BIA Appoints Director in Scotland

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) has appointed a new Director, Scott Johnstone, to lead the BIA’s work with the biotech community in Scotland, including both BIA members and also the Scottish Parliament. Scott, who will be based in the organisation’s Edinburgh office will also retain his existing part-time role as Chief Executive Officer of Antoxis Ltd, the company he founded in 2005. He will also continue his activities as Life Science Business Advisor and Technology Entrepreneur for the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept programme. He is also a member of the Life Sciences Advisory Board for Scotland. Previously Scott was a Managing Director and Co-Founder of YAbA Ltd, and has gained extensive technology transfer and R&D experience with Fisons (UK), Kevex (California) and ARL (Switzerland). He holds an Honours Degree in Engineering from Edinburgh Napier University and a MBA in Business Administration from Edinburgh University.

Dr John Brown, Chairman BIA Scotland, said:

“Scott brings considerable knowledge of the life sciences sector in Scotland to the BIA. Scott’s experience in the commercial sector, coupled with his understanding of the Scottish parliamentary system, will enable the BIA to offer its members in Scotland the best possible representation. Scott has been an enthusiastic member of the BIA’s Scotland Committee for a number of years and
we are delighted that he will now be working for the team from within the organisation”

Commenting on his appointment Scott Johnstone said:

“Although the life sciences sector in Scotland has faced a number of challenges over the last few years it is fundamentally strong, with good science and good businesses. I look forward to working with BIA members in Scotland to ensure that that the sector has a long and sustainable future.”