Award-winning data expert joins Young Scot Board
Deputy Director of specialist University of Edinburgh data unit Fraser Macdonald will help Young Scot support young people to thrive as they grow up.
Deputy Director of the Data for Children Collaborative Fraser brings a wealth of data and research experience to the Young Scot Board.
The specialist unit, based within the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh, aims to address existing problems for children using innovative data and data science techniques.
Across his career, Fraser has worked with UK and international research communities, designing and managing transformational projects for the public, private and third sector.
Having an established relationship of support and collaboration with Young Scot, Fraser is also Chair of our Data Advisory Group. Made up of data experts from a wide range of industries, the group provides guidance and support to help Young Scot explore how it can leverage data to improve the lives of young people.
In recognition of his work advocating for the responsible use of data, Fraser was awarded the 2023 DataIQ Data for Good Champion. Outside of work, Fraser loves kitesurfing and regularly volunteers with The Wave Project as a surf mentor.
Fraser said:
“Data is a driving force in today’s fast-paced world and joining the Young Scot Board provides a key opportunity to share insights and learning on the importance of utilising data responsibly to produce insights for real-world impact for young people in Scotland.”
Chair of Young Scot Board Elma Murray said:
“I am delighted to welcome Fraser to Young Scot. His expertise, knowledge and insight of building cross-sector partnerships and utilising data will bring valuable perspective to Young Scot as our staff work hard to support young people to thrive and make the most of their lives as they grow up.”