Jonathan Milner, co-founder of Abcam, offers a masterclass in building successful life science starts-ups, based on his experience with over 40 companies and three Tech IPOs on the London AIM Stock Exchange.
Jonathan will be looking at the bigger picture trends and breakthroughs in life sciences and then explain how he is trying to translate this exciting science into businesses. His particular areas of interest include stem cell technology; new approaches to drug discovery; genomics and proteomics big data; and diseases of ageing and the ageing process.
Jonathan cofounded Abcam when working as a postdoctoral researcher studying the newly discovered breast cancer protein BRCA2 in Kouzarides' Cambridge University laboratory. Now a listed e-commerce company providing antibodies and other protein research tools to a global market, it encourages and publishes product reviews and ratings submitted by customers.
Horizon Discovery designs and engineers genetically modified cells, applying them in research and clinical applications that advance human health.
Dr. Jonathan Milner, Deputy Chairman, Abcam plc
Background: Having worked in the life sciences industry for over ten years as an academic researcher, Jonathan identified the market opportunity for supplying high quality antibodies to support protein interaction studies and, in 1998, founded Abcam with Dr David Cleevely and Professor Tony Kouzarides.
Current external appointments: Jonathan is a Non-Executive Director of Horizon Discovery Group plc, The Evolution Education Trust, Repositive Ltd, Syndicate Room Group Ltd and HealX. He is also Chairman of Axol Bioscience Ltd, PhoreMost Ltd, Definigen Limited and CamAllergy Ltd. Jonathan holds an Executive Director position at Meltwind Limited, being a designated member of Meltwind Advisory LLP, and is a member of the Advisory Panel of Cambridge Innovation Capital plc.
Skills and experience: Jonathan is an experienced entrepreneur and investor and is passionate about supporting UK life science and high-tech start-ups. He has provided considerable investment and support to over 40 companies and has assisted three AIM IPOs.
Attending lectures
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Audience feedback
The subject wasn't what I was expecting, given the title of the talk. However it was very well delivered, interesting and entertaining.
Very interesting talk but not addressed to the title published. I preferred the talk that was give but a bit concerned that some might have come and been disappointed.
Beautiful lecture style I would use it to teach students how to present
Outstanding presentation. Cannot escape the impression though that science has still not established cause and effect in most areas. It resembles the era when Mendel, Darwin and many others were trying to establish what Heredity was causing which ultimately resulted in the breakthrough of establishing the structure of DNA by Rosalind Franklin, Watson and Crick. And since then we have uncovered much more about the workings of the cells, but we are still traipsing around.
Not what was advertised but fascinating and thought provoking anyway, A little long and the speaker largely took pains to explain technical terms but there were parts where the jargon took over,and unfortunately at some of the key parts. It would be great to get him back to talk about biotech companies as he is such an enthusiastic and energetic speaker.
The lecture will be preceded by a short presentation from a CSAR PhD Student Award winner
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