Ian Campbell is  VP of Innovation & Economic Development and Executive Director of Special Projects- Office of the President. He collaborates with the University researchers and leadership to help accelerate the digital economy in the Kingdom. He also supports the University’s forward vision to leverage KAUST science and innovation to make an impact beyond the walls of the campus itself, and to create collaborations and identify opportunities where KAUST can contribute. The aim of the Special Projects is to convene minds and resources together to work on impactful projects and to deliver solutions to benefit the wider Kingdom and beyond.

Career before joining KAUST: Executive Chair of Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, in 2020. He also directed Health and Life Sciences. Led the initiative to secure Covid-19 response package from the British government in 2020, to support thousands of UK businesses to survive and thrive through the pandemic.

Dr. Campbell has extensive entrepreneurial and business experience in the healthcare sector. Before Innovate UK, he was CEO of Arquer Diagnostics, which focuses on bladder and prostate cancer diagnosis. Before this, he spent 15 years in a variety of executive management roles within the health and life science sector.

He was recognized in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s New Year Honors List and was appointed officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to innovation.