Dr Olga Kozlova, FRSE

Dr. Olga Kozlova is a prominent figure in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Scientific Excellence and Research Impact Committee at The James Hutton Institute. She is also the Director of Innovation and Engagement at the University of Oxford, where she plays a key role in fostering innovation and partnerships across various academic divisions.1

Career Highlights

• Founder of Converge Challenge: Dr. Kozlova established this entrepreneurship development program aimed at supporting staff and students from Scottish universities in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. The program has become a significant initiative in Scotland for nurturing entrepreneurs.1
• Previous Roles: Before her current position, she was the Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at the University of Strathclyde, where she led strategic projects focused on technology commercialization and entrepreneurship.1

Educational Background

Dr. Kozlova holds a PhD in Cell Biology from The University of Edinburgh, along with a Master's degree in New Venture Creation from Glasgow Caledonian University, and a Bachelor's degree in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology from Edinburgh Napier University.1

Contributions to Innovation

Dr. Kozlova has been instrumental in building vibrant innovation ecosystems in the UK, focusing on creating sustainable technology companies that address global societal challenges. She emphasizes translating research excellence into practical applications and has a strong commitment to increasing female entrepreneurship within academia.1

Her extensive experience includes working with universities, governments, and private sectors to develop high-performance teams and successful partnerships aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth.1