Highland life sciences figure awarded honorary doctorate by UHI
A leading figure in the Highland life sciences sector has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Willie Printie, who became the first Scot to lead the LifeScan Scotland team in Inverness, was awarded the honour by the UHI for his “lifelong contributions to life sciences, economic growth and education”.
The UHI added that it also recognises his dedication to economic development in the Highlands and Islands, and his unwavering support for engineering excellence among UHI students.
During an online ceremony on December 2, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Vicki Nairn highlighted Mr Printie’s impressive career, achievements, and long-standing support and engagement with UHI.
A native of Edinburgh who now lives in Inverness, Mr Printie spent most of his professional career with the health care giant Johnson & Johnson, initially based in Edinburgh, before venturing north in late 2004 to join LifeScan Scotland in Inverness as head of operations.
He became the first Scot to lead the site in Inverness when he was promoted to managing director, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. The organisation grew to become one of the largest private employers in the Highlands, supporting more than 1000 jobs in Inverness, including many research and development roles. At that time, it was also considered Scotland’s number one life sciences company.
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Mr Printie was instrumental in LifeScan Scotland’s groundbreaking ‘Bridge to Employment’ programme, which encourages S4-S6 pupils to pursue further or higher education and careers in health, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This initiative has inspired many other organisations to develop similar programmes.
Under his leadership, LifeScan signed a partnership with UHI, leading to ongoing collaborations on various projects across skills development in engineering, the life sciences, leadership and management development, and innovation and research. LifeScan also established a modern engineering apprenticeship programme and partnered with UHI on the provision of further and higher education qualifications. The programme remains vibrant and annually produces an excellent cohort of much-needed engineers.
The UHI added that, in 2014, Mr Printie further demonstrated his commitment to education by establishing the Prize for Engineering Excellence, which recognises outstanding engineering students who have advanced from apprenticeships to degrees through the UHI.
It added that over the past decade, the prize has positively impacted numerous recipients, helping to shape their careers and contributing to the region’s skilled workforce, many of whom were present at the ceremony.
Mr Printie’s dedication to UHI extended to his role as an independent member of UHI Court and as Chair of the Audit Committee, commencing in 2014 until the conclusion of his terms of office in 2021.
Whilst conferring the honorary doctorate, Vicki Nairn said: “It is my great privilege to confer this honorary doctorate on William John Printie. I could not be more delighted to present this award to such a deserving and inspiring individual.”
Reflecting on the honour, Mr Printie said: “I feel humble yet deeply honoured to receive the honorary doctorate from UHI in recognition of contributions to life sciences, economic growth and education. My association with the university has spanned almost 20 years and it has been fulfilling, productive and an enjoyable relationship.
“My tenure on court and on various other governance committees gave me a lot of insight and helped broaden my knowledge, thinking and understanding of the world of further and higher education.
“I was also fortunate to serve LifeScan Scotland which was full of amazing and talented employees who had the success of the wider community in their objectives as well as their day job! This recognition is in many ways a result of their past contributions and successes.”
