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The Experts in Residence scheme provides UCL biomedical research community access to highly experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs for expert advice on translational research.
UCL academics and researchers can get support from our Experts in Residence (EiR) at Therapeutic Innovation Networks (TINs) by engaging with these experts, who bring insights that help navigate the complex pathways from scientific discoveries to health innovation.
We encourage you to book a meeting with our EiR to discuss your project and receive their expert advice. Read on and click the link to book an appointment with the expert you would like to meet.
Meet our Experts in Residence
Repurposing TIN - Dr Stephen Hobbiger
Small Molecules TIN - Dr Andy Merritt, Dr Andy Takle
Repurposing TIN:
Dr Stephen Hobbiger
Dr Stephen Hobbiger is a physician and a former Senior Vice President and Head of Drug Safety and Medical Governance at the Pharmaceutical Company GlaxoSmithKline. He has worked in all phases of clinical trials and is a former Vice President of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine and he has been part of several cross-Industry bodies including the EU Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI).
As a Experts in Residence for the Repurposing Therapeutic Innovation Network (TIN), Steve will use his 30+ years of industry experience to help give UCL academics and clinicians an entrepreneurial mindset for accelerating the translation of new indications for existing medicines (Repurposing) as well as advising on the potential of new medicines through working across the other TINs.
A major focus of Steve’s project at UCL TRO will be to build on the enormous potential of Repurposing with the creation of a sustainable multidisciplinary Platform to solicit ideas, help design and secure alternative funding for early phase trials as described in the NHS England Repurposing Roadmap. The second element is to use Steve’s vast experience to teach, coach and mentor those with great scientific ideas who need support navigating the complexities of Drug Development.
Dr Stephen Hobbiger’s professional services at the UCL is funded by the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence scheme.
Book a meeting with Steve Hobbiger (UCL sign-in required to access)
Small Molecules TIN:
Dr Andy Merritt
Dr Andy Merritt’s current role is Head of Academic Engagement for LifeArc, looking to support and develop early career talent in STEM areas across all stages of academic study from A-level through to postdoctoral research positions.
Prior to taking on this new role this year, Andy was Head of Chemistry at the LifeArc (formerly MRC Technology) Centre for Therapeutics Discovery (CTD) for over 13 years. In close collaboration with academic scientists, the CTD developed and subsequently prosecuted innovative drug discovery programmes emerging from academic research. During this time small molecule assets in oncology and neuroscience were partnered with pharmaceutical companies for ongoing clinical development. In addition, tool compounds, supporting research in both these areas and in diseases of the developing world, were optimised, published and shared across the global research community at no cost. LifeArc also supports academic research group access to compound screening collections covering a range of target classes and technologies.
Before joining LifeArc (MRCT) in 2009 Andy was a Director of Discovery Medicinal Chemistry at GlaxoSmithKline, covering early lead discovery from screening campaigns, global responsibility for outsource support for lead discovery chemistry and the supply of tool compounds for target validation. Between 1995 and 2001 as part of the GlaxoWellcome organisation he led interdisciplinary teams focusing on lead discovery and optimisation incorporating the development of new chemical technologies. Andy joined the former Glaxo organization as a senior medicinal chemist in 1988 following postdoctoral studies in the US.
Andy sat on the RSC Chemistry World editorial board between 2003 and 2019 and has been a regular undergraduate lecturer in pharmaceutical medicine at Imperial College, Warwick and Sussex universities.
Book a meeting with Dr Andy Merritt (UCL sign-in required to access)
Small Molecules TIN:
Dr Andy Takle
Dr Andy Takle is a medicinal chemist by background with over 30 years of experience in the biomedical research arena. He was formerly VP and Head of Eisai’s Hatfield Research Laboratory: Neurology Innovation Centre, one of four research sites within Eisai’s Neurology Business Group, where his group focused on the discovery of novel treatments for neurodegenerative conditions through collaboration with academic and biotech partners. In this role, Andy also acted as co-chair of the Therapeutic Innovation Group, which oversaw a multi-year drug discovery collaboration between Eisai and UCL. Prior to joining Eisai, Andy was Director of Translational Research at Cancer Research UK, where his group was responsible for the review, funding and oversight of the charity’s portfolio of drug discovery, biomarker discovery and cancer imaging research activities. Prior to this, he was Director of Medicinal Chemistry in the Neurology and GI CEDD at GSK, supporting a portfolio of projects in pain, migraine, neurodegeneration and GI motility disorders. Andy and his teams have been responsible for the discovery of 13 pre-clinical drug candidates.
Book a meeting with Dr Andy Takle (UCL sign-in required to access)