JEANE Freeman has landed a top job at a the university of Glasgow, it has been announced.
The former health secretary, who stood down from Parliament in May 2021, is joining the university’s College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS).
The ex-SNP MSP has been appointed to a part-time role of ambassador for community engagement, public health and innovation with immediate effect.
The university says she will play an active role in the £91m Living Laboratory project in Govan, which, via collaboration with the NHS and industry partners, will see the acceleration of pioneering research into a real-world clinical setting.
Freeman was an MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and the Doon Valley from 2016 until 2021, when she stepped down at the Holyrood election. She had previously served as minister for social security before being appointed to the health and sport in June 2018. In the latter role, she helped lead the country’s response to the Covid-19 crisis when it struck in 2020.
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The former minister said she is “delighted” to take up the new role, adding: “The university leads many world-changing projects all poised to create real-world impact for people, locally, nationally and internationally. I am particularly excited to play a role in the Living Laboratory project in Govan, where working together with all partners, we can realise health benefits for patients and our NHS.”
The College of MVLS is home to more than 2500 staff and 7000 students and has a turnover exceeding £200m per annum. The College aims to produce “world-changing” improvements in health and bring economic growth to the city of Glasgow.
Professor Iain McInnes, University of Glasgow vice-principal and head of the College of MVLS, said: “We are absolutely delighted that someone of Freeman’s calibre will be joining the College. Freeman’s experience will be a very welcome addition to the University, and we are confident that it will help us achieve our ambitious aims across a wide-range of innovative projects to improve the health and lives of the people in Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.”
The appointment was also welcomed by the principal and vice-chancellor of the university of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, who added: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Freeman to the University of Glasgow, in what will be an important role that harnesses her expertise in health policy and community engagement. Freeman’s background as one of Scotland’s most prominent and respected politicians, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be invaluable in making a success of this new role."
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