Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Awards 2026 winners announced
Published: 27 March 2026
Celebration recognises staff and projects from across the UofG community, and the award event showcased the breadth and depth of knowledge exchange and innovation.
The very best in Knowledge Exchange and Innovation at the University of Glasgow has been celebrated at the Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Awards 2026.
The shortlists and winners were announced at the ‘People & Excellence: Celebrating Achievements in Knowledge Exchange and Innovation’ event which took place on Monday 23 March in the Advanced
Research Centre.
Speaking about the event, co-sponsor Professor Chris Pearce, Vice-Principal for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “It was a genuinely inspiring event. It showcased the breadth and depth of knowledge exchange and innovation across the University, from students and early career researchers through to lifetime innovators, and the professional services staff who make so much of this possible.
"It’s a powerful reminder of how our research is shaped through collaboration to tackle important challenges and drive impact. Well done to all the winners and all those nominated.”
Ms Uzma Khan, co-sponsor of the event, and Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation, said: “I was delighted to join the event which was full of hugely talented staff and students celebrating the incredible and impactful work undertaken across the University. The nominees were all deserving of their recognition and I’d like to express my congratulations again to the exceptional winners.
“I hope all those who attended left feeling a sense of pride, achievement and the genuine team spirit that exists here at the University. A huge thanks also to the professional staff who provide the support behind our ambitions to drive positive societal change through knowledge exchange and innovation.”
Professor Jon Cooper, Wolfson Chair of Bioengineering, was the recipient of the UofG Lifetime Innovator award. Jon highlighted teamwork and collaboration in his speech.
He said: “It is a great honour to receive this award. Impact and innovation are shaped and driven by working together in teams, and I am grateful to the University for creating the supportive and collaborative environments that have enabled us to connect our work into global communities. A big thank you to the many students, colleagues, and collaborators who have made this possible.”
Full list of winners:
UofG Lifetime Innovator
Jon Cooper
Lifetime Innovator Awards
Jon Cooper, College of Science & Engineering
Graeme Milligan, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
Alison Phipps, College of Social Sciences
Murray Pittock, College of Arts & Humanities
Champion Spin-out Award
Vector Photonics
Champion Student Start-up Award
Commercial Enterprise: Generation Mulligan - Malcolm Weir
Social Enterprise: WISE Mentoring CIC - Hana Butorova
Professional Impact Enabler Award
Georgina Aitchison, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
Special Commendation: Merna Maung, College of Science & Engineering
Rising Stars
Jay Gormley, College of Social Sciences
Gillian Horne, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
Stephen Mullen, College of Arts & Humanities
Mahmoud Wagih, College of Science & Engineering
Glasgow Changing Futures Award
Improving effective control of Africa animal trypanosomosis: Harriet Auty, Mike Barrett, Louise Matthews, Federica Giordani and Donald Ross.
Positive Contribution to Place-making
Project Eisirean: Anna McGregor, Claire Ramjan, Gillebrìde Macmillan, Millie Bompard, Alejandra Vovides, Carly McNamara, Darren Gallacher, Anna NicGriogair, Leigh Eisler, Corinna Bruce and Fiona Woods.
First published: 27 March 2026