Craig McDougall

Innovation project

Craig McDougall’s Fellowship will focus on the development and commercialisation of an advanced yet low-cost lung sampling technology. Craig's passion for respiratory medicine, and in particular for finding better ways to study lung diseases, has led to his invention of a novel sampling system for bronchoscopy - a procedure that looks inside the lungs. His proprietary technology features a dynamic probe that collects lung samples without causing damage or affecting breathing. It allows for specific and localised rapid real-time sampling of lung areas, which will enable better disease understanding, diagnosis and accelerate treatment development. This method integrates seamlessly with existing procedures, has the potential to greatly reduce the number of animals needed for experiments in this area, and has already shown promising results in large animal studies.

Craig’s career to date has involved roles in both academic and industrial settings. Before arriving at the Roslin Institute as a postdoctoral researcher his work had taken him from physics to biomedical science, and he has worked in medical start-ups, hospitals, medical science and technology institutes and established engineering companies. Craig’s background in developing products, and his experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialising research, perfectly positions him to lead his innovation project through from cell model studies to market launch. Craig’s innovative technology offers significant research and market advantages for both veterinary and human health, and aligns with the University’s future health and care mission.