Gary is an Associate Professor in Festival & Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University Business School. He leads a multidisciplinary research team exploring how festivals can become more accessible for people living with dementia. He has a PhD in biology and a second PhD in the critical study of science festivals.
As a practitioner, he undertakes roles within the creative industries from Event Manager to Staffing Manager, Venue Manager, Creative Producer, Guest Curator, External Evaluator and Consultant.
As a former Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of Science Policy and Governance, Gary is passionate about evidence-based policy. He is an Academic Framework Member at the Scottish Parliament. Formerly as a Scottish Parliament Science Policy Fellow, he authored two research reports for MSPs.
Gary is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sonic Bothy – an inclusive organisation for musicians with an additional learning need. He is also a Director of Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex – the UK’s only charity ski slope.
