BioTech Connect Program by University of Surrey

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University of Surrey

P R O F C H R I S T I A N H E I S S

Prof Dr Christian Heiss has a joint appointment by The University of Surrey and Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust as a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine. He is the Head of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine He is an internationally recognised expert in diagnostic, interventional, and experimental cardiovascular medicine His research interests include basic mechanisms of vascular homeostasis and human interventions for the improvement of cardiovascular health and healthy ageing.

Professor Heiss has previously headed the Vascular Medicine program at the Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine of the University of Düsseldorf, in Germany. He received training in basic cardiovascular research, clinical cardiology, and vascular medicine.

University of Surrey

D R . G I O V A N N A N A L E S O

Dr Giovanna Nalesso earned a degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Padova (Italy) in 2006. She moved to the UK in the same year to work for GlaxoSmithKline until September 2007. She then began her PhD at Queen Mary University of London, focusing on the characterisation of the Wnt signalling pathway in articular cartilage and osteoarthritis.

In 2017, Dr. Nalesso joined the University of Surrey as a lecturer in Musculoskeletal Biology at the School of Veterinary Medicine

University of Surrey

A N D R E W R O G O Y S K I

Andrew is Innovation Director for the University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI, part of the University of Surrey, building collaborations to deliver the Institute’s AI vision, leveraging the team’s 35+ years of leading research in AI. Andrew started at the Rutherford-Appleton Lab as a postdoctoral fellow before spending 30 years in tech industry including Logica, QinetiQ and Roke Manor, before returning to academia.

Andrew’s domain experience includes government (Cabinet Office), space, finance and creative sectors. Andrew is a passionate advocate of developing AI that benefits people and society, with a focus on creative, healthcare and education sectors.

AboutSurreyInstituteofPeopleCentredAI

The pan-University Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI) brings together world-leading AI and domain expertise to shape AI for public good.

Datar Cancer Genetics

A T R E Y E E S A H A

Dr Atreyee Saha, Director of Laboratory and Technologies, Datar Cancer Genetics UK

Seasoned senior executive with a proven international track record in the IVD Medical Device industry, from development to commercialisation of multiple IVD medical devices. Expertise includes innovation, strategic partnerships, regulatory strategies, funding, and KOL engagement, driven by scientific excellence and improved patient care.

AboutDatarCancerGenetics

Datar Cancer Genetics (DCG) UK empowers patients across their entire cancer journey with a comprehensive suite of advanced in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests. Leveraging both tissue and liquid biopsies, DCG’s CE-IVD marked tests, processed in DCG’s UKAS, CAP, and CLIA accredited laboratories at Guildford, UK, offer solutions for cancer screening/ early cancer detection, solutions for comprehensive treatment guidance for advanced and rare cancers, and continuous disease monitoring. From sample collection to rapid result delivery, DCG UK provides unwavering support, striving to improve cancer care outcomes Discover more at www uk datarpgx com

Datar Cancer Genetics

S T E V E P A R R

Steve Parr, Senior Director: Commercial, Datar Cancer Genetics UK A results-oriented business leader and hands-on consultant with 30 years of experience in driving SME growth in the UK healthcare, biotech sectors. Expertise includes market access, value proposition creation, barrier removal, and new revenue streams Proven success in leading strategic growth, commercialising innovative technologies, and forging key partnerships

AboutDatarCancerGenetics

Igenomix

X U H U I

S U N

Xuhui Sun is the Laboratory Manager at Igenomix UK, part of the Vitrolife Group, based at the Surrey Research Park in the UK. Xuhui holds an MBBS and a Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from Southeast University in China, as well as an MSc in Reproductive Science and Women’s Health from University College London (UCL). Xuhui is also a PhD candidate at UCL and has recently submitted a thesis in the field of Human Preimplantation Genetics.

Xuhui's research focuses on the genomic and transcriptomic profiling of human preimplantation embryos, aiming to enhance the understanding of embryo viability, chromosomal integrity, and gene expression regulation during early development. In the current role, Xuhui performs clinical Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and supports the implementation and advancement of PGT technologies, bridging cutting-edge research with routine PGT laboratory practice. .

AboutIgenomix

Igenomix investigates human reproduction together with clinics and fertility doctors worldwide to change the lives of couples who are trying to conceive.

They are a reference company in reproductive genetics, and are willing to change the way IVF is performed with just one goal on mind: a healthy baby at home

K A S I A

N I E M I E C

Kasia Niemiec is a Business Development Manager at MedPharm, a globally recognised drug product development CDMO With over eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a strong academic background as a trained pharmacist with a PhD in skin biology, Kasia brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and commercial insight to her role.

AboutMedPharm

MedPharm is a leading CDMO in the formulation, testing and manufacturing of topical and transepithelial products - including delivery to the skin, nail, eye, ear, lung, nose and other mucosal membranes. With over 25 years of experience and state-of-the-art facilities in both the UK and the US, MedPharm supports pharmaceutical, biotech and cosmetic companies worldwide.

The company offers end-to-end services from proof-of-concept through to commercial supply and is known for its cutting-edge in vitro models using human tissue, scientific rigour and step-wise development programmes tailored to each product’s specific needs.

University of Surrey

P R O F D E B O R A H D U N N - W A L T E R S F R S B

Deborah Dunn-Walters is Professor of Immunology in the School of Bioscience and Medicine, part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Her group studies B cell development in Health and Disease, taking a systems immunology approach to elucidate changes in humoral immunity with age. Her lab develops improved tools to study immune repertoires, including novel methods for single-cell analysis at a large scale and particularly as applied to elucidating the immunological responses to SARSCoV-2 and other respiratory infections.

She has collaborated with many different laboratories worldwide and has chaired several international B-cell conferences

Deborah encourages interdisciplinary ways of working and is particularly keen to support discovery research into the biology of ageing, she is Chairelect for the Dunhill Medical Trust She is also a Trustee for the British Society for Immunology and chairs the BSI Taskforce. Deborah sits on various UKRI Strategy and funding panels She is also Visiting Professor of Immunobiology at King's College London.

Deborah has over 100 publications, and her work has been funded by programme awards from the MRC, the Human Frontiers Science Program and currently UKRI BBSRC In addition, she is extremely grateful to the Dunhill Medical Trust, Research into Ageing and the Rosetrees Trust charities for supporting her research.

University of Surrey

P R O F . C L A U D I O A V I G N O N E

Professor Claudio Avignone Rossa (CAR) obtained his BSc Chemistry (1987), Licentiate Degree in Biochemical Sciences (1989) and PhD in Industrial Biochemistry (1994) from the University of La Plata (Argentina) He joined the University of Surrey, where he is now a Professor of Systems Microbiology. His research interests focus on the development of microbial bioprocesses of environmental, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological interest

His research activities have focused on various aspects of microbial biotechnology Studies on bioprocess design and optimisation involve the study of the metabolic and physiological mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of compounds of interest for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries (antibiotics, enzymes, biofuels, vaccines, etc), employing multi-omics approaches and metabolic modelling. His current research is directed to the design of metabolic engineering strategies for optimised antibiotic production processes.

CAR is also interested in developing and evolving microbial consortia involved in natural or artificial biological processes. He leads a multidisciplinary microbial biotechnology team, involving microbiologists, microbial biochemists, system biologists and computational researchers.

SiSaf

D E T L E F S I E B E R T

Detlef Siebert is SiSaf’s General Manager Prior to joining SiSaf, he was an award-winning Producer/Director of documentaries and factual drama at the BBC. In 2014, he decided to transfer his multifaceted skills to business management, first as COO of a diagnostic biotech start-up and from 2016 as General Manager at SiSaf. In this role, he is wearing multiple hats managing corporate governance, PR and marketing initiatives, and general operations.

AboutSiSaf

SiSaf, founded by Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert in 2008, is pioneering RNA therapeutics to transform disease treatment Dr Saffie-Siebert envisioned a hybrid drug delivery technology combining lipid nanoparticles with bioabsorbable silicon, leveraging her extensive experience with liposomes and silicon. This innovative approach stabilises lipid nanoparticles and controls silicon biodegradation.

SiSaf's lead program in Osteopetrosis received Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA in 2023 The company boasts a robust patent portfolio, ensuring extensive freedom to operate

University of Surrey

D R . K A M A L A N J E E V A R A T N A M

Dr. Kamalan Jeevaratnam is the Head of School of Veterinary Medicine, Professor in Clinical Physiology His research interests include integrative physiology, novel therapeutic agent discoveries, and medical education. His current work focuses on using integrative physiology techniques to understand cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and develop clinical risk stratification strategies.

Dr Jeevaratnam is an accomplished public speaker and debater, having participated in the Cambridge Union and judged international competitions.

He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, an MMedSc from the International Medical University, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from University Putra Malaysia He has received numerous awards, including the Merdeka Award Grant and the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Award.

University of Surrey

D R . D A V I D J A L L E N

Dr. David J. Allen earned his BSc in Virology and Immunology from the University of Warwick and completed his PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Health Protection Agency (now UKHSA)

He worked with the Medical Research Council at the National Institute for Medical Research (now Francis Crick Institute) on retroviruses, and later at Public Health England as a public health virologist, focusing on various viruses including influenza and coronaviruses. He ended his tenure as Head of the National Enteric Virus Reference Unit

In August 2024, he joined the University of Surrey to establish a virology research group, continuing his work on viral infections, virus evolution, and diagnostics for lower-resourced settings. He collaborates with public health agencies, including the WHO and the Global Polio Laboratory Network. Dr. Allen is also a Sustainability Fellow with the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey.

Conidia Bioscience

C L A U D I O L O U R E N C O

Claudio Lourenço is a multidisciplinary scientist with over 12 years of experience spanning microbiology, chemistry, and materials science in both academic and industrial settings. He holds an EngD in Chemistry and Microbiology from the University College London, where his research focused on the antimicrobial mechanisms of reactive oxygen species against biofilms

. In his current position as Senior R&D Scientist and Laboratory Manager at Conidia Bioscience, he led the successful relocation and modernisation of the microbiology laboratory, optimised quality control procedures, and supported critical manufacturing transitions His work is dedicated to advancing innovation in antimicrobial technologies and microbial detection systems, with a strong focus on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

AboutConidiaBioscience

Conidia Bioscience is a UK-based company that designs, develops, manufactures, and globally distributes innovative testing solutions for fuel system maintenance. Its flagship product, FUELSTAT®, employs rapid immunoassay antibody technology to detect microbiological contamination in middle distillate fuels These tests, trusted by major airlines, shipping companies, and fleet operators, provide on-site results within minutes and are integrated with the FUELSTAT® Result digital platform Since its founding in 2000, Conidia has supplied over 100,000 test kits annually across aviation, marine, and land-based industries, maintaining its position as a global leader in microbial fuel testing through ongoing scientific research and development

University of Surrey

D R . M A T T E O B A R B E R I S F R S B

Matteo Barberis is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and Reader of Systems Biology at the School of Biosciences of the University of Surrey He serves as Coordinator of the Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology (CMCB) and as Theme Leader for Infection and Immunity for the Faculty of Health and Medical Science Matteo has both a degree and a PhD in Industrial Biotechnology from the University of MilanoBicocca, Italy. After six years of postdoctoral studies in systems biology investigating cell cycle control at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and the Humboldt-University in Berlin, Germany, Matteo started his independent research group at the University of Amsterdam before moving his group to the University of Surrey. Matteo has a long experience in developing systems biology approaches to identify molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease His systems biology research focuses on deciphering design principles underlying cellular organization, through interdisciplinary research that integrates computational modeling with experimentation and large data sets analysis. Matteo’s current primary research aims to investigate regulatory processes underlying cell cycle control, the metabolism, and the immune system in health and disease, through unravelling of design principles of cellular organization, autonomous minimal cell design, multi-scale modeling, -omics analysis and integration, and network-based drug design. Matteo serves as Editor-inChief of Current Opinion in Systems Biology, Editorial Board member of npj Systems Biology and Applications, Associate Editor at Frontiers (sections ‘Biology Modeling and Simulation’, ‘Cellular Biochemistry’, and ‘Microbial Physiology and Metabolism’), and Executive Director of the International Society for Systems Biology (ISSB).

University of Surrey

P R O F E S S O R A N G E L I C A R O N A L D

Angelica Ronald is Professor of Psychology and Genetics at the School of Psychology in the Faculty for Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey. She established the Genetics of Early Milestones and Skills (GEMS) project, an ongoing multi-disciplinary collaboration which aims to investigate the common genetic architecture of infant development. Professor Ronald has 23 years' experience in research with a focus on genetic and environmental causes of neurodevelopment and mental health in children and adolescents.

She gained postdoctoral training in molecular genetics funded by an Autism Speaks fellowship and a PhD in Quantitative Genetics from King’s College London Prior to that she received her BA from the University of Oxford in Experimental Psychology. Her research prizes include the Association for Psychological Sciences Janet Taylor Spence award and the British Psychological Society Spearman medal. Prof Ronald has >150 publications, is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and is joint editor of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, a highly-ranked journal in psychology and psychiatry (ISI).

She co-founded the London Genetics Network in 2020, a hub funded by the Genetics Society with over 400 members from over 40 institutions in London and the surrounding areas.

University of Surrey

D R . M I L A N A N T O N I J E V I C

Dr Milan Antonijevic obtained a BSc Hons in chemistry from the School of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1997 He then spent just over four years working in the quality control department (physicochemical characterisation) of Hemofarm, the leading pharmaceutical company in Serbia.

His subsequent career step involved a move to the UK and the continuation of his education. Milan studied pharmaceutical materials science under the supervision of Dr Susan A Barker and Professor Duncan Q M Craig He was awarded a PhD at the School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast in 2005.

His first faculty post was at the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, in 2004 as a senior demonstrator. His first permanent faculty post as a lecturer at the School of Science, University of Greenwich, started in 2006, progressing to senior lecturer and Programme Leader for BSc Hons Chemistry in 2008 and subsequently becoming a principal lecturer and programme leader for MSc Pharmaceutical Science in 2010. He then moved to the University of Surrey in 2023, intending to establish a new MSc Programme in Pharmaceutical Science with Industrial Practice.

University of Surrey

D R . C E C I L E F R A M P A S

Dr Cecile Frampas is an experienced mass spectrometry scientist and Research Fellow at the University of Surrey Specialising in proteomics and metabolomics, she has over eight years of expertise in both targeted and untargeted analyses. Her work includes optimising workflows for protein and metabolite quantification, drug detection and biomarker discovery.

Cecile joined the University of Surrey in 2017 to complete her PhD in analytical chemistry under the supervision of Professor Melanie Bailey. In 2021, she moved to the Chronobiology research group, where she continued to expand her research in bioanalytical science.

Since 2023, she has been part of a team awarded funding from the Wolfson Foundation to establish a Centre of Excellence for Bioanalytical Science at UoS.

She is now combining her expertise in biomarker discovery and proteomics with artificial intelligence to explore disease mechanisms and enhance diagnostics in animal health

University of Surrey

D R . Y A S H W A N T H S U B B A N N A Y Y A

Dr. Yashwanth Subbannayya, a Biochemist and Computational/ Systems Biologist, is a Dean's Research Fellow at the University of Surrey. He employs multi-omics, bioinformatics, and computational biology to elucidate molecular mechanisms in infectious diseases, innate immunity, and cancers, aiming to identify clinical targets His doctoral research in India identified CAMKK2 as a gastric cancer target and potential serum biomarkers.

He contributed to the seminal human proteome draft map published in Nature and the Netpath resource of signalling pathways. Previously, he established a proteomics/omics facility at Yenepoya University and researched TLR signalling, SARS-Cov-2 host responses, and lung cancer immune profiling at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, also participating in the GYNOCARE COST action- a consortium for rare gynaecological cancers. He joined the University of Surrey in 2023 and is a Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI fellow and ECR representative for the school of Biosciences.

He has published over 60 publications, serves as an Associate Editor for Gene Reports and an editorial board member for BJC Reports, reviews for 15+ journals, and has supervised/co-supervised 5 PhD and 22 Master's students. He is also a member of the Building Immune Digital Twins RDA Working Group.

University of Surrey

D R . M A R I A T E R E S A E S P O S I T O

Dr. Maria Teresa Esposito is a molecular biologist with research interests spanning from cancer biology to ageing

She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at the University of Surrey, School of Biosciences, Department of Biochemical Sciences, a position she has held since 2023. Prior to this, she was a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science (cancer biology) at the University of Roehampton, School of Life and Health Sciences from 2017 to 2023. From 2015 to 2017, she served as a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences (cancer biology) at the University of East London, School of Health and Sport Sciences.

Dr Esposito's postdoctoral research was conducted in the Leukaemia and Stem Cell Biology group led by Prof. Eric So at King's College London from 2010 to 2015, and at the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton from 2009 to 2010. She was a visiting PhD student in the Bone and Stem Cells group at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London from 2008 to 2009

She completed her PhD in the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy team led by Prof Lucio Pastore at CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy, from 2005 to 2009 Her academic journey began as an intern student in the same team at the University of Napoli Federico II, from 2001 to 2005

University of Surrey

D R . S U Z I E H I N G L E Y - W I L S O N

Dr. Suzie Hingley-Wilson's is a Senior Lecturer in BioTechnology at the University of Surrey She pursued a Masters in Immunology at the University of Birmingham, Dr. Hingley-Wilson joined Professor Jacob Jnr's laboratory at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.

As a Howard Hughes funded fellow, she elucidated the primary attenuating deletion mechanism of BCG, developed a mutant classification system, and engaged in phage hunting at the Bronx Zoo.

At Imperial College London, Dr Hingley-Wilson investigated whether Mtb is dormant and utilized patient samples to study virulence mechanisms and mixed TB infections Her move to the University of Surrey involved working in the McFadden lab on multidisciplinary projects before establishing her own lab focused on TB. Her research aims to understand this complex disease and find innovative ways to combat this global health threat. She has received several awards, including the Wellcome Trust valued person award, a multi-council AMR innovation grant, and multiple EPSRC project grants

LGC

C H R I S T O P H E R M C E L R O Y

After studying and working in Germany for 10 years, in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry Dr Christopher McElroy returned to the UK to work for the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at LGC where he has remained since September 2022

Dr Christopher McElroy is an alumnus of the University of Nottingham, LMU Munich and the RWTH Aachen, as well the Helmholtz and Fraunhofer Institutes, and has published multiple peer review articles and a patent in the field of biotechnology. He has previously worked on the metabolic engineering of yeast to produce commercially important terpenoids and novel drug candidates

The National Measurement Laboratory (NML), hosted at LGC, is the UK's Designated Institute for chemical and biological measurement, delivering measurement research, developing reference materials, calibration facilities and services as well as providing specialised advice and training across life sciences, green industries, and food sectors LGC, a global leader in life science tools, also holds other National Laboratories on behalf of the UK, including the Government Chemist and the Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) under contract from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

investing and contributing to create regional growth and positive societal impact.

JOIN THE INDUSTRY RESEARCH COMMUNITY

Industry Research Community

The Industry–Research Community is a growing network that brings together academics, innovators, and industry leaders across the Surrey ecosystem to collaborate, connect, and drive real-world impact.

Anchored by cluster campaigns such as CancerBusters, BioTech Connect, and our broader health and life sciences initiatives, the community creates a shared space for discovery, dialogue, and multidisciplinary innovation.

Whether it’s through knowledge exchange, joint research, access to talent, or collaborative funding bids, the Industry–Research Community empowers members to work across boundaries and tackle complex challenges—together.