Ian Hatch

Ten questions with Ian Hatch

When did you start at Edinburgh Innovations (EI)?

I started in March 2017.

How would you explain your job to an alien?

My job is to ensure that University of Edinburgh (UoE) researchers are successful in gaining funding to progress research, support knowledge exchange in areas of science, and help turn research into tangible products or companies for societal benefit.

What did you do before EI?

I started my career in insurance in Dublin before moving to Australia where I worked in executive recruitment, ultimately joining the University of New South Wales supporting consultancy and commercial services. Whilst at UNSW I went back to University to study Migration Law, opening up a migration practice in 2012.

What’s the best thing about working at EI/the University of Edinburgh?

It's inspiring (and reassuring) to see what people across a multitude of disciplines are capable of and how what we do today will provide the key for future generations to unlock even greater advances in our understanding of science and technology. For a younger generation, it adds endless possibilities to the question of “What do you want to be when you grow up”.

What's your favourite project that you’ve worked on? What did the project accomplish?

A consultancy project in which The University collaborated with the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR). The goal was to estimate the prevalence of lead piping in residential properties across Scotland. This statistical model served the purpose of providing a more accurate value of the expenses associated with the replacement of internal lead piping. The ultimate objective was to ensure the high standards of Scotland's drinking water supply.

This interdisciplinary project brought together expertise from various Schools within the CSE, including the Schools of Mathematics, Chemistry, GeoSciences, and Engineering. The collaborative effort extended to partnering with relevant departments of Scottish Water, fostering an informed approach to addressing the challenges related to lead piping in the region.

What are you most proud of from your time at EI?

In my seven years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see the expansion of EI. During that time I’ve worked with some fantastic colleagues across EI and the wider University. The level of peer-to-peer learning, openness to new ideas and self-development is not something I have experienced in previous organisations. Being able to encourage such a culture and ensure that we are providing opportunities and personal development for people is something to be proud of.

What does innovation mean to you? 

Innovation is about three things.

1. Exploring new ideas
2. Creating novel solutions to challenges
3. Implementing those solutions and ideas to bring a positive change

If you had one more hour in the day how would you spend it?

It depends on the day and depends on the weather but either way, I’d spend the hour outside with no devices, and just take in what’s going on around me.

What piece of advice has stuck with you?

Feel comfortable with uncertainty by having an open approach to saying “Yes” to things that aren’t in your comfort zone. By saying “Yes” it’s the only way to gain lived experience regardless of a positive or negative outcome.

What would you really like to work on at EI/UoE

Looking at the changing dynamics in the Higher Education sector, I would like to see the areas that EI supports becoming recognised as areas of excellence and core to the University.  We pride ourselves on being world-leading in teaching and research, and so we should aim for the same reputation for Commercialisation and Knowledge Exchange. I would like to work on ensuring EI and the University as a brand, have a reputation for nurturing people of excellence.

Ian Hatch

Head of Business Development

• College of Science and Engineering

Contact details

• Work: 07989 408719
• Email: Ian.Hatch@ei.ed.ac.uk