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Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence to help drive translation of Bristol’s world-leading synthetic biology research

Dr David Tew will join the University of Bristol as Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence in September 2018

Press release issued: 22 March 2018

Dr David Tew, Director, Advanced Manufacturing Technology and GSK Senior Fellow at GlaxoSmithKline, will join the University of Bristol as a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence from September 2018.

This prestigious appointment was announced on Tuesday 20 March at the Royal Society’s annual Labs to Riches dinner.

Dr Tew has over 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has recently focused on applying synthetic biology to various aspects of drug discovery, development and manufacture. 

The University of Bristol is widely recognised as a centre of excellence in the UK for synthetic biology research. The University hosts the Bristol BioDesign Institute (BBI) which encompasses £103M of synthetic biology research, training, public engagement and innovation programmes. Led by Prof. Dek Woolfson, BBI aims to use fundamental understanding to inform rational design of new biomolecules to and biosystems.

Dr Tew will support the translation of Bristol’s portfolio of synthetic biology projects including work on gene therapy, cell therapy, vaccines and biosensors. He will provide industrial feedback on new technologies, build bridges with the pharmaceutical industry, and mentor our new entrepreneurs.

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, Prof. Hugh Brady, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Dr David Tew to the University of Bristol. David’s wealth of experience will be a great asset to the University and will enable us to capitalise fully on the Research Council’s and our own investment in synthetic biology.

“David’s leadership will enable us to foster even greater links with industry, at a time when collaborations and joint ventures between academia and industry are key to strengthening the UK’s bioeconomy and addressing the Governments new industrial strategy.

“David’s passion for applying exciting new approaches to solve real-life problems is a perfect fit for the dynamic and creative environment fostered in BBI. I believe they will make a formidable team and further enhance Bristol’s position at the forefront of translational research.”

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Tew said:

“It is a great honour to join the University of Bristol as s Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence and to be among colleagues who share my passion and energy for synthetic biology.

“My role will be to build long-term links between the University and industry, by promoting an understanding of how cutting-edge science is done in industry so Bristol’s talented researchers can make further impacts in this new and exciting area of science.”

Further information

About the Bristol BioDesign Institute:

Bristol BioDesign Institute (BBI) places the University of Bristol among the forerunners of synthetic biology research, teaching and innovation. The institute brings together BrisSynBio, a UK Synthetic Biology Research Centre, and the SynBio Centre for Doctoral Training.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/research/institutes/biodesign/, and a large portfolio of responsive and programme grants from the UK and EU Research Councils.

About the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence scheme:

The Royal Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding Charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme aims to increase the knowledge and awareness in UK Universities of cutting edge industrial science, research and innovation. 

The scheme provides opportunities for outstanding industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to spend time working in a University to: 

  • expose university staff and students to state-of-the-art industrial research and development, and the scientific challenges faced by industry;
  • provide support and expert advice aimed at promoting innovation and the translation of research by Universities;
  • grow confidence in and understanding of business and entrepreneurship among staff and students;
  • provide career recognition to the award holders, and support their professional development.
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