World leading antibody scientist Dr Jane Osbourn awarded OBE in Queen’s Honours

 

Dr Jane Osbourn, Vice-President of Research and Development at AstraZeneca and Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Dr Osbourn has been awarded the OBE for services to Human Monoclonal Antibody Drug Research and Development and Biotechnology. An expert in antibody engineering, she has authored many key publications and patents, and has made a significant contribution to the discovery and development of a number of marketed drugs and more than 40 clinical candidates. Jane is also Site Leader for AstraZeneca’s facility at Granta Park in Cambridge and chairs the cross-campus leadership team for AstraZeneca in Cambridge UK, the company’s global headquarters.

She has also been a passionate advocate for the UK life sciences sector and made a major impact on the development of the life sciences ecosystem in Cambridge, where she is currently a director at both Babraham BioScience Technologies and Cambridge Enterprise. 

Dr Jane Osbourn, Vice-President of Research and Development at Astra Zeneca and Chair of the BIA said: “It is a great honour and privilege to receive this award. The life sciences sector is unrecognisable in terms of technology, research areas and scope compared to when I was a researcher  at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge in the early 1990’s. The UK is at the forefront of innovative therapies and research, while cementing itself as the third biggest biotech cluster in the world and long may that continue.

“Science only progresses through shared endeavour, and I would like to thank all the many colleagues, collaborators and mentors I have worked with over the years for their skill, hard work and support.”

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BIA said: “Jane Osbourn is a pioneer in our sector, leading on world-class research and contributing to blockbuster discoveries such as HumiraTM, which has benefitted patients not only here at home but across the world.

“She has been a passionate advocate for the UK life sciences sector, while working closely with government agencies and businesses to expand the science and research infrastructure in Cambridge. Through her leading role in the BIA she has championed the UK’s vibrant and important biotech industry. Her skills go far beyond just science, she is also a fantastic communicator and leader.”

“She has and always will be a trailblazer in our sector and I’m delighted that she has received this award.”

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca and co-chair of the Life Sciences Council, said: “On behalf of AstraZeneca, I am delighted to congratulate Dr. Jane Osbourn for her award of an OBE in recognition of her services to Human Monoclonal Antibody Drug Research and Development and Biotechnology.  This well-deserved Honour reflects her contribution to biopharmaceutical science over more than 25 years, from Cambridge Antibody Technology to AstraZeneca and MedImmune.

“Jane’s leadership in UK life sciences includes championing the biotech sector through her position as chair of the BIA and contributing to the growth of the UK’s scientific ecosystem.  I would also like to recognise her authentic commitment to building skills through STEM and education outreach, in particular for women in science”.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

 

  • Jane Osbourn's preferred photograph and full biography can be found below . 
     
  • For media queries please contact Jack Fellows, Communications and Media Relations Manager on 020 7630 2196 or [email protected]
     
  • Jane’s full biography  can be found below.

 

 

Dr. Jane Osbourn

 

VP Research and Development, AstraZeneca

 

 

Jane joined AstraZeneca, formerly Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT)/MedImmune, in 1993. An expert in antibody engineering, she has authored many key publications and patents, and has made a significant contribution to the discovery and development of a number of marketed drugs and more than 40 clinical candidates. She has worked across many therapy areas and has led a number of global teams focused on the development of antibody therapies. Jane is also Site Leader for AstraZeneca’s facility at Granta Park in Cambridge UK, which is home to over 550 employees, and chairs the cross-campus leadership team for AstraZeneca in Cambridge.

 

Jane obtained a First Class degree in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and completed a PhD at the John Innes Centre for Plant Science Research in Norwich. This was followed by a Post-Doctoral position at Rutgers University, New Jersey before moving into medical research through a British Heart Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Department of Medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. 

 

Jane is passionate about both science education and the development of the UK biotechnology sector and was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the BioIndustry Association in 2015. She is also a Director of Babraham Bioscience Technologies and a Director of Cambridge Enterprise. She has presented at a number of parliamentary Select Committees and has previously served as a Member of the UK Medical Research Council Industry Grant Award Assessment Panel. In 2016 she was recognised in the PharmaVoice 100, and also in Fierce Pharma’s “Fierce Women in Biopharma” – one of 15 women in the global industry noteworthy for their leadership, providing mentorship and helping increase opportunities for women in science. In June 2019 Jane was awarded an OBE for services to Human Monoclonal Antibody Drug Research and Development and Biotechnology