Navigating Digital Skills

Kate Barclay

Skills Strategy Consultant, BIA

What does your role at BIA involve?
As an experienced Biochemical Engineer, Kate leads skills and talent programme development across STEM industries using over 30 years of experience within large pharma and small company networks. Working with BIA, she represents the sector ensuring access to the incredible talent and addressing skills gaps to start, grow and scale innovative life sciences and biotech organisations.

Previous experience & achievements
In addition to her role at BIA, Kate works as an independent consultant supporting organisations to develop their skills and talent strategies. She has oversight for quality governance of technical and professional education as IfATE Non-Executive Director and is a Board member of North Hertfordshire College. Kate holds MBA from Open University and a PhD in Bio-Chemical Engineering from UCL. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng FIChemE), she held previous senior leadership roles across diverse pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D portfolios including Solid Dose, Parenteral & Inhaled Devices.

If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
Rosalind Franklin, as she made contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA and RNA. She studied science at a time when few women attended university and led pioneering work on multiple viruses. Kate would love to know what she thinks about what we know now!

Adam Harwood

Associate Director of People & Culture, Genomics

Adam Harwood works within the People function at Genomics, a science-led transatlantic TechBio spun out of the University of Oxford that combines large-scale genetic data with AI-enabled analytics to accelerate drug discovery and advance preventative healthcare. He focuses on talent development, culture, and building the skills pipeline needed to scale a fast-growing life sciences business. Since joining in 2021, Adam has helped build the people infrastructure and culture that earned Genomics recognition as a Newsweek Most Loved Workplace (2024) and Sunday Times Best Place to Work (2025). He brings 15 years of experience in People and Learning & Development roles across high-growth organisations.

Andrea Nisbet

Chief People Officer, Molecule to Medicine

Andrea is a Senior HR/People Specialist who believes that at the heart of every great organisation is a community of people who feel supported. Driven by the mission to champion an inclusive workplace culture so that everyone feels seen, valued, and energised, she focuses on the human side of business strategy. For Andrea, HR isn't just about processes; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to take risks and grow together.

With over 30 years of experience, Andrea has navigated the complexities of HR, from large-scale change to individual development, with a steady hand and a warm heart. Her background as an HR Director for 3,000 employees across Europe gave her a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and the importance of mental well-being. As a Chartered CIPD member and Mental Health First Aider, Andrea uses her expertise in DISC and Hogan to help people understand their unique strengths. She is dedicated to ensuring that every person she works with has the tools and the environment they need to thrive.

Lucy Hindmarsh

Head of Strategy and Partnerships, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Lucy Hindmarsh is Head of Strategy and Partnerships in the Tech Skills Unit at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, working on TechFirst, the government's flagship tech skills programme. TechFirst opens pathways into the UK's fast-growing tech sector across six frontier technologies, including engineering biology, supporting people from school age through to graduates, researchers and those moving into tech roles. Lucy leads on industry partnerships and the TechFirst community, working with employers to shape how they engage with the programme.

Grace Shek

Senior Analytical Scientist, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

Grace Shek is a Senior Analytical Scientist at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, where she supports analytical development activities and application of analytical methods for advanced therapies. Alongside her role, she is currently completing a Data Science Degree Apprenticeship with Keele University, developing skills in Data Science. Through her apprenticeship, she has worked on projects that improve the visualisation of micro data and introduce a more structured approach to routine trending, helping to make data more accessible and support informed decision-making. She is interested in how data science can be applied within the life sciences sector to enhance analytical and business outcomes.