Business engagement role for pharmaceutical company founder

03 Dec 2012

The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences has appointed Professor Paul Townsend as its new Associate Dean for Business Engagement.

Professor Townsend is currently the Chair of Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Southampton, where he is also Associate Director of Enterprise & Innovation for the Faculty of Medicine and Deputy Director of Cancer Sciences within the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre and Lymphoma and Leukemia Research Centre of Excellence.

After reading for his first degree in York, graduating in 1993, he undertook his doctorate at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (now Cancer Research UK) within University College London (UCL) in 1997. These were followed by post-doctoral research at Imperial College London and UCL, with research periods in Frankfurt and Michigan, before returning to Southampton in 2004 as a lecturer.

Professor Townsend’s group is interested in understanding how epigenetics and exogenously added small molecules can alter cell fate and a cells’ response to injury. He is cofounder of University of Southampton-based pharmaceutical company Karus Therapeutics and has extensive experience in IP generation, protection, consultancy and enterprise activities. One major area of success has been as lead Business Fellow in Medicine, and the most prolific business fellow in the original London Technology Network portfolio, helping to foster links between industrial partners and academics.

Professor Townsend said: “Relocating to Manchester was not a difficult decision – the move is an exciting opportunity for me to work and research in one of the world’s top universities. It is a new funding environment out there now and the impact of enterprise and innovation will become more essential over time. I am looking forward to starting and have already put in to place some initial research collaborations.”

Vice-President and Dean of the University’s Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Professor Ian Jacobs, said: “I am delighted that Professor Townsend has agreed to take up the role of Associate Dean for Business Engagement in the Faculty. Working effectively with partners from the commercial sector is a key priority for the University of Manchester and Paul brings just the kind of experience, expertise and energy that we need. There are exciting opportunities for him to work closely with colleagues across the Faculty, the University and MAHSC (Manchester Academic Health Science Centre) in both his research and business engagement roles.”

Professor Townsend takes up his new role in Manchester in February.

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