InnoScot Health chair awarded honorary degree for his leadership in healthcare innovation
The Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson, has been awarded an honorary degree by Heriot-Watt University in recognition of his leadership in healthcare innovation, governance and national sport.
Graham received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, the institution’s highest accolade, during Heriot-Watt University’s Summer Graduation ceremony on Tuesday 16 June.
The university recognised Graham for his “distinguished leadership in health innovation and national sport”, as well as his significant governance contribution to Heriot-Watt through long-standing service as a trustee.
Graham has played a key role in supporting clinical innovation across Scotland through his work with InnoScot Health. He has also chaired Tennis Scotland, the governing body for tennis in Scotland, and has helped shape Heriot-Watt University since joining its Court in 2015.
During his time with the university, he served as Chair of the Finance Committee, helping to secure more than £100 million in long-term funding to support major developments across Heriot-Watt’s global infrastructure.
Commenting on the award, 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.”
As part of the honour, Graham will attend a private evening dinner alongside other honorary graduates at Panmure House, where he previously served as Chair of the Advisory Board for almost four years.
Heriot-Watt University said honorary degrees recognise “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 a list of honorary graduates recognised by the university for excellence in their respective fields. These include Dame Alison Etheridge, Oxford Professor of Probability, recognised for her work in population genetics; Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, recognised for public service and efforts to reconstruct his nation’s economy; and Gregor Townsend, Scotland Rugby Head Coach, recognised for his global impact on the sport.
In 2023, InnoScot Health’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, Elaine Gemmell, was awarded the title of Honorary Professor in Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The honour recognised Elaine’s service and contribution to the university, as well as the close ties forged with its Medical Device Manufacturing Centre, which supports Scottish SMEs in translating medical device concepts into commercial products.
Heriot-Watt University has also published a press release announcing its 2026 honorary graduates.
InnoScot Health has recently backed RNIB’s move to make a national data tool available online to help public services plan more effectively for the growing number of people experiencing sight loss across Scotland, predominantly through age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
