bioProcessUK to celebrate biotech’s shining stars 

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) will honour two distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to the innovative life sciences and biotech sector. Dr Kate Barclay, a renowned skills and talent professional, will be awarded the Richard Wilson Impact Award for her tireless efforts in bridging skills gaps and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the industry.  

In addition, Ian McCubbin CBE was named the recipient of the prestigious Peter Dunnill Award, recognising his outstanding, long-term dedication to the field. With an illustrious 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, specialising in manufacturing and supply chain leadership, McCubbin's impact has been profound. 

Both awards will be presented at 20th anniversary bioProcessUK conference, UK's leading bioprocessing event taking place in Brighton in November 2023. 

Dr Kate Barclay to receive Richard Wilson Impact Award  

Dr Kate Barclay, Skills Strategy Consultant at BioIndustry Association (BIA), will receive the Richard Wilson Impact Award for her outstanding contribution to the biotech skills arena and the importance of DEI  

Dr Barclay, a seasoned biochemical engineer, leverages over 30 years of experience in large pharma and small company networks to spearhead the development of skills and talent programs across STEM industries. She represents the BIA in the life sciences and biotech sector, advocating for talent access and addressing skills gaps. 

In addition to her role at the BIA, Dr Barclay is an independent consultant who helps organizations develop their skills and talent strategies. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director at IfATE, overseeing the quality governance of technical and professional education, and as a Board member of North Hertfordshire College. She holds an MBA from the Open University and a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from UCL.  

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng FIChemE), Dr Barclay has held previous senior leadership roles in diverse pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D portfolios, including Solid Dose, Parenteral, and Inhaled Devices. 

Annette England, the Bioprocessing Consultant at BIA said, “This year’s very worthy recipient of the Richard Wilson Impact Award is Dr Kate Barclay.  Kate has led the way in the UK on all things skills and talent-related, and this award recognises her leadership and drive in addressing skills gaps to start, grow and scale innovative life sciences and biotech organisations through a diverse workforce. BIA is delighted to see Kate recognised by industry through this award.” 

Ian McCubbin CBE to receive Peter Dunnill Award  

Ian McCubbin CBE, who has made a significant long-term impact in the bioprocessing sector, will be awarded the Peter Dunnill Award. The award will be presented by last year’s recipient, Dr Peter R. Levison, who recently retired from Pall Biotech. 

  The annual award was established following the death of Professor Peter Dunnill in 2009, to mark his lifetime contribution to bioprocessing. Professor Dunnill was instrumental in establishing UCL as a global leader in biochemical engineering. 

Ian McCubbin, CBE is a pharmacist with 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in manufacturing and supply chain leadership. He has held senior positions at GSK, Merck Generics, and IVAX. 

Ian led the Medicine Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) as Chair from 2013 to 2017. He also chaired the Advanced Therapy Manufacturing Task Force to secure commercial-scale manufacturing in the UK. As an industry advisor, he has headed the manufacturing workstream of the UK Government Vaccines Task Force since May 2020. 

Annette England, Bioprocessing Consultant for BIA said, “The Peter Dunnill Award recognises long-term outstanding contribution to bioprocessing, and who better to receive this year’s award than Ian McCubbin CBE. Drawing from his long and successful career at GSK, over the last decade Ian has chaired the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP), co-chaired with HMG the Advanced Therapies Manufacturing Taskforce and led manufacturing in the HMG Vaccines Taskforce, as well as chairing the BIA Vaccines Manufacturing Expert Group. Congratulations Ian, very well deserved.” 

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For more information, contact Alina O’Keeffe, Head of Marketing and Membership Communications, BIA on [email protected]    

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