A new appointment will provide leadership and strategic vision for a £21 million dairy supply chain project in Cumbria and South West Scotland.
Pauline Murray has been appointed as the next programme director of Digital Dairy Chain, which is led by Scotland’s Rural College from its Barony campus near Dumfries.
She succeeds Stuart Martin, who was appointed to the role in 2023 and will provide vision and strategic leadership for the project which harnesses the strengths of a regional collaboration between large businesses, SMEs, and leading research institutions across the dairy supply chain and enabling technology sectors.
Pauline, who starts her new role next week, has worked as innovation broker project manager within the Digital Dairy Chain for the past three years, supporting industry-led innovation projects from initial concept through to delivery and impact case studies.
This hands-on role involved close collaboration with businesses and researchers to unlock funding, foster partnerships, and deliver tangible outcomes.
She brings over 20 years of experience in project and programme management, with a strong background in delivering research, health, and manufacturing projects within the higher education sector.
“I am delighted we have been able to appoint Pauline to provide the leadership and strategic vision for the Digital Dairy Chain,” Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, said.
“This project drives innovation at its core, fostering entrepreneurship, creating new market opportunities, enhancing workforce skills, and laying the groundwork for more productive regions. All of this supports our critical journey towards net zero and ensures the industry remains competitive and future ready.”
Pauline said: “As programme director, I lead the strategic direction of the entire programme, guiding a team of work package leads across critical areas including infrastructure, skills, innovation, and investment. I will also continue to oversee the Innovation Fund, ensuring that our funding priorities are closely aligned with long-term impact for both industry and academia
“I’m looking forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor, Stuart Martin, and continuing to grow the reach and impact of the Digital Dairy Chain.”
The Digital Dairy Chain is supported by Government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship Strength in Places Fund.
