New director to drive national effort to commercialise research across Scotland’s universities
Queen Margaret University (QMU) has appointed Dr Rachel Simpson as the new Director of Shared Knowledge Exchange Services (ShaKEs), the national collaboration designed to boost research commercialisation and innovation across Scotland’s modern universities and the college sector. Dr Simpson, currently Assistant Director, Commercial at the University of Dundee, will take up post on 16 March 2026, employed by QMU and hosted by Abertay University.
With support from the Scottish Funding Council, ShaKEs aims to help smaller and specialist institutions access the legal, contractual, and commercial expertise needed to turn research into real‑world solutions. The consortium includes QMU, Abertay University, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Robert Gordon University, The Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Edinburgh College.
Dr Rachel Simpson brings over 20 years of experience in intellectual property, contracts, and research commercialisation within senior roles across UK higher education, building on an early career in industry. Her appointment accelerates the delivery of a shared national service that supports research impact, skills development, and economic growth. The role aligns closely with Scotland’s new Community Wealth Building legislation, which places greater emphasis on skills and applied innovation in supporting regional development.
Dr Simpson will help create impactful collaboration between universities, industry, and the public and third sectors, and amplify Scotland’s leadership in knowledge exchange and applied research. Within the ShaKE’s project, she will design and test a commercially sustainable co-owned alternative to the traditional technology‑transfer model, and establish a commercialisation team to help institutions transform research into impact.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Securing someone of Rachel’s calibre and standing is a major landmark for the ShaKEs project. She will be pivotal in bringing together existing and new partners to deliver our shared vision and to build, grow, and leverage our collective achievements.”
Professor Liz Bacon, Principal of Abertay University, added: “This key appointment marks an important milestone for the ShaKEs partnership. Rachel brings a powerful combination of commercial insight, legal and IP expertise, and a clear commitment to driving impact across Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. We look forward to working closely with Rachel and all six partner institutions to accelerate the next phase of ShaKEs’ growth and delivery.”
Dr Simpson’s appointment signals an important move toward a more collaborative, sustainable approach to commercialisation that helps innovation reach communities across Scotland and deliver real benefits for society and the economy. By harnessing Scotland’s research and development capability across key economic sectors and the wider tertiary education system, ShaKEs will play a vital role in building the knowledge‑driven economy Scotland needs to thrive globally in the twenty‑first century.
The ShaKEs project is a fantastic opportunity to deliver meaningful and long-term impacts from Scotland’s world class research. It is a substantial and progressive commitment from the partners, and I look forward to the opportunity to innovate as part of an ambitious programme.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
