Derek Santos

Professor Derek Santos is a Professor of Podiatry at Queen Margaret University (QMU), affiliated with the School of Health Sciences. He holds an honorary senior research position at the University of Gibraltar and collaborates with NHS Lothian and Northampton NHS Foundation Trust. His academic qualifications include a BSc (Hons) Podiatry (1998), MSc Podiatric Surgery (2015), and PhD (2006). Santos leads podiatry research focusing on musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes, gait analysis, and ethics. He co-founded the Health Design Collective (CIC), developing footwear for foot drop, earning awards like the Converge Challenge runner-up in 2018.

• Affiliations: Royal College of Podiatry, UK Health Care and Professions Council.
• Research Ethics: Past Convener of QMU Research Ethics Committee and member of NHS South-East Scotland Research Ethics Committee (2010–2019).
• Teaching: Leads MSc programs in Advancing Practice in Podiatry and Theory of Podiatric Surgery. Contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate podiatry education.
• Collaborations: Works with industry on footwear design and digital health technologies for chronic conditions like JIA and diabetes.
• Awards: Runner-up in Converge Challenge (2018), patents for innovative footwear.

Research Interests: Santos' work spans musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes complications, gait analysis, and ethics. He has supervised numerous student projects and published widely on orthotic interventions, digital health tools, and wound care.

Grants & Funding: Secured funding for projects involving smartwatch technology in diabetes and JIA management, and footwear innovation for mobility impairments.