Peter Mountford

I first came to Scotland in 1991 for two years on an Endeavour Fellowship from the Royal Society (London). My objective was to learn from a young scientist called Austin Smith, who had set up a group to look at the basic biology of stem cells. We have been working together ever since.

Nearly 15 years later, Austin is Director of the world-leading Institute for Stem Cell Research in Edinburgh and I am back in Scotland as CEO of Stem Cell Sciences Ltd.

Our principal objective is to be the first company to translate leading academic research into true healthcare benefits for the many. We believe the fastest way to achieve this goal is via a global network of companies working in partnership with their national leaders in basic research.

Exceptional science

The science in Scotland is exceptional. The UK in general has an extraordinary educational system that feeds into a fantastic research base. Edinburgh was leading the way back then in what was a very esoteric field.

The day I left Scotland in 1993, I knew that what I was taking with me would have to come back to Scotland at some point. That happened in 2003, when Stem Cell Sciences officially relocated its headquarters back to Scotland.

Leading the world

By 2000, stem cell as an industry possibility was really warming up. That is when I left academia and took on the CEO role and we started expanding.

Over the years I have been backwards and forwards between Scotland and Australia so many times. We relocated in 2003 because Edinburgh is now at the global forefront of possibly the hottest zone in a new age of human medicine.

Outstanding support

We have had incredible support in Scotland. Scottish Enterprise in particular is realising value by backing innovation. Their plan and their commitment are unique, well-founded and really quite outstanding.

They are not just talking about it. They are actually doing it. Listening to people like us, having constructive interaction which leads to real opportunities.

Scotland is exceptional in that regard and Scottish Enterprise is very gutsy. It has made up its mind that it is going to support innovation and it is doing it.

Greater good

I have no plans to leave Scotland at the moment. My wife has just started a six year law degree!

The thing that unites all of us is our aim to cure disease for the greater good of humankind. We already know from working with donor cells that it will provide benefit. The current difficulty is that you cannot get enough cells that way. The Holy Grail is to grow cells properly in the lab.

When I think of what is already being done on a limited basis and then the future widespread possibilities, it makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

Scotland definitely is the place!

Peter Mountford PhD CEO, Stem Cell Sciences Ltd

Peter Mountford is from Melbourne, Australia, and first came to Scotland on an Endeavour Fellowship from the Royal Society (London).

Please note that information at February 2008 indicates that Stem Cell Sciences may withdraw their base at Edinburgh.

www.stemcellsciencesltd.com