Scottish Brain Sciences (SBS) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr James Robson, MBE, one of the UK’s most respected sports medicine experts, as Sport and Wellbeing Medical Advisor.  

In this new role, Dr Robson will oversee SBS’s sports research initiatives and further champion the promotion of brain health and wellbeing across athletic and broader communities. 

Renowned for his distinguished career as Chief Medical Officer and Team Doctor for Scottish Rugby (SR), Dr Robson set new standards for player welfare and brain health.  

His proactive leadership and advocacy for health initiatives made a lasting impact on the global rugby community. Dr Robson’s work included prioritising brain health as a critical focus of sports medicine. 

This appointment reflects SBS’s unwavering commitment to tackling neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s through cutting-edge research, with a strong emphasis on early detection and intervention.  

Dr Robson will promote the SBS research community, which is open to everyone in Scotland aged over 50 years. He will also develop brain health research for current and former players. 

The ongoing collaboration between SBS and SR has already yielded notable achievements, including the establishment of a world-leading brain health clinic for former players, which provides holistic support and risk reduction advice. As further evidence of the long-standing partnership, Scottish Brain Sciences has this month moved into a newly refurbished clinical research facility within the Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadium. 

Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr James Robson to the SBS team. James’s contributions to sports medicine are truly unparalleled, and his leadership in the field reflects our shared vision of advancing brain health for athletes and the wider public. His expertise and passion for improving player welfare resonate across everything we strive to achieve at SBS. This partnership is a major step forward in enhancing our research and amplifying its impact across sporting and wider communities.” 

Dr Robson’s illustrious career includes over 30 years of service with Scottish Rugby, where he became a trusted figure both on and off the field. His tenure encompassed five Rugby World Cups, countless international matches, and his role as Chief Medical Officer on the British and Irish Lions tours. Recognised for his holistic approach to player care, Dr Robson was instrumental in driving awareness of concussion management and brain health, while also advocating for the broader health benefits of rugby, including improving physical fitness, social connectedness and mental wellbeing. 

Dr James Robson commented: “I am honoured to join Scottish Brain Sciences and continue the work I have been so passionate about throughout my career. Collaborating with SBS is an incredible opportunity to expand our understanding of brain health and to deliver meaningful outcomes for players and the wider community. Rugby has always been a powerful platform for health advocacy, and I’m excited to help shape the future of sports research in this vital area.” 

Dr Robson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as SBS continues to build momentum in its mission to accelerate research into brain health and neurodegenerative diseases. His leadership will deepen the organisation’s connection with the sports community and enhance its global impact through innovation and collaboration.