George Baxter has been appointed as the new chief executive of Edinburgh Research and Innovation, joining from Nottingham University.

Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI), the commercialisation arm of Edinburgh University, has appointed George Baxter as its new chief executive effective October 24.

Baxter previously served as director of research and enterprise and director of business engagement and innovation services at Nottingham University. He previously also worked for Salford University, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and AstraZeneca Speciality Chemicals.

Baxter’s appointment comes as Edinburgh University aims to increase its engagement efforts with industry, building on its existing successes, and has reshaped ERI to offer a specialised service for businesses hoping to collaborate.

The office will also support researchers and students aiming to develop partnerships with industry. Besides Baxter, ERI has also appointed a new senior executive team to take on these new challenges.

Edinburgh Research and Innovation will continue to offer its current services around tech transfer and consultancy services.

Gordon Donald, chief operating officer of Edinburgh Research and Innovation