Livija Deban appointed Chair of BIA Engineering Biology Advisory Committee
The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Livija Deban, Chief Scientific Officer at Prokarium, as Chair of its Engineering Biology Advisory Committee (EBAC).
EBAC is the voice for companies practicing engineering biology in the UK across many sectors and industries, comprising a body of experts to support commercialisation and inform UK policy and regulation. It aims to create a supportive ecosystem for translation and scale-up so that engineering biology can make a significant contribution towards sustainable growth in the bioeconomy.
Livija brings a deep understanding of the potential of engineering biology through her long-standing involvement with EBAC and her role as CSO of Prokarium, where she and her team are harnessing engineering biology to develop a new class of cancer therapies.
Commenting on her appointment, Livija said:
With wide-ranging applications, engineering biology has the potential to positively impact many sectors – from manufacturing and materials to food production and healthcare. The BIA EBAC plays a vital role in shaping the future of engineering biology as a cornerstone of the UK’s growing bioeconomy. I’m looking forward to working with the EBAC and colleagues across our diverse industries to share expertise, address sector challenges, and help drive innovation and growth across the engineering biology ecosystem.
Linda Bedenik, Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager and EBAC Secretariat, said:
I am delighted to welcome Livija Deban as new Chair of EBAC. I look forward to working with her and the Committee to tackle barriers to commercialisation for UK engineering biology.
Livija succeeds NCIMB CEO Edward Green, who successfully steered the Committee as Chair for the past three years, having served as Vice Chair before that. The BIA thanks Edward for his thoughtful and effective leadership during a critical period for the UK’s engineering biology sector.
Livija will chair the Committee alongside Sara Holland, Patent Attorney and Partner at Potter Clarkson, who will continue in her role as EBAC Vice Chair.