With a reputation spanning over 100 years, East Kilbride based Mentholatum are a recognised leader in the sale of Topical Pain Relief products.
The Business Challenge
Looking to diversify into the skincare market the company had developed a new range of skincare cosmetic products based on novel ingredients for the treatment of acne. Requiring academic analysis to be carried out on their range before they could be taken to market, the company was referred to Interface by Scottish Enterprise. They needed to gauge performance and efficacy in the key areas of:
- reduction in skin redness
- control of sebum production
- anti-bacterial properties
- promotion of clear skin
The Solution
Following a full search of the academic base in Scotland, Interface introduced the company to Dr Richard Weller at the University of Edinburgh, who had relevant industry experience.
Leading the eight week clinical protocol study on the OXY range, Dr Weller conducted a full analysis report and published a white paper on the results, both of which have proven invaluable to Metholatum.
As Colin Brown, Director of Research and Quality Development at the company explains:
The introduction from Interface to the University of Edinburgh has been invaluable for the launch of our Oxy range for the spot prone skin market. The increased credibility we have received from working with the University and with Dr Weller has also improved our opportunities to gain increased market share in the healthcare/personal care market.
The collaboration was also beneficial to the University in terms of highlighting the scope of their research to the wider business world, as Dr Weller comments:
The Mentholatum consultancy work has been very successful. We conducted a full clinical trial of its anti-spot products. To date, this work has gained considerable interest in two major British dermatology journals, and I suspect it will gain additional favourable media attention.
Creating Sustained Relationships
So successful has this collaboration been that Mentholatum see the partnership of University and business as filled with potential for future projects. Colin explains further:
This initial introduction has opened many doors within the University and also the wider Scottish academic network. We envisage this partnership with the University of Edinburgh as being long term and see many mutual benefits from working together.
2016
Since this initial project for their OXY skincare range, the company have funded a three year SUPA (Scottish Universities Physics Alliance) PhD studentship which investigated the application of Magnetic Resonance Elastography.
They have also sponsored a second PhD studentship through SINAPSE, a consortium of six of Scotland’s top universities’ medical imaging groups, including the University of Stirling and the University of Dundee.
This Scottish imaging network is at the forefront of research in the field of brain imaging.
Looking to the future, Mentholatum is now collaborating with the Department of Physics at the University of Edinburgh on a project which will support the measurement of the rheological properties of its products.
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.
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
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 recently became a mother, and is currently on maternity leave. If you’d like to reach out, please email info@interface-online.org.uk and we’d be delighted to help.
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.
Louise Arnold is a Senior Innovation Engagement Lead at Interface where she plays a central role in connecting businesses with Scotland’s universities, colleges, and research institutes to foster impactful collaborations. With over 20 years’ experience building strategic partnerships across Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, she is recognised as a trusted advisor within the KE&I community, helping organisations navigate innovation pathways, unlock academic expertise, and engage with funding mechanisms to develop partnerships that deliver real world impact. Her work spans early stage innovation support, multi stakeholder engagement, and strengthening university industry relationships across a diverse range of sectors.
With a background in market analysis, research strategy, and stakeholder engagement across industry and academia, Louise brings deep insight into how to translate complex research into meaningful economic and societal outcomes. She also contributes to Scotland’s wider innovation landscape as an assessor on funding panels and a collaborator on academic engagement initiatives.
Out of work Louise enjoys walking her dog, DIY and catching up with friends.