Dr Timothy Blaxter, PhD 1984

Proposer: Miss Anne Fiona Patterson, BSc 1983
Seconder: Mrs Amanda Jayne Watson (née Wood), BSc 1984

Summary of career history

  • First degree Aberdeen in pharmacology 1980, then PhD in neuroscience at St Andrews; Post-doc research at University of Toronto and School of Pharmacy, London. MBA from Strathclyde 1991
  • Two years at Scottish Enterprise working with Scottish Universities raising investment for commercial projects, R&D and company spinouts
  • Five years at PA Consulting Group running major change programmes in large public and private sector organisations
  • Eight years developing or founding companies in electronic publishing, internet technology and online marketing
  • Twelve years consulting for UK (mainly Scottish) universities and public-sector bodies on economic development, commercialising research, industrial partnership, intellectual property, business planning, fund-raising, marketing and strategy

Expertise that is especially relevant to the position of General Council Assessor on the University Court

  • Knowledge, process and project expertise related to developing university-led research and relations with industry
  • Financial, strategic, technology and change-management experience
  • Senior roles in managing and developing organisations
  • Managing change in large organisations
  • Ability to connect with academics and with businesses without offending either

Connections with the University/alumni since graduating

  • Still in touch with numerous people from my time at St Andrews (from Mermaids to Medicine)
  • Eldest daughter about to graduate

Reason(s) for wishing to become a General Council Assessor

Daughter has had an exceptionally well-taught and supported 4 years at St Andrews and I would like to contribute to the further development of the student experience.

Also particularly interested in:

  • Widening access to students with differing backgrounds
  • The contributions the University can make to the wider economy and to research
  • Supporting and contributing to the major initiatives proposed by the University
  • Helping to keep the University at the top of reputation and performance tables