Top Scots catapulted into key roles driving new technology across UK

TWO senior figures from the renewable energy and life sciences sectors were yesterday appointed to top posts at the UK government’s “catapult” centres, which aim to speed up the introduction of new technologies.

Andrew Jamieson, innovation director at ScottishPower Renewables, was named as chief executive of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult centre at Glasgow’s Strathclyde University, while former Axis-Shield chairman John Brown will chair the London-based Cell Therapy Catapult centre.

Jamieson, who is also chairman of trade body RenewableUK, will be in charge of recruiting staff to help companies develop cost-effective wind, wave and tidal devices.

RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery praised his work on the Offshore Wind Cost Reduction Task Force. She added: “I’m sure the Catapult will grow from strength to strength under his guidance.”

Brown, who is also joint chairman of the Scottish Government’s life sciences advisory board, will work with companies to help turn scientific discoveries into new drugs.

Science minister David Willets said the centre will be based at Guy’s Hospital in London and will open in the next few weeks.

Steve Bates, chief executive at the Bioindustry Association trade body, added: “John brings excellent skills and a wealth of experience from the biotechnology sector to the role.”