administration, and delivery coordination.
A passionate and experienced senior marketing and communications professional Heather has over 18 years experience delivering integrated and multi-channel campaigns. Prior to joining Interface Heather held positions with a Scottish tech company and holds a BA (HONS) in Marketing from the University of Stirling.
Laura is an Innovation Engagement Lead at Interface, where she connects businesses with Scotland’s academic expertise to drive innovation, productivity and inclusive economic growth. With a strong focus on student placements and academic engagement, she supports organisations across all sectors in accessing the knowledge, research capabilities, and specialist facilities within universities and research institutes.
Building on her previous experience as a Business Engagement Officer, and with over 15 years in customer service management in the finance and retail sectors, Laura brings a people-first approach to relationship building. She works closely with businesses to understand their challenges, helps shape project ideas, and facilitates connections to the most relevant academic partners. Her role also includes supporting clients in navigating funding opportunities and working with partner organisations to ensure a joined-up, effective service.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys exploring the countryside with her husband Ryan and dog Charlie, getting creative with crafting and the occasional day at the races.
Laura is Associate Director, Innovation Engagement at Interface. She has been with Interface since 2014 as Head of Business Engagement and held the position of Interim Director in 2022.
With over 20 years’ experience in knowledge exchange and business development Laura is passionate about knowledge exchange and inclusivity. She brings a wealth of experience in developing and implementing strategies to engage with businesses and organisations across Scotland, the UK and Internationally.
Interface plays a unique role bringing businesses and Scotland’s world class academic community together. These partnerships stimulate innovation and drive economic, social and environmental activity and Laura has been a driving force of this activity.
Prior to joining Interface Laura worked at Edinburgh Innovations Ltd (formally Edinburgh Research and Innovation) and before that held positions in oil and gas and financial services.
Laura is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University with a BA in Business Information Management.