Inspiring the next generation
Jane Osbourn, VP R&D MedImmune, was instrumental in Cambridge's biggest pharma-healthcare success story.
An expert in antibody engineering, Jane has authored many key publications and patents. She is passionate about the development of the UK biotechnology sector, including reaching out to the next generation and making a real difference in the lives of patients'.
We took some time to talk to Jane about how she inspires the next generation...
What was your earliest ambition?
Both my parents were English Literature specialists; maybe as reaction to this I always wanted to be a scientist.
What ambitions do you still have?
I have had the privilege of advancing science that has enabled the development of medicines that now reach many patients. And I have ambitions to help deliver more therapies to patients in need.
In addition, I am committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists through active STEM engagement for students at all levels.
What drives you?
I am driven by a strong and deep-seated interest in science, the possibilities presented by technology advancement and by making a real difference to patients’ lives. I am also passionate about building the biotechnology sector in the UK and, in addition to my MedImmune role, I am Chair of the BioIndustry Association, the trade association for the UK bioscience industry. Through this I am able to support the growth and maturation of the biotech sector, and the opportunity this provides for our economy and our science base.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
There are many things I have enjoyed and which have proved immensely rewarding.
One of these was working with amazing colleagues to create the antibody phage display libraries that were the basis of Cambridge Antibody Technology’s (CAT) success, and through the discovery of new medicines being able to improve the lives of many patients and their families. At CAT I was part of the team that discovered the molecule that became Humira (adalimumab), an important anti-TNF antibody now marketed by AbbVie which has helped millions of patients and which was the world’s bestselling medicine from 2012-2014.
Today, I lead a team of over 500 people at MedImmune’s Granta Park facility which has a culture of collaboration, high quality science and mutual support.
I love being able to see our passionate young scientists develop and grow as they work on the discovery and development of new medicines.
And in addition, I have been appointed to the boards of the BioIndustry Association, Cambridge Enterprise, Babraham Bioscience Technologies and several local leading organisations. Through these I am able to make a personal contribution to the success of start-up biotech companies and help to support the national biotech agenda.
Which job have you most enjoyed?
I’ve been lucky to have enjoyed all my job roles – both academic and industrial – and would always say I enjoy my current role the most! I have been given opportunities which have allowed me to continually progress and take on new challenges and responsibilities.
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
It’s important to connect with your peer network and talk to lots of people. Be open-minded and ask questions when you meet new people, and you will find opportunities to build relationships which will help you throughout your career.
What do businesses need to do in order to enable women in the workplace to succeed?
It’s not just about putting more women into more senior roles, it’s all about diversity of talent; allowing leaders to have a range of different backgrounds, perspectives and ideas; that’s what creates a strong group.
We also need to nurture, encourage, and mentor young employees. It’s the responsibility of experienced leaders to bring on the next generation of talent through the organization. MedImmune is a great example of this.
What are the projects you're currently working on that will impact the healthcare sector in the next 10 years?
I am working on a number of projects in cancer therapy using targeted molecules to deliver therapies directly to cancer cells; in cardiovascular disease, I’m focused on using different approaches to potentially stimulate heart cells to regenerate. I believe in the great potential of this work, but it will take a few years to mature. I am also leading efforts to understand how digital technologies can help drive better health outcomes for patients; this is an area which will change the face of healthcare care in the next decade.
What are your biggest challenges for growth?
I think that for Cambridge the biggest challenges are transport infrastructure and housing supply.
Nationally, I think the challenges are finding sufficient R&D funding to replace lost EU programmes and also long- term funding for biotech companies.
We also need to continue to attract world class talent – both in Cambridge and the wider UK.
What are the challenges of the local economy in Cambridge for attracting talent?
The ability to attract talent is influenced by the same challenges facing sector growth: housing supply and transport infrastructure. In addition, post-Brexit immigration rules will be important. In addition, ensuring that we can attract talent at all levels is key to ensure we support our science base in a holistic manner. I am a great advocate of the apprenticeship programme which has been providing high quality focussed training to some very talented young people at MedImmune.
What do you think will help strengthen the Golden Triangle between Cambridge, London and Oxford?
There are a number of factors here, including transport links and continued liaison between membership organisations to facilitate collaboration/networking opportunities. I think there is potential to increase national recognition that the Golden Triangle is actually a relatively small geographic area when compared with other global clusters and that there are benefits for the UK globally if the whole Cambridge/London/Oxford region is considered to be one larger UK cluster.
Jane was a guest speaker at our Cambridge CFO Club in September and joins our exclusive CFO Club alumni. If you are a finance professional and would like to attend the CFO Club, please take a look at the event page.
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