The head of one of Scotland’s leading healthcare innovation bodies has been awarded an honorary degree by Heriot-Watt University – its highest accolade.

On Tuesday 16, Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University (DUniv) in recognition of his “distinguished leadership in health innovation and national sport”.

At the Edinburgh institution’s Summer Graduation, he was also recognised for his “significant governance contributions” to Heriot‑Watt University through long‑standing service as a trustee.

The University championed his dedication to supporting clinical innovation across Scotland, his chairing of the country’s tennis governing body, Tennis Scotland, and his role in helping to shape the University itself since joining its Court in 2015.

He served as Chair of the University’s Finance Committee, helping to secure more than £100 million in long‑term funding which supported major developments across the University’s global infrastructure.

Graham said:

“I am delighted to be named a Doctor of the University and extremely grateful for this honour which Heriot-Watt has bestowed on me.

“My recent roles have afforded me the privilege of helping to shape the direction of some of Scotland’s leading organisations, including the opportunity through InnoScot Health to develop and support cutting-edge healthcare for better patient outcomes and a stronger, more productive population.

“Nevertheless, I believe that the honour reflects more on collective achievements than simply myself, underlining the privilege that comes with the opportunity to empower others and cultivate an environment where everyone can attain more as one part of a bigger whole.”

The award includes a private evening dinner alongside other Honorary Graduates at research institute Panmure House, where Graham was Chair of its Advisory Board for almost four years.

Heriot-Watt says an honorary degree recognises “the outstanding achievement and distinction in areas which are in accord with the mission of the University and which reflect our ambitions and values”.

Graham joins an illustrious list of honorary graduates who have also excelled in their fields including Dame Alison Etheridge, Oxford Professor of Probability, recognised for her transformative work in population genetics; Hakainde Hichilema, Zambian President, in recognition of his public service and efforts to reconstruct his nation’s economy; and Gregor Townsend, Scotland Rugby Head Coach, for his outstanding global impact on the sport.

In 2023, InnoScot Health’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, Elaine Gemmell, was awarded the University’s title of Honorary Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The award continues to reflect Elaine’s service and contribution to Heriot-Watt, as well as close ties forged with the university’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC), which helps Scotland's SMEs translate medical device concepts into commercial products.

There is a full list of the four people recognised by the university as 2026 honorary graduates and their backgrounds on the Heriot Watt website.

This article is written as part of a promotional agreement between InnoScot Health and Healthcare News Scotland.

Read more from InnoScot Health: Inaugural award for NHS Grampian R&D Director; Innovation and Scotland’s first digital hospital; Glasgow expertise enables global first heart op; Insight into devices post marketing surveillance; Collaboration on NHS procurement key to healthy future; Spotlight on innovation in neonatal care;

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