Sam is Director of Collections at National Museums Scotland, and an Honorary Professor in Heritage Studies at the University of Stirling. After training in history of science and teaching museum studies he worked at the intersection of museums and universities, first at the Manchester Museum, then at a medical museum in London. He has also held visiting research appointments in London, Philadelphia, and Edinburgh. He has researched and published on the medical history of Scotland and led the research project that gave rise to the book and exhibition Cold War Scotland. He plays a key role in NMS’s strategic aim to be recognised as the world leader in the interpretation of and engagement with Scotland’s material heritage. He has been a Fellow of the Society since 2021.