Careers in Discovery

Simon Young, C4X Discovery

In this episode of Careers in Discovery I sit down with Simon Young, VP of Translational Science at C4X Discovery.

Simon’s career has taken some fascinating twists and turns, from veterinary medicine to electrical engineering, and eventually into diagnostics, drug discovery and precision medicine.

He shares how those experiences have shaped his approach today, and how staying flexible, taking on new challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone have helped him to build an exciting career.

Peter Pack

This week on Careers in Discovery, I'm joined by Dr Peter Pack, an influential figure in the Biotech industry whose journey has taken him from Germany to the dynamic Biotech landscape of the UK, where he now operates as a strategic partner and advisor to Private Equity firms and startups.

In our conversation, Peter shared his diverse experience, including his time as a CEO for nearly 20 years and his current role mentoring young biotech teams. He offered insights into the differences between the Biotech industries in Germany and the UK, the importance of building strong networks, and his passion for supporting innovative startups.

Peter also reflected on his early inspirations in science, the development of groundbreaking technologies at Morphosys, and the valuable lessons he has learned about commercialization and strategic decision-making. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, learning from mistakes, and the critical role of supportive investors.

Join us as we explore Peter's fascinating career, his views on the future of biotech, and the key factors that contribute to successful leadership in this ever-evolving field.

Adam Glen, Unicorn Biotechnologies

In this episode of Careers in Discovery we sit down with Adam Glen, co-founder of Unicorn Biotechnologies, to talk about his journey from academia to building a biotech company that’s tackling one of the biggest pain points in life sciences: manual cell culture.

Adam shares the frustrations that led him to start his own company, explaining how his experiences in academia and industry shaped his vision. He talks about the challenge of scaling up stem cell manufacturing and how Unicorn Biotechnologies’ approach strips complex problems back to their fundamentals, making the whole process more efficient and accessible.

In a candid conversation, Adam also reflects on his personal journey—balancing his love of science with a growing entrepreneurial drive and learning from the highs and lows of start-up life. He offers advice for those thinking about making the leap from research to business, emphasising the importance of being driven by curiosity, embracing uncertainty, and continuously learning.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in biotech innovation, entrepreneurship, and the real-world challenges of scaling scientific breakthroughs.

Volker Herrmann, Sonata Therapeutics

In this episode of Careers in Discovery we’re joined by Volker Herrmann, CEO of Sonata Therapeutics, for a fascinating conversation about his journey from a cardiologist to a biotech leader. Volker shares the moments in his career that led him to question the traditional approaches in medicine, which sparked his innovative thinking at Sonata Therapeutics. He discusses the company's unique approach to using "network medicines" to potentially reprogram disease cells to fight illness, akin to a form of "biological judo."

Volker also reflects on his career transitions, from leading Pfizer’s CNS Pain franchise to spearheading a service and solution business aimed at improving patient outcomes beyond pharmaceuticals. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity, purpose, and impact in driving success within the biotech industry. He offers advice on maintaining a strong sense of urgency, fostering a purpose-driven culture, and how to navigate the difficult elements of leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Join us this week as we discuss the challenges and rewards of leading a biotech company with a focus on innovative patient-centric solutions.

Marcin Paduch, Metaphore Biotechnologies

In this week’s episode of Careers in Discovery, we sit down with Marcin Paduch, Head of Platform Biology at Metaphore Biotechnologies. Marcin shares his insight into the exciting work happening at Metaphore, where they’re using the power of biomimicry and machine learning to develop new therapeutics. He explains how their MIMIC platform helps tackle tough therapeutic challenges, particularly in areas like cardiometabolic diseases and immunology, and shares the story behind their recent collaboration with Novo Nordisk.

Marcin also opens up about his personal journey into science, starting with a childhood surrounded by scientists and doctors, and how that led him into a career spanning structural biology, protein engineering, and ground-breaking start-ups like Grail and Arsenal Bio. He talks about the lessons he’s learned along the way, like the importance of staying curious, embracing technology, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

Join us for a fascinating discussion on the intersection of science, technology, and the evolving landscape of drug discovery.

Alistair Henry, UCB

In this latest episode of Careers in Discovery, we sit down with Alistair Henry, the new Chief Scientific Officer at UCB, to talk about his remarkable 26-year journey with the company. Alistair shares his passion for science and how it led him from a curious teenager to a leader in drug discovery, working on ground-breaking projects in immunology and neurology.

Alistair opens up about the excitement and challenges of his new role, the importance of always looking ahead, and how he balances immediate priorities with long-term innovation. He also reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, from his unexpected entry into pharma to his deepening focus on making a real difference for patients.

Alistair offers honest and practical advice for those starting out in their scientific careers. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious, connecting with others, and being open to stepping out of your comfort zone. He also talks about the power of collaboration and how building a strong, open, and innovative culture has been key to his success at UCB.

If you’re interested in the human side of a career in science and what it takes to lead with purpose, this episode is full of insights from someone who’s done it all.

Kenny Duncan, Accent Therapeutics

This week on Careers in Discovery, we're delighted to be joined by Kenny Duncan, SVP of Chemistry at Accent Therapeutics, where we explore the evolving landscape of drug discovery and the critical role chemistry plays in advancing new therapies.

Kenny takes us through his incredible career journey, from his early passion for chemistry to becoming a leader in Boston’s thriving biotech industry. We discuss his work on RNA-modifying proteins and how his team is tackling the challenges of targeting complex biology with innovative chemistry.

In this episode, Kenny and I discuss the strategic thinking required to drive success in biotech, the importance of building strong, multidisciplinary teams, and the lessons he’s learned on his path from scientist to executive. He also shares valuable advice on following your passions and the importance of staying adaptable in a fast-changing industry.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Kenny Duncan, where we unpack the future of drug discovery and the crucial role chemistry continues to play in shaping the industry.

Richard Law, Exscientia

Could AI be the key to reducing the high failure rate in drug discovery? This week on Careers in Discovery, we explore this critical question with Richard Law, Chief Business Officer at Exscientia, who has been at the forefront of integrating AI into the Biotech industry for decades.

Richard shares his fascinating career journey, from his early days as a Computational Chemist to his current role leading Business Development in one of the most innovative companies in drug discovery. He offers unique insights into how AI is not only accelerating the process but also increasing the likelihood of success in developing new therapies.

In this episode, Rich and I discuss the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery, explaining how these technologies are changing the game by improving the quality of molecules and enhancing the precision of clinical trials. He also reflects on the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving industry and the importance of staying open to new ideas and learning from those around you.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Richard Law, where we delve into the future of drug discovery and the revolutionary role AI is set to play.