Technology Transfer Centre staff
Head of Technology Transfer
Christian Ziar
Christian joined the University in 2019 and leads the University鈥檚 Technology Transfer Centre. He provides strategic leadership across invention evaluation, IP protection, translational funding, licensing and post鈥慸eal management, ensuring alignment with the University鈥檚 strategy and risk framework. Working closely with academic colleagues and broader professional services, Christian oversees the due diligence and decision-making processes that support the translation of research into societal and economic impact. Christian brings over a decade of experience in intellectual property practice, alongside senior industry鈥憇ide licensing experience, and has extensive expertise across IP strategy, licensing and external engagement.
- Email:
- cfz1@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)1334 46 7340
Head of Commercialisation
Stuart Duncan
Stuart joined the TTC in October 2019 and focuses on the commercialisation and exploitation of the University鈥檚 Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. Prior to this, he was the primary point of contact for all Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation activities within the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh for 7 years, focusing on creating multi-disciplinary opportunities for enduring long term collaborative and strategic partnerships with industry. His career also includes a spell in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Pharma and the Foreign Office. Stuart studied Chemistry at 黑料吃瓜网, holds an MBA from Durham, and is a committee member at PraxisAuril, a world-leading professional association for Knowledge Exchange practitioners.
- Email:
- sd1@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)1334 46 4047
Innovation & Commercialisation Manager
Adam Heikal
Adam joined the TTC in September 2021 and supports the Head of Commercialisation in the commercialisation and exploitation of University IP. Previously, he was a Business Development Manager at the University, with a focus on industry engagement and collaboration. Prior to joining 黑料吃瓜网, he spent 10 years as an industry-facing research fellow working in the UK, New Zealand, and Norway. This led him to work closely with technology transfer teams and accelerator engines, as well as establishing collaborations with industry, including the pharmaceutical sector. His PhD was in multidrug resistance in cancer, and he has peer reviewed publications in the fields of antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery.
- Email:
- afh21@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)1334 46 2224
Trainee Solicitor
Shannon Cullen
Shannon joined the Technology Transfer Team as a trainee solicitor in October 2024. Initially studying Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland, Shannon developed an interest in copyright and intellectual property. She then completed the accelerated law degree and diploma at the University of Glasgow. Shannon is excited to work in the Technology Transfer Centre, assisting research projects and innovators in managing their intellectual property.
- Email:
- src24@st-andrews.ac.uk
Technology Transfer Assistant
Rachel Scott
Rachel joined the team in 2014 and focuses on post-license management and also leads on the financials of the University鈥檚 IP portfolio. Rachel oversees royalty payments and distributions and also maintains the technology transfer database covering agreements, technologies and IP. Rachel also actively drives and manages a number of key transformation projects for the team.
- Email:
- rs229@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)1334 46 2163