First-of-its-kind research collaboration with Heriot-Watt University
A first-of-its-kind research collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University is bringing together engineering and nursing students to develop cutting-edge health technologies tailored to addressing real clinical needs. The Edinburgh-based institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024, formalising a joint programme which will see Heriot-Watt engineering students visit Edinburgh Napier’s specialised clinical simulation facilities to gain first-hand understanding of real healthcare scenarios and challenges. The significance of this collaboration is already starting to be seen by the public and in the industry.
The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies Showcase, held at Heriot-Watt University on 5 June 2025, shone a spotlight on the pioneering work and research underway to address some of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare.
Keynote speaker, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser and Head of the Public Health Profession for the UK Government, highlighted through the example of this MoU the significance of the collaboration and outcomes of the work.
Next steps in the MoU collaboration are to successfully fund feasibility projects through major funding schemes, driving collaborative projects focused on co-designing novel health solutions that target clinical issues.
Congratulations to ENU’s Professor Cathal Breen on this collaboration thus far!
