Scientists at the University of Cambridge have been highlighted as being among the top bioscientists contributing to the UK’s economic and social wellbeing.

At a recent event at HM Treasury, run by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), a wide range of research and innovation at the University was highlighted for its economic and social impact:

  • Professors Sir Tom Blundell and Chris Abell's research which contributed to the foundation of drug discovery company Astex Therapeutics. Astex Therapeutics has partnerships with a number of international ‘big pharma’ companies and has four new molecules in clinical trials and promising cancer targets in its development pipeline.
  • Prof Athene Donald’s work on the micro-structure of food and it effects. This will help food manufacturers to develop healthier foods by using new replacements for fat.
  • A Prof David Klenerman and Prof Shankar Balasubramanian's basic research into single molecule fluorescence led to the high-speed DNA sequencing spin-out company Solexa. Solexa filed its first patents in 1998 and in 2007 was purchased by Illumina for $600M
  • Prof Peter Leadlay co-founded Biotica Technology to exploit a breakthrough in understanding how soil bacteria make antibiotics. The company’s leading product is currently in pre-clinical development.
  • Prof Nigel Slater's role as a founder of Cobra Biosciences Ltd, from which Cobra BioManufacturing plc emerged in 2002. Nigel is a non-executive director of Cobra BioManufacturing plc, which employs over 120 staff at its sites in Keele and Oxford where it carries out process development and GMP production of proteins, viruses, DNA and cell products for biopharmaceutical clients.

Astex, Biotica and Solexa were founded with the assistance of Cambridge Enterprise

The event, ‘Bioscience:Biomillions’, illustrated how the UK’s excellent bioscience research base, principally funded by BBSRC with over £400M of public money each year, is delivering substantial economic and social impact. Other high impact bioscience research on show included work to understand and defeat hospital superbugs, research to understand ageing and to develop ways to encourage healthier ageing, and research to help farmers increase crop yields and to cope with a changing climate.

Participants in the event included researchers from the University of Cambridge and other bioscientists being highlighted for their contributions, dignitaries including Ian Pearson MP, the Minister of State for Science and Innovation, industry leaders, policy makers and leading academics.

Mr Pearson said: “Bioscience researchers in the UK have not only pursued excellent, world-class research, but they have also been active in ensuring that we all benefit from their efforts.

“In order to remain globally competitive and meet the future challenges of living within our environmental and population limits, it is vital that bioscience researchers continue to maximise the positive economic and social impacts of their research and activities.”

Steve Visscher, BBSRC Interim Chief Executive, said: “The UK’s world class bioscience research base underpins major economic and social sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, healthcare and the environment. Our researchers are amongst the best in the world in terms of the quality of their science but they are also making huge contributions to quality of life for people through economic and social impact.”

The event also highlighted the success of BBSRC initiatives such as the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme in developing the innovators of the future, and the Business Plan Competition in facilitating the birth of new companies.

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