Dr Marit Boot

Marit holds a PhD degree in medical biology from Leiden University, the Netherlands (2004). Her PhD project focused on the effects of maternal nutrition on embryonic heart development.

She worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Human Genetics Unit of the Medical Research Council in Edinburgh (2004-2008) on 3D imaging of gene expression patterns and detailed mapping of tissue movement during embryonic development. Her research was published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Marit has been a facilitator in a range of science engagement activities at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Debating Matters Competitions by the Institute of Ideas. She has developed the Chromosome Challenge workshop for the Medical Research Council at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Marit has worked as a science engagement officer at the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor of the Scottish Government. She was involved in the audit and coordination of the STEMNET contract holders in Scotland, who broker Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities to schools. She initiated the Science Festival Network aimed to enthuse young people and the wider community about STEM.

Since March 2009, Marit works for the NHS as NMCN Manager. She launched and developed the National Managed Clinical Network for Children with Exceptional Healthcare Needs (CEN). She organises discussions about the care for children with exceptional healthcare needs in Scotland involving a large number of organisations and services. By August 2009, the CEN network involved 180 parents, carers, healthcare professionals and colleagues from social work, education and the voluntary sector.

Children with Exceptional Healthcare Needs (CEN)

STEM Scotland