Pauline Garner

Pauline is an experienced Genetic Toxicologist with over 24 years in non-clinical safety at a medium-sized CRO. Specialising in Programme Management for the last 9 years, Pauline combines a passion for science and pharmaceutical development, with the knowledge of project and commercial needs. Pauline has a strong reputation in communication and an eye for detail. She particularly enjoys building enduring customer relationships to support optimum delivery of non-clinical safety programmes.

Emily Johnson

PhD

After completing her BSc Neuroscience (1^st class, Hons), Emily studied the role of T-type Ca²⁺ channels in proliferative cardiovascular disease for her PhD (University of Leeds). Having cemented a love for electrophysiology, she spent 5 years working as a post-doctoral Research Fellow, utilising her expertise with patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics and 2-photon Ca²⁺ imaging, to address novel Neuroscience research questions.  A natural problem solver and collaborative researcher, Emily has a tenacious attitude useful for acquiring high-quality, reproducible data.

Helen Garside

PhD

Helen has over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry focused on predictive and mechanistic toxicology. She has expertise in early project toxicology gained through roles in discovery safety and safety pharmacology, supporting projects across multiple therapy areas.

Louisa Lake

Louisa has worked for over 18 years in a customer facing role.  A natural relationship builder, Louisa is process driven, communicative, supportive, and thorough.  She is a great addition to the expanding ApconiX team.

Sean Hammond

PhD

Sean holds a PhD in immuno-pharmacology from the University of Liverpool, focused on developing experimental and conceptual means to address T-cell mediated hypersensitivity reactions. He has long-standing links with drug safety research at Liverpool where he received the Syngenta prize for Pharmacology at degree level and where he maintains an academic profile. He has several publications focused on the immuno-toxicological aspects of small molecular weight compounds and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Sean particularly values working with inter-disciplinary experts to drive rational, data-led decision making in drug development projects.

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Angela Stokes

MSc CSci CChem FRSC FTOPRA

Angela has a strong scientific background in chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and over 30 years of regulatory affairs experience in medicinal product and medical device development.   She has extensive experience of ICH, FDA and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) guidelines for a wide range of pharmaceutical products, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and quality systems. She has been influential in regulatory affairs training and mentoring and is a Fellow of The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Angela was the winner of the 2015 TOPRA Award for Contribution and 2020 TOPRA Award for Inspiration.  Angela’s knowledge, breadth of experience in regulatory affairs, toxicology and pharmacology abilities and strategic approach aligns with and supports the toxicology group in ApconiX.

Karen Featherstone

PhD

Karen is a Medical Writer with extensive experience in communicating health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) through a range of market access materials. Having worked within a global contract research organisation, she has a track record of delivering high quality, evidence-based materials to clients from across the pharmaceutical industry (from the top ten global pharmaceutical companies to small biotechnology companies) and across multiple disease areas. Karen has a comprehensive understanding of clinical trial design and clinical safety data and enjoys bringing this experience and her broad scientific knowledge to the Safety Science team.

James Sidaway

PhD

James is an experienced and innovative toxicologist having worked for over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry with AstraZeneca and as an independent consultant. As a molecular-investigative toxicologist he helped resolve safety issues for a wide range of drug discovery and development projects across the major therapy areas. He has also developed advanced in vitro models for organ toxicity screening, pioneered the application of novel technology and informatics platforms and has a strong track record of delivering Target Safety Assessments.  James (also known as Sid)  has a real interest in solving mechanisms of drug toxicity and is energised by working collaboratively in industry, academic and commercial settings.

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Simon Craige

MSc, ERT, DABT, FRCPath

Simon has over 20 years’ nonclinical and toxicology experience working in contract research, medical and pharmaceutical organisations across multiple disciplines. These include small molecules, vaccines, biologics, and medical devices. He has experience of a diverse range of therapeutic areas (including oncology, CNS, ocular and dermal) and across various phases of drug discovery and development.

As well as a Master’s degree in toxicology from the University of Birmingham, professional credentials include European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) since 2012, American Board Registered Toxicologist (DABT) since 2014 and a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in Toxicology (FRCPath) in 2025. He’s currently a member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT), American College of Toxicology (ACT), British Society of Toxicology (BTS) and European Teratology Society (ETS).

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Dr Duncan Armstrong

PhD

Duncan is an expert pharmacologist with an international reputation in secondary and safety pharmacology, gained over 18 years in drug discovery and development at AstraZeneca and Novartis. Having worked with project teams at all stages of discovery and development across multiple therapy areas, he has a track record of optimising small molecule off-target safety profiles and in understanding and interpreting target-related safety risks. Duncan enjoys bringing his passion for pharmacology to successful collaborative teams.

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