Harren Jhoti, co-founder of Astex and President and CEO of Astex Pharmaceuticals, was awarded the BioIndustry Association (BIA) Lifetime Achievement Award at the BIA’s annual gala dinner last night.
More than 700 life science professionals gathered at The Brewery in London for the premier bioscience networking event of the year, including Lord O’Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care.
Presenting the award, Jane Osbourn, BIA Chairman, said: “Harren’s contribution to the UK biotech sector recognises his combination of scientific and leadership skills, as well as his passion and determination to succeed.”
“He has risen to the challenges of driving innovation, developing productive partnerships, raising investment capital and motivating a team. He makes an active contribution to initiatives in the UK biotech sector and provides a role-model for today’s entrepreneurs.”
Harren Jhoti, said: “As scientists we always hope that our discoveries will make a difference and as entrepreneurs we strive to build sustainable companies to translate those discoveries into significant new medicines for patients. At Astex we have been lucky enough to achieve both of these goals due largely to our highly talented team.”
“These achievements have been made possible by playing an active part in the life sciences community in Cambridge and the UK, and I am delighted and humbled to have received this award from the BIA.”
