Introducing SHBEN
Thursday 15 January 2026
The SHBEN launch event marked an important milestone in the development of the network’s vision and intended direction. Held at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus, the event attracted over 85 colleagues from across Scotland, including NHS clinical leaders, technical and estates professionals, industry partners, and academic researchers with expertise in the healthcare-built environment. The event brought together experts across academia and the public and private sectors and formally introduced the purpose, structure, and early priorities of the network, whilst inviting participants to contribute to its future direction.
The day opened with a welcome and an overview of SHBEN’s background from Edinburgh Napier University’s Assistant Principal of External Engagement and Chair of SHBEN’s Governance Board, Professor Gary Hutchison. Attendees heard how the network had been developed in partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and NHS Scotland Assure and the opportunities it seeks to explore. SHBEN has been established in response to a shared recognition that evidence-informed research is required to address practical challenges within the healthcare-built environment. Prof. Hutchison highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration to research readiness, relevance, and impact.
The Director of NHS Scotland Assure and deputy Chair of the SHBEN Governance Board, Julie Critchley, set out the context and priorities of NHS Scotland Assure and in particular outlined the strategic role of its Research Service in supporting safe and effective healthcare environments. She highlighted the benefits of a network to foster a community of collaboration to share priorities, understanding and exchange knowledge.
To conclude the morning’s presentations, Dr Graham Wright, SHBEN Interim Director and Edinburgh Napier University’s Associate Dean of Research & Innovation in the School of Applied Sciences spoke in more detail about how SHBEN is intended to operate and deliver against its vision. He referenced the work of Scottish Institute of Policing Research (SIPR) and illustrated how a mature, strategically aligned network can deliver sustained value to a public body and influence policy and practice through high quality research. Dr Wright set out what SHBEN could achieve, adding that activity must be tangible and practical and will be shaped in part by the discussions taking place at this launch event.
Attendees then took part in breakout sessions designed to capture insight from participants with experience across the healthcare-built environment, including clinical practice, estates and facilities management, engineering, design, infection prevention and control, and research. These structured discussions focused on identifying priority themes, early collaborative opportunities, and practical challenges requiring further investigation. The output from these sessions will inform the network’s initial workplan and help refine its thematic priorities.
The discussions reflected strong interest in developing a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to improving healthcare environments in Scotland. Participants highlighted the importance of aligning research activity with operational realities, supporting rapid-response capability where required, and creating space for knowledge exchange beyond traditional academic research models.
The launch event was a foundational step in establishing the Scottish Healthcare Built Environment Network as a structured, nationally coordinated initiative. With a clear roadmap, growing community, and strong momentum, SHBEN is positioned to move into its initial delivery phase.
A sincere thank you goes out to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making the SHBEN launch event a success. Further updates will be shared as the network confirms its early activities, thematic leads, and engagement opportunities.
“Really enthusiastic after a day of talking about solving some of our challenges, some of our good practice...Really great day.”
