David Cumming-Simpson

David was a pioneering figure in the field of bioengineering, particularly in the development of orthopaedic prosthetics. As the director of the Bioengineering Centre and Personal Chair in Medical Physics at the University of Edinburgh, he made significant contributions to the design and manufacture of controllable pneumatic-powered limbs for children affected by the thalidomide disaster. 

His work on the Simpson Series of pneumatically-powered limbs is showcased in the National Museum of Scotland. David's concept of Extended Physiological Proprioception (EPP) revolutionised the way artificial limbs were designed, allowing children to use their prosthetics more naturally. 

He also developed innovative medical equipment, including the first successful foetal heart monitor and a low-pressure airbed to prevent bedsores. David's legacy extends beyond his technical achievements, as he played a key role in establishing the University of Edinburgh as a world leader in prosthetic research and development. 

He was awarded a personal chair in medical physics in 1972 and served as Executive Dean of the Medical Faculty from 1977 to 1980. The David Simpson Library at the Princess Margaret Rose Hospital was opened in his honor in 1995, a testament to his enduring impact on the field of bioengineering.