Our Industry Advisory Panel supports the institute to maximise the translational impact of our research, and in particular how it might attract and work with the pharm, biotech and food industries.
The panel comprises thought leaders from major industries as well as networking and investment experts that help us understand the big questions that industries are currently looking at the Quadram Institute’s research space, to further the industries’ understanding of our capabilities, and to develop high-value collaborative opportunities.
Dr Eddie Blair, QIB Board of Trustees
Eddie Blair, PhD MBA, is a thought leader and long-term proponent of precision medicine in cancer, infectious disease and neurodegeneration as a result of deep experience in development and commercialisation of both therapeutics and diagnostics.
An interim period outside of big pharma has given Dr Blair an entrepreneur’s eye for viable development projects and portfolio management. He is currently a Vice-Chair of the Patient and Public Voice Panel at the East Genomic Medicines Service Alliance and is Trustee Board Member of the Quadram Institute for Biotechnology. Previously, he was Chair of Virokine Therapeutics, CEO at GeneFirst Ltd and CEO of Integrated Magnetic Systems Ltd. Eddie has held Executive and NonExecutive Directorships at Public Limited Companies, through IPO in some cases. He spent 15 years at GSK, rising to Clinical Director of Predictive Medicine and has undertaken contract work through Blair Biomedical Consulting at BMS and UCB Pharmas to direct and manage their immunooncology and neurodegenerative disease biomarker strategies, respectively.
Jette Cowan, Head of Commercial Life Science & Member of the LT RSSL (analytical services CRO)
Jette Cowan, BSc Microbiology, is Head of Commercial Life Science & part of the LT at RSSL Ltd and led RSSL to their largest annual growth of 23% in 2023. A dynamic and driven commercial professional known for her visionary
and innovative thinking, collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a natural ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments, Jette brings a blend of creativity, strategic insight, and leadership to
every project she undertakes.
Whether navigating complex challenges or championing new initiatives, Jette consistently demonstrates a passion for learning and a dedication to making a meaningful impact and adding value. Her work reflects a balance of vision and execution, underpinned by integrity and a people-first mindset.
Jette has 30+ years in various commercial roles supporting business growth especially in the Life Science Industry with track record of over £28 million sales growth and developed game changing Innovation hub providing Biotech start-ups end-to-end services to fast-track their drug and med device developments saving companies millions and costly time delays. Jette has also developed strategic commercial growth plans for employers, clients and her own companies and supported client expansion plans into new markets in the UK, Nordics and Europe.
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive at British Nutritional Foundation
Elaine Hindal is the Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), a charity supported by over fifty corporate members spanning the UK food sector, including agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and food service. The
BNF’s mission is to promote health and prevent diet-related illness through evidence-based nutrition science.
Elaine joined the BNF in 2022, following her tenure as Chief Executive of Drinkaware, an alcohol education charity. Her earlier career includes senior commercial roles at major global companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, and Boots, with responsibilities spanning Europe and North America. Elaine has extensive experience in marketing, brand strategy, and commercial leadership. She has also contributed to the non-profit sector as a formertrustee of Mencap and the addiction support charity Change, Grow, Live.
Dr Tony Jones, CEO of One Nucleus
Tony Jones, PhD in Biochemistry, is the CEO of One Nucleus and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and adapting its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its members. He has years of postdoctoral research in oncology and a deep understanding of both the scientific and business aspects of the industry.
His transition into Technology Transfer with the Medical Research Council and University College London, followed by his role in promoting London’s excellence in healthcare and biotechnology, gives him a unique perspective on fostering innovation and collaboration.
Dr Barry Murphy, Senior Leader, Personal Care Microbiome at Unilever
Barry Murphy, PhD in Microbiology, leads the Personal Care Microbiome Team at Unilever, a leading fast-moving consumer goods company specialising in the production of consumer cosmetics including brands like Dove, Vaseline, Ponds, Simple, Axe and Rexona.
With a background in microbiology and molecular biology Barry has accumulated over a decade of experience, extensively studying the role of the skin microbiome in various cosmetic conditions, including dandruff, acne, dry skin, and underarm malodor, helping to understand the pivotal role that microorganisms play in these cosmetic conditions and determining the impact of product intervention.
Barry has collaborated with academic and industrial partners in the UK and worldwide and has published numerous papers on the impact of cosmetics on both skin conditions and the skin microbiome as well as acting as guest editor for BMC Microbiology.
Dr John Pritchard, Subject Matter Expert, University of Cambridge
John is currently one of the Industry Experts in Residence at Cambridge University’s Academy of Therapeutic Sciences focussing on Diagnostics and Devices. He is also routinely on various other review panels at Cambridge
University such as Confidence in Concept and BBSRC Impact accelerator schemes. He also supports CRUK in reviewing diagnostic opportunities as a Member of Cancer Research Horizons Expert Network, is a member of the Translation Advisory Board at The Francis Crick Institute and joined the Industry Advisory Board at the Quadram Institute in 2024.
John has a wealth of knowledge in the field of diagnostics devices and biotech, with over 40 years of experience in the diagnostics and devices market including advisory roles and board level experience. He has worked for start-ups and multinational companies including Smart Holograms, Hypoguard, Akubio, PA Consulting, Cambridge Consultants, Terumo, Genzyme, Boehringer Mannheim, across Europe and in the USA. This has provided broad experience of managing technology start-ups, state-of-the-art operations, cross-functional teams, IP assets and organisational expansion projects.
Dr Kate Rowley, CEO of Verso Biosense and Exec Chair of Assemblify
Kate Rowley, PhD, BSc, MBA, isthe current CEO of Verso Biosense and Exec Chair of Assemblify. Kate has an inspirational energy that is visionary and commanding yet inclusive. This activating and inspiring presence lends 
itself to leading roles within teams and she has successfully led boards, teams, and commercial initiatives throughout her career.
She has an exceptionally broad experience garnered from a variety of roles spanning researcher to board member over her 30-year history in the Healthcare sector. The key to her success is her ability to coach, mentor, and influence, delivering succinct and impactful messages to a variety of stakeholders, as well as her ability to maintain a clear focus and vision to deliver on objectives.
She started her journey in commercialisation of science at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, leading on IP, licensing, commercial services and managing the business Incubator co-located with the research institute. She has spent much of her life sciences career in commercial executive roles leading business development and M&A activities in the health tech arena. Kate has been an engaged investor and non-exec board member, chairing sub committees and leading VC investment rounds from university spin outs though to growth stage companies.
Dr Philip Shelton, Director of Industry Partnerships at Health Innovation East
Philip Shelton, PhD in Molecular Biology, MBA joined Health Innovation East in 2020 from Philips and has over 20 years’ experience in life sciences, NHS research, implementation and digital health.
As Director of Industry Partnerships, Phil leads the industry facing team to deliver a comprehensive support offer for innovative companies looking to spread and adopt in the NHS. He further leads the non-core work to drive income that the company reinvest into the work they do to support innovation in healthcare. Phil has a particular interest in diagnostic imaging and supports diagnostic imaging, pathology and endoscopy regional networks in their innovation strategies. Health Innovation East spans partnerships with our regional Combined Authorities on their life science sector growth and our regional Space East and European Space Agency programmes.
Phil is also a Member of the Regional Diagnostics AI group; his specialisms are Climate tech and sustainability – Commercialisation – Diagnostic imaging.
Dr Vera Slomka, Senior R&D Manager Nutrition Discovery at Arla Foods Ingredients
Vera Slomka, PhD in Biomedical Science, is a Senior R&D Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, leading the Nutrition Discovery team. She is responsible for shaping and executing the nutrition science strategy,
translating cut-ting-edge research into commercialisation opportunities, with a focus on the health effects of milk and whey ingredients across different life stages and metabolic conditions.
Vera has over a decade of experience in strategic R&D leadership, including eight years at Unilever, where she led global innovation programs in Oral Care. Her expertise includes microbiome research, in vitro and pre-clinical
mechanistic studies, project and people management, as well as building strategic networks and collaborations.
Professor Daniel Figeys, Quadram Institute Director
Professor Daniel Figeys is an internationally recognised microbiome scientist, systems biology innovator, and biotechnology entrepreneur. After two decades at the University of Ottawa, where he founded the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Institute of Systems Biology, he helped build one of Canada’s leading gut microbiome research programs. In 2025, he was appointed Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Quadram Institute.
Earlier in his career, Daniel was Senior Vice-President of Systems Biology and Lead Profiling at MDS-Proteomics with operations in Canada, Denmark and USA, and a Research Officer at Canada’s National Research Council. Daniel co-founded a few biotechnology companies, including Biotagenics and MedBiome, where he translates academic discovery into biomarkers, precision-nutrition and therapeutic products.
Dr Graeme Brown, Quadram Institute Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer
Dr Graeme Brown is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer at Quadram Institute. Graeme is also responsible for the Business Development and External Relations teams at Quadram Institute Bioscience.
Graeme is responsible for the delivery of Quadram Institute Bioscience operations and scientific services to ensure excellent support for the institute’s strategic research programmes. This includes management and oversight of core scientific technology and support units.
Graeme joined the Quadram Institute from his position as Director of Technology Transfer at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Executive Director of its research commercialisation company Queen Mary Innovation Ltd.
Having trained and worked for a number of years in the field of human molecular genetics in the Department of Pathology in Cambridge, Graeme then spent two years at the Wellcome Trust in London before joining QMUL in 2003 as Business Development Manager, becoming Director of Technology Transfer in 2005.
Dr Linda Bradley, Business Development Professional, ANutr, and Quadram Institute Entrepreneur in Residence
Linda Bradley, PhD in human genetics, MSc in Nutrition, is a Registered Nutritionist and an experienced big pharma business development professional, with an interest in supporting nutrition focused start-ups. She worked for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals within business development team for 25 years, leading the identification and negotiation of in-and out-licensing, spin outs, development partnerships, collaborations, alliances and site sales for GSK.
She also worked in the charity sector as Head of Business Development for LifeArc. Linda is the Deputy Chair and Trustee at GutsUK charity, supporting the strategy and governance of information, awareness and research into digestive conditions. She currently works on a part time basis as Entrepreneur in Residence at QIB, supporting individuals and teams on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dr Roberto Zanchi, Quadram Institute Head of Business Development and Commercialisation
Roberto Zanchi, PhD in molecular biology and is the Head of Business Development and Commercialisation at QIB. He is responsible for the execution of the knowledge exchange and commercialisation strategy of the Institute and leads the Business Development team to seek opportunities for the commercial translation of fundamental research and innovation in real world applications. He connects and integrates relevant internal groups with external stakeholders. Roberto is keen to deliver the institute’s vision of healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food, which includes the development of new diagnostics and pharmaceutical interventions in the areas of cancer, metabolic diseases, inflammatory conditions and anti-infectives.
Roberto moved to the Quadram Institute from LifeArc, known previously as MRC Technology, where he supported early drug discovery collaborations and led the marketing and licensing of the charity’s pre-clinical portfolio in the neuroscience area. Prior to this he contributed to the development of novel synthetic biology methods based on click-chemistry at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK.
Roberto is developing an entrepreneurial culture at the Institute by promoting opportunities for and supporting bids to accelerator programs and pitch to investors.
