Dr Craig Thomas

PhD

Craig has extensive expertise in toxicology, discovery research, competitive intelligence and due diligence spanning more than three decades. He began his career at the Marion Merrell Dow research institute where he worked in Cardiovascular and CNS discovery before joining Eli Lilly in 1996 where he focused on increasing the efficiency and predictability of early phase safety assessment. Building on this, he spent two years leading cross-functional due diligence then progressed to lead strategic competitive intelligence for neuroscience, including conducting drug target assessments.  Craig is passionate about the critical role toxicology plays in delivering innovative molecules with optimal risk-benefit profiles to address major unmet medical needs.

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Henry Bushell

Henry has a keen interest in economics and decided to acquire some business experience, joining ApconiX straight from sixth form college.  Playing an active role within business development, Henry hopes to gain an understanding of how businesses become and remain successful before going on to study economics at university.  An active mind and a willingness to take on new projects, Henry is well suited to the very busy, very demanding workload of a growing company.

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William Humfrey

MSc

Will studied for an integrated master’s degree in biomedical science at the University of Sheffield where he gained understanding of human health, disease processes and developed both practical and written skills. Particularly enjoying literature searches, critical reviews, data analysis and report writing, Will is keen to learn new skills as part of the target safety assessment team.

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Michelle Blissett

MSc

With almost 20 years devoted to preclinical toxicology, Michelle has developed an excellent ability to conduct extensive literature searches, interrogating, analysing and interpreting data and has contributed to regulatory and scientific reports and produced numerous literature reviews.  As a Senior Toxicologist, Michelle has experience of clinical chemistry, haematology, cytogenetics and conducting preclinical studies for clients globally.  A collaborative and articulate communicator, Michelle has an aptitude for conveying complex scientific data in an accurate and concise manner.

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Scott Hackford

MSc

Scott has over 12 years’ experience at a UK CRO where he was Senior Toxicologist, Study Director, and manager of a team of study directors.  As Senior Toxicologist, Scott advised clients on drug safety programs across multiple therapy areas and therapeutic modalities. This work included the design, conduct and reporting of nonclinical safety studies to support regulatory submissions.  Scott has experience with agrochemical and chemical industry clients and the relevant regulatory guidelines including REACH.  Collaborating with clients to obtain the best outcomes, Scott is easy to approach, always working to enable projects are completed in a timely manner.

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Dr Amy Shepherd

PhD

Amy holds a PhD and Masters in Immunology and Cardiovascular science from the University of Sheffield. An experienced Immunologist with 10 years’ experience in non-clinical and clinical safety programme design for both biologic and small molecule compounds, Amy has led cross functional drug development teams globally within a large CRO. She has a strong reputation for building client relationships and managing projects and combines a passion for pharmaceutical development and fostering collaborative relationships.

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Dr Kerry Illston

PhD

Kerry is an experienced Project Manager with over 25 years’ experience in molecular toxicology, new target identification/validation and nonclinical safety within large pharmaceutical and biotech companies and contract research organisations.  She has a strong background in driving complex, valuable, high profile drug development programmes.  Kerry draws on her knowledge and passion for science in drug development to identity and solve problems with innovative thinking.

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Bethan Kelly

Bethan joins the ion channel laboratory team for a years’ placement.  She has just finished her second year studying biology at the University of York. Her interest in the pharmaceutical industry and keenness to gain more experience of laboratory practices, data analysis, and research, led her to apply for the position.  Bethan’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn makes her a great fit for the ApconiX team.

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David Jones

MSc, EurBiol, CBiol, FRSB, ERT, FBTS

David is a European Registered Toxicologist and a Fellow of the British Toxicology Society as well as a Chartered Biologist and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. David was responsible for assessing the nonclinical data for Clinical Trial Authorisation Applications and chaired over a hundred scientific advice meetings every year.  His many years of experience at the MHRA provide invaluable insight to clients looking to take drugs into clinical trials.

Magali-Anne Maizieres

MSc

Magali is an electrophysiologist and gained 3 years’ laboratory experience in both manual and automated patch-clamp at Sanofi.  After completing a BSc in Life Sciences form the University Pierre and Marie Curies in Paris and BSc in Biotechnologies from the University Paris Descartes, Magali gained a Master’s degree in Health Technologies from the University of Bordeaux. Magali subsequently joined Horizon Discovery, gaining experience in engineering cell lines, and then Cambridge University as a RA in neuroscience.   Magali joined ApconiX to indulge her love of patch-clamp and her passion for ion channels and electrophysiology.