
European Mediscience Awards
Thursday 12 June 2025, Hotel InterContinental, London W1
Shortlist announced
About
About the Awards
Showcasing achievement and success in the UK and European healthcare, biotech, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors
The European Mediscience Awards is now in its 23rd year, having been held every year since inception in 2002*. The event is the largest annual gathering of private and publicly quoted healthcare, biotech and life sciences companies in Europe. Bringing together the best of European mediscience companies to celebrate achievement and recognise success, it is the must-attend event for anybody working in this sector.
Each year sees the attendance of over 500 quoted and private UK and European life sciences companies and their corporate advisers, analysts, fund managers, commentators and peers. The event is sold out from one year to the next.
The European Mediscience Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 12 June at the Hotel InterContinental, London, W1.
*with the exception of 2020 when we were unable to hold a live event due to COVID-19, but instead held a successful digital campaign.
The 2025 Voting Panel

2024 showreel
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE 2024 AWARDS
James Paton-Philip, Partner, Hill Dickinson LLP:
“Just a short note to thank you again for a lovely evening at the Awards. It was another extremely well organised and enjoyable event.”
Holly Molyneux, Head of Business Development, Stephenson Harwood LLP:
“I just wanted to say thank you for all your help. I have heard great feedback from our team about the event. They said it is the best life sciences awards that we attend in terms of organisation, format, food etc.”
Joanne Beartup, Global Head, Conference & Event Marketing, RBC Capital Markets:
“It was lovely working with you both again and looking forward to continuing the partnership next year!”
James Steel, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, Peel Hunt:
“Many thanks indeed for inviting me to a really enjoyable Mediscience event and great to see so many familiar faces. I really enjoyed speaking to Tanni Grey-Thompson, a really down to earth lady with an amazing CV post a remarkable Paralympics career – all rather humbling!”
Max Herrmann, Managing Director, Stifel Financial Corporation:
“It was great to see you all yesterday evening at the Mediscience Awards. It truly was a fun and memorable event.”
Vadim Alexandre, Head of Healthcare, SP Angel:
“It was another stellar awards night. Everything was very well organised. Well done! Many thanks to you and the team for hosting such a well-run event.”
Sponsors
Operating in all major capital markets, Edison incorporates original analyst reports, digital targeting and investor engagement. We expand awareness and build more informed, high-quality audiences for its client companies.
Rx Communications Group, a best-in-class U.S. investor relations firm, is a leader in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, delivering high-impact, fully customized programs for both private and publicly traded companies, worldwide.
In partnership, Edison and Rx Communications offer companies in healthcare the very best, most comprehensive, yet individualized services to increase visibility and reach their investor relations goals. An approach that has been proven to positively impact liquidity and valuations.
Operating in all major capital markets, Edison incorporates original analyst reports, digital targeting and investor engagement. We expand awareness and build more informed, high-quality audiences for its client companies.
Rx Communications Group, a best-in-class U.S. investor relations firm, is a leader in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, delivering high-impact, fully customized programs for both private and publicly traded companies, worldwide.
In partnership, Edison and Rx Communications offer companies in healthcare the very best, most comprehensive, yet individualized services to increase visibility and reach their investor relations goals. An approach that has been proven to positively impact liquidity and valuations.

ICR Healthcare is a global strategic healthcare communications team with a deep understanding of the IR, PR and capital markets challenges in biotech, pharma, medtech, diagnostics, healthcare services, and HCIT sectors, helping companies increase shareholder value and navigate critical market milestones.
Our team comprises over 100 talented and experienced advisors across the US, Europe and Asia who have worked with globally renowned healthcare companies, built long-term relationships with top-tier media, and who use their proven track record to advise innovative and entrepreneurial companies to build value, establish credibility and awareness, and drive success in the public markets. We combine niche sector expertise and the full force of ICR, one of the largest independent US agencies, to deliver comprehensive, seamless communications and advisory support.

ICR Healthcare is a global strategic healthcare communications team with a deep understanding of the IR, PR and capital markets challenges in biotech, pharma, medtech, diagnostics, healthcare services, and HCIT sectors, helping companies increase shareholder value and navigate critical market milestones.
Our team comprises over 100 talented and experienced advisors across the US, Europe and Asia who have worked with globally renowned healthcare companies, built long-term relationships with top-tier media, and who use their proven track record to advise innovative and entrepreneurial companies to build value, establish credibility and awareness, and drive success in the public markets. We combine niche sector expertise and the full force of ICR, one of the largest independent US agencies, to deliver comprehensive, seamless communications and advisory support.
FTI Consulting has built an unrivalled, global strategic communications offering to life science and healthcare companies. Our large team of life sciences and healthcare specialists has the breadth and depth of experience, in pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, digital health and healthcare services, to help you ensure that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.
We take a holistic view, helping clients, ranging from top-10 global pharmaceutical and medical device companies to small start-ups, to develop and defend their reputations; seek to attract and retain the best talent; navigate and inform health and policy agendas; and steady themselves for moments of change or periods of growth.
Whether you need support for capital markets transactions or fundraisings, digital and social media strategies to meet growing sector demand; internal change communication after transactions; market preparedness and product launch communications; crisis preparedness or response, clinical and regulatory milestone communications; corporate messaging or public affairs support, FTI has the expertise and capabilities to help you.
www.fticonsulting.com/uk/industries/healthcare-and-life-sciences
FTI Consulting has built an unrivalled, global strategic communications offering to life science and healthcare companies. Our large team of life sciences and healthcare specialists has the breadth and depth of experience, in pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, digital health and healthcare services, to help you ensure that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.
We take a holistic view, helping clients, ranging from top-10 global pharmaceutical and medical device companies to small start-ups, to develop and defend their reputations; seek to attract and retain the best talent; navigate and inform health and policy agendas; and steady themselves for moments of change or periods of growth.
Whether you need support for capital markets transactions or fundraisings, digital and social media strategies to meet growing sector demand; internal change communication after transactions; market preparedness and product launch communications; crisis preparedness or response, clinical and regulatory milestone communications; corporate messaging or public affairs support, FTI has the expertise and capabilities to help you.
www.fticonsulting.com/uk/industries/healthcare-and-life-sciences
RBC Capital Markets is the Global Investment Banking, Advisory and Capital Markets division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC is a leading, diversified provider of financial services and one of the strongest banks globally, the 9th largest bank globally and the 5th largest in North America, as measured by market capitalization. RBC is also one of the best rated with a credit rating of Aa1 (Moody’s) and AA- (S&P).
Recognized as a trusted and innovative partner for clients around the globe. RBC Capital Markets has been in the UK for over 100 years, with 60 offices worldwide. We are present in 16 countries, 7 of which are in Europe including London as our European Headquarters.
RBC Capital Markets Investment Banking division provides advisory and execution services to Corporate, Sponsor and institutional clients across ECM and Corporate Broking, DCM, Leverage Finance and M&A.
Its Equities division provides All Cap sales, research and trading services to institutional clients globally. Embedded within the broader team is a UK focused group of sales, research and trading professionals dedicated to both Mid Cap and Growth UK listed businesses.
RBC Capital Markets is the Global Investment Banking, Advisory and Capital Markets division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC is a leading, diversified provider of financial services and one of the strongest banks globally, the 9th largest bank globally and the 5th largest in North America, as measured by market capitalization. RBC is also one of the best rated with a credit rating of Aa1 (Moody’s) and AA- (S&P).
Recognized as a trusted and innovative partner for clients around the globe. RBC Capital Markets has been in the UK for over 100 years, with 60 offices worldwide. We are present in 16 countries, 7 of which are in Europe including London as our European Headquarters.
RBC Capital Markets Investment Banking division provides advisory and execution services to Corporate, Sponsor and institutional clients across ECM and Corporate Broking, DCM, Leverage Finance and M&A.
Its Equities division provides All Cap sales, research and trading services to institutional clients globally. Embedded within the broader team is a UK focused group of sales, research and trading professionals dedicated to both Mid Cap and Growth UK listed businesses.
HSBC Innovation Banking provides commercial banking services, expertise and insights to the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity and venture capital industries.
HSBC Innovation Banking UK is a subsidiary of HSBC Group, benefiting from its stability, strong credit rating and international reach to help fuel its growth.
HSBC Innovation Banking provides commercial banking services, expertise and insights to the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity and venture capital industries.
HSBC Innovation Banking UK is a subsidiary of HSBC Group, benefiting from its stability, strong credit rating and international reach to help fuel its growth.

MEDiSTRAVA is a next-generation life sciences strategic communications and medical advisory firm working with biopharma and medtech companies at all stages of development, from start-up to beyond commercialisation.
We provide real-world insight and expertise that helps clients create the foundations for and deliver successful fund raisings, partnerships and development strategies designed to increase the chances of regulatory approval and optimise access to and the adoption of innovative products for patients in need.
Our multifunctional teams support our partners with scalable and targeted solutions across strategic corporate, investor, scientific and clinical communications, market access, medical and regulatory affairs, clinical trial optimisation, patient engagement, HEOR and real-world evidence, and advanced medical analytics.
We help our clients navigate each pivotal milestone in their journey with the ultimate goal being to ensure that more patients get the new treatments they need faster, delivering value to all stakeholders.

MEDiSTRAVA is a next-generation life sciences strategic communications and medical advisory firm working with biopharma and medtech companies at all stages of development, from start-up to beyond commercialisation.
We provide real-world insight and expertise that helps clients create the foundations for and deliver successful fund raisings, partnerships and development strategies designed to increase the chances of regulatory approval and optimise access to and the adoption of innovative products for patients in need.
Our multifunctional teams support our partners with scalable and targeted solutions across strategic corporate, investor, scientific and clinical communications, market access, medical and regulatory affairs, clinical trial optimisation, patient engagement, HEOR and real-world evidence, and advanced medical analytics.
We help our clients navigate each pivotal milestone in their journey with the ultimate goal being to ensure that more patients get the new treatments they need faster, delivering value to all stakeholders.

We are delighted to welcome Stephenson Harwood as a sponsor and further details will be available in due course.

We are delighted to welcome Stephenson Harwood as a sponsor and further details will be available in due course.
SP Angel provides broking and corporate finance advisory services to over 60 companies across the Healthcare, Technology and Natural Resources sectors. Our Healthcare Team has a proven track record in raising funds for both private and quoted companies.
SP Angel provides broking and corporate finance advisory services to over 60 companies across the Healthcare, Technology and Natural Resources sectors. Our Healthcare Team has a proven track record in raising funds for both private and quoted companies.

Panmure Liberum is the UK’s largest independent investment bank. Innovative and forward-thinking, it helps fast-growing corporate and institutional clients achieve their ambitions. It has offices in London, Cambridge, Leeds and New York, providing a full range of services including Corporate Broking, Corporate Advisory, Capital Raising, Debt Advisory, M&A, Investor Relations, Research, Sales, Sales Trading and Market Making.

Panmure Liberum is the UK’s largest independent investment bank. Innovative and forward-thinking, it helps fast-growing corporate and institutional clients achieve their ambitions. It has offices in London, Cambridge, Leeds and New York, providing a full range of services including Corporate Broking, Corporate Advisory, Capital Raising, Debt Advisory, M&A, Investor Relations, Research, Sales, Sales Trading and Market Making.
Cavendish is a full-service investment bank with deep expertise in the healthcare and life sciences sector, focused on helping ambitious companies grow and scale. With the largest base of retained healthcare clients on AIM, Cavendish advises across private and public markets, supporting M&A, fundraising, and IPOs. The firm also provides dedicated healthcare research, known for its clinical insight and commercial relevance. Through Oaklins, Cavendish offers global reach alongside local expertise, connecting businesses to capital, strategic advice, and informed decision-making.
Cavendish is a full-service investment bank with deep expertise in the healthcare and life sciences sector, focused on helping ambitious companies grow and scale. With the largest base of retained healthcare clients on AIM, Cavendish advises across private and public markets, supporting M&A, fundraising, and IPOs. The firm also provides dedicated healthcare research, known for its clinical insight and commercial relevance. Through Oaklins, Cavendish offers global reach alongside local expertise, connecting businesses to capital, strategic advice, and informed decision-making.
Awards
covering the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Shortlist announced
Shortlist
Click on each award to view more information
BEST COMMUNICATION AWARD
Sponsored by:

BEST COMMUNICATION AWARD
Sponsored by

2025 Shortlist
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
- hVIVO plc
- Ondine Biomedical
- Oxford Biomedica plc
- Pharming Group NV
- Verona Pharma
Criteria
Successful communication is vital to the development of mediscience companies.
Newsflow, both good and bad, can have a significant effect on share prices, and the winner of this award will have demonstrated its ability to successfully communicate its investment message to its target audience.
2024 Winner

BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:
BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by
2025 Shortlist
- Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc
- Autolus Therapeutics
- Merus NV
- Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA
- Optima Health plc
- Verona Pharma plc
Criteria
The winner of this award will be the company or organisation which has achieved the most significant breakthrough during the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
This breakthrough could be a new discovery, departure or breakthrough in technology, a significant positive change in its financial position, or other breakthrough which has added significantly to the company’s or organisation’s fortunes.
2024 Winner

BEST TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Sponsored by:
BEST TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Sponsored by
2025 Shortlist
- Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc
- Allergy Therapeutics plc
- Angle plc
- Avacta Group plc
- Creo Medical Group plc
- Scancell Holdings plc
Criteria
The technology that lies at the heart of this award does not have to be proven, but it will, in the eyes of the Voting Panel, be innovative, well funded, and capable of significant commercial success. The technology concerned could have been developed within the organisation or acquired.
2024 Winner
THE EMERGING STAR AWARD
Sponsored by:
THE EMERGING STAR AWARD
Sponsored by
2025 Shortlist
- Apollo Therapeutics
- Beacon Therapeutics
- Bioptimus
- Myricx Bio
- Nuclera
- Purespring Therapeutics
- Quell Therapeutics
- Zelluna
Criteria
The Emerging Star will be a private or young public mediscience company that has demonstrable credibility in terms of business model/strategy, management team and financing. The winner's focus on innovation will also be key, with its technology/IP capable of significant market impact or disruption.
The Emerging Star may not be able to demonstrate too much of a track record, but it will be judged against the demanding criteria that exist for its quoted company peers. The purpose of this award is to broaden knowledge, exchange ideas and help private businesses understand what could be required of them in the quoted company universe.
2024 Winner
MEDISCIENCE MEDIA COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:

MEDISCIENCE MEDIA COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by

2025 Shortlist
- Amy Brown/BiotechTV
- Endpoints/the Team
- Hannah Kuchler/Financial Times
- Melanie Senior
- Tina Tan/Firstword Healthtech
Criteria
This award recognises the importance of clear and concise commentary on the sector. It could be awarded to a journalist, a columnist, a specialist website or a team that is dedicated to providing sharp, perceptive and penetrating commentary about the sector.
In-depth knowledge of the sector is a given; the Voting Panel will be looking for excellence in the way that knowledge is communicated to the wider audience.
2024 Winner
CAPITAL MARKET TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:

CAPITAL MARKET TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by

2025 Shortlist
- BioVersys
- NewAmsterdam Pharma Company NV
- Oculis Holding AG
- Optima Health plc
- Vicore Pharma Holding AB
- Zealand Pharma
Criteria
This award recognises a significant capital market transaction during our period under review. The capital market transaction could be an IPO or a follow-on financing; it would be significant in scope and transformational in nature and would materially enhance the prospects for the business in the short, medium and long term.
In deciding the shortlist and eventual winner, the Voting Panel will take into account the amount raised, stock price performance and the quality of the share register.
2024 Winner
MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MEDISCIENCE SECTOR AWARD
Sponsored by:
MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MEDISCIENCE SECTOR AWARD
Sponsored by
2025 Shortlist
- Gates Foundation
- Jayasree K. Iyer/Access to Medicines Foundation
- Novo Holdings
- Rafaèle Tordjman/Jeito Capital
- Tim Van Hauwermeiren/argenx SE
- Johannah Walton/UBS
Criteria
The winner of this award could be an individual, a company, a government department, research council, etc. who has made the single, biggest, most significant contribution to the sector. Difficult to define, but the Voting Panel will be aware of, and make allowances for, this fact.
2024 Winner
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by

2025 Shortlist
- Stuart Gall/Intelligent Ultrasound Group plc
- Ian Johnson/Niox Group plc
- Heikki Lanckriet/4basebio plc
- Frank Mathias/Oxford Biomedica plc
- Adam Steensberg/Zealand Pharma
- Fredrik Tiberg/Camurus
- Tim Van Hauwermeiren/argenx SE
- Jenny Winter/Animalcare Group plc
Criteria
The winner will be an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during the year under review. The creation of shareholder value through drive, vision and flair in taking his or her business forward are the qualities the Voting Panel is looking for. The winner will also have recognised the importance of developing a management team and workforce in supporting corporate success.
2024 Winner
COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:
COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by
2025 Shortlist
- Ascendis Pharma A/S
- Basilea Pharmaceutica AG Allschwil
- Camurus
- Cereno Scientific AB
- Pharming Group NV
- Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA
- Verona Pharma
- Zealand Pharma
Criteria
The Company of the Year will already have gained recognition by analysts and investors.
It will be a well managed, soundly financed growth business with a well defined strategy to deliver its key financial, ethical and social ambitions. Put simply, the Voting Panel are not necessarily looking for the biggest, but they are looking for the best.
2024 Winner
Voting panel
Judging took place on Thursday 8 May 2025

Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd
(Voting panel Chairman)

Arron Aatkar
Edison Group

Mette Kirstine Agger
Esrum Biotech

Renee Aguiar-Lucander

Melody Carey
RX Communications Group LLC

Victoria Darbyshire
J.P. Morgan Asset Management

John A. Dawson

Chris Donnellan
Cavendish

Helena Fraser
HSBC Innovation Banking

Liam Gascoigne-Cohen
SP Angel LLP

Frazer Hall
MEDiSTRAVA

Stefan Hamill
Hamill Life Sciences Ltd

Jessica Hodgson
ICR Healthcare

Nick Johnston
Alis Biosciences

Ulrich Kinzel
Bryan, Garnier & Co

Tara Raveendran
Polar Capital LLP

Craig Richardson
IP Group plc

Nick Rodgers
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc

Julie Simmonds
Panmure Liberum

Alex Shaw
FTI Consulting

Ivo Staijen
HBM Partners AG

Kenny Walker-Durrant
Goodwin

Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd(Voting panel Chairman)

Arron Aatkar
Edison Group

Mette Kirstine Agger
Esrum Biotech

Renee Aguiar-Lucander

Melody Carey
RX Communications Group LLC

Victoria Darbyshire
J.P. Morgan Asset Management

John A. Dawson

Chris Donnellan
Cavendish

Helena Fraser
HSBC Innovation Banking

Liam Gascoigne-Cohen
SP Angel LLP

Frazer Hall
MEDiSTRAVA

Stefan Hamill
Hamill Life Sciences Ltd

Jessica Hodgson
ICR Healthcare

Nick Johnston
Alis Biosciences

Ulrich Kinzel
Bryan, Garnier & Co

Tara Raveendran
Polar Capital LLP

Craig Richardson
IP Group plc

Nick Rodgers
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc

Julie Simmonds
Panmure Liberum

Alex Shaw
FTI Consulting

Ivo Staijen
HBM Partners AG

Kenny Walker-Durrant
Goodwin

Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd(Voting panel Chairman)

Arron Aatkar
Edison Group

Mette Kirstine Agger
Esrum Biotech

Renee Aguiar-Lucander

Melody Carey
RX Communications Group LLC

Victoria Darbyshire
J.P. Morgan Asset Management

John A. Dawson

Chris Donnellan
Cavendish

Helena Fraser
HSBC Innovation Banking

Liam Gascoigne-Cohen
SP Angel LLP

Frazer Hall
MEDiSTRAVA

Stefan Hamill
Hamill Life Sciences Ltd

Jessica Hodgson
ICR Healthcare

Nick Johnston
Alis Biosciences

Ulrich Kinzel
Bryan, Garnier & Co

Tara Raveendran
Polar Capital LLP

Craig Richardson
IP Group plc

Nick Rodgers
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc

Julie Simmonds
Panmure Liberum

Alex Shaw
FTI Consulting

Ivo Staijen
HBM Partners AG

Kenny Walker-Durrant
Goodwin
Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd
(Voting panel Chairman)

Ian is non-voting Chairman of the European Mediscience Awards Voting Panel.
Ian is the founder of the awards, in 2002; the awards programme and Gala Dinner celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year. The European Mediscience Awards Gala Dinner has been held annually, in London, in June, every year since formation.
Ian is a Director of Ford Sinclair Ltd, the event organisers.
Arron Aatkar
Edison Group

Arron joined Edison’s healthcare team as an equity analyst in January 2023 and has covered over 30 companies within the sector since joining. Prior to this, he worked at GSK for four years and completed a PhD in chemical biology through the GSK/University of Strathclyde Collaborative PhD Programme. During this time, he conducted extensive research into novel therapeutic technologies, with a particular focus on covalent drug discovery, oncology, and various rare diseases. Arron also holds an integrated MSci degree in chemistry from the University of Bristol.
Mette Kirstine Agger
Esrum Biotech

Mette has broad international experience within biotech and life sciences both as an investor, as a board member, and operationally, covering business development and licensing, management and financing.
Mette has been appointed to numerous board positions in both private and public companies in Europe and the US. She currently has six board positions in the US and Europe and work as strategic advisor for several companies and initiatives.
Mette previously founded and managed Lundbeckfonden Ventures, completing around 40 European and US investments over a 12 year period, and was part of the management at the Lundbeck Foundation. Before that, she was co-founder and CEO of 7TM Pharma A/S. She started her biotech career as part of the management team of NeuroSearch A/S, responsible for business development and licensing.
Mette started as a patent agent and, over the years, has co-founded several biotech companies. Mette graduated as a biologist from the University of Copenhagen and has an MBA from Henley Business School.
Renee Aguiar-Lucander

We are delighted to welcome Renee to the Voting Panel again, and further details will be available in due course.
Melody Carey
RX Communications Group LLC

Melody has more than 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry. Since 2000, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rx Communications Group, she has built one of the most recognized and widely respected U.S.-based Investor Relations agencies focused on this sector. As such, Melody and her team represent both privately held and publicly traded companies, worldwide, implementing highly customized programs that measurably impact both visibility and valuation.
Prior to Rx Communications, Melody was a life sciences investment banker and top-level consultant to the pharmaceutical industry. She also served as in-house investor relations officer and spokesperson for two publicly traded healthcare companies, where her efforts were instrumental in the successful acquisitions of both companies.
As a leading expert in the field, Melody has been quoted in the financial and trade media, regularly represents Rx Communications at key industry conferences, including as panel host and sponsor and is an active member of the National Institute for Investor Relations (NIRI).
Victoria Darbyshire
J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Victoria joined J.P. Morgan Asset Management in the European Research team covering the healthcare sector over fifteen years ago. She also contributes to the J.P. Morgan Global Healthcare Fund. She became a CFA Charterholder in 2009 and has a BSc in Chemistry from Durham University.
John A. Dawson

John A. Dawson, CBE, is a highly experienced and globally respected figure in the healthcare sector.
Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Biomedica where, during his 13-year tenure, the business grew into a global market leader in viral vector technologies for cell and gene therapy, and delivered multiple high value partnerships. The company successfully manufactured the life-saving Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021.
Under John’s leadership, Oxford Biomedica’s success resulted in it entering the FTSE 250 index in 2020. John was subsequently awarded a CBE for services to UK life science in recognition of the unprecedented speed and success at which Oxford Biomedica delivered the COVID-19 vaccine.
Prior to Oxford Biomedica, John held various senior executive roles including at Cephalon, Inc. where for most of his tenure he was Managing Director for Europe.
Prior to this, he served as the Financial Director for Serono UK. Mr. Dawson is a Chartered Accountant and holds a BSc in Mathematics from Swansea University.
John is a non-executive director at Ergomed, which provides specialized services to the pharmaceutical industry, Chinese Speciality Pharma Ltd., which brings innovative specialty and rare disease products to China, and Norgine, a leading European specialist pharmaceutical company that has been bringing transformative products to patients for over a century.
Chris Donnellan
Cavendish

Chris has worked as an equity research analyst focused on the healthcare sector for over 20 years, covering pharmaceuticals, medical technology and services within the industry.
Over his career, Chris has worked for both Buy and Sell side businesses, including AXA Investment Management, Dresdner Kleinwort and Evolution Securities. He joined Cenkos (now Cavendish) to cover small-cap Healthcare in 2016.
Prior to moving into the City, Chris completed a degree in Biochemistry and PhD in Nutrition.
Helena Fraser
HSBC Innovation Banking

Helena has over 18 years of experience within the Financial Services sector. In 2016 Helena joined the Life Sciences and Healthcare team at HSBC Innovation Banking, the partner of choice to the innovation economy.
In her current role as VP, Helena works with a pioneering group of clients who strive to make scientific advancements across Biotech, Techbio, Diagnostic and Tools. This includes supporting clients throughout their growth journey from seed stage to IPO.
Helena was born and raised in Hackney and holds an MSc in Psychology with an active interest in researching subjects that are often stigmatised including the menstrual cycle. During her spare time Helena enjoys Pilates, Yoga and Art.
Liam Gascoigne-Cohen
SP Angel LLP

Liam joined the team at SP Angel in 2019 where he helped set up the healthcare franchise for the firm. Prior to SP Angel he worked at Northland Capital Partners covering small and mid-cap healthcare companies.
Liam holds BSc and MSc degrees in Biological Sciences from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London.
Frazer Hall
MEDiSTRAVA

Frazer has spent almost 40 years in the life sciences space, joining MEDiSTRAVA in 2019 following 33 years of buy-side and sell-side experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. He spent over ten years on the buy side managing money at both long-only institutions, including as an investment advisor to Biotechnology Investments Ltd., and at a major hedge fund. For over 20 years on the sell side he was a top-rated healthcare sales specialist working for Credit Suisse, Berenberg and Redburn servicing a wide variety of global institutional investors. He has a BSc in Biochemistry from Imperial College London.
Stefan Hamill
Hamill Life Sciences Ltd

Stef runs an independent advisory business that enables clients including established life science companies, start-ups and investors in the life sciences ecosystem to formulate their strategies, raise finance and fulfil their potential. Previously, he was a top ranked life sciences analyst in London where he built two #1 franchises that dominated UK life sciences investment banking for over ten years and helped advise, finance, and build some of the most successful companies in the UK sector, including billion-dollar-plus successes such as Abcam, Oxford Nanopore and Syncona.
Jessica Hodgson
ICR Healthcare

Jessica brings almost two decades of journalism experience to ICR Healthcare, having worked as a business reporter for international newspapers and newswires including the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, and the Observer. She has covered sectors including healthcare, financial services, technology, and media in both London and the U.S. For the past eight years, Jessica has been advising international clients on financial and corporate communications.
When not working, Jessica can be found planning her next surfing trip, having discovered a late-onset love for the sport.
Nick Johnston
Alis Biosciences

Nick is a former investment banker, biotech and medtech entrepreneur and existing board member and advisor in different healthcare verticals. He recently announced the launch of Alis Biosciences, of which he is the Founder. Alis is a new vehicle designed to support companies, stakeholders and shareholders whose market capitalisation is less than their cash position. Alis will operate all over the world, helping to the solve capital misallocation in the healthcare markets, while still allowing, where possible, for science to thrive. Nick has been active in the global healthcare markets for over 25 years.
Ulrich Kinzel
Bryan, Garnier & Co

Uli is a Partner at Bryan, Garnier & Co., the European Growth Investment Bank joining forces with Stifel. He is a founding partner of Code Securities Limited, a specialist life science investment bank which was formed in 2003, acquired by Nomura in 2005 and continued as Nomura Code Securities until late 2013. As Director, Corporate Finance, Ulrich Kinzel was instrumental for building the continental European M&A and Equity Capital Markets business. Subsequently, Uli built the European healthcare franchise for international boutique advisory group goetzpartners (now Fortlane Partners). He has advised leading international life science companies in more than 60 successful M&A and ECM transactions, including cross-border European, Asian and US public and private takeovers as well as IPOs and secondary offerings on all major European Stock Exchanges. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Munich University.
Tara Raveendran
Polar Capital LLP

Tara has a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD in Structural Biology, both from Imperial College London. She is currently working at Polar Capital, which she joined in September 2021, as a consultant focused on independent research for the team. Prior to joining Polar Capital, she was the Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Research at Shore Capital.
Previously Tara spent over 15 years working in equity research, specialising in European pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medtech at Lehman Brothers and Jefferies. She has also worked with a number of healthcare-focused startups through her life sciences consultancy, SSquared Consulting, most recently working with the UK government’s Vaccine Taskforce.
Craig Richardson
IP Group plc

Craig is a Partner in IP Group’s Life Science investment team. He started his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1998 and worked in new product development for Glaxo Wellcome, followed by a series of business development roles in UK biotech. He was then part of the founding management team of an in vitro diagnostics company before moving into venture capital investment with Inventages, a life science focused VC fund. He subsequently worked for Fusion IP plc, a specialist investor in university spin-out companies, before joining IP Group in 2014.
Craig has a first-class honours degree in Pharmacy from Cardiff University and a PhD from the School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham. He also holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Warwick where he was awarded a Sainsbury Management Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Nick Rodgers
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc

Nick is an experienced Non-executive Director and Chairman with a background as a successful corporate financier. He has considerable experience of businesses in the Healthcare, Medical, Biotechnology, Environmental and Technology sectors. Nick is a non executive director of Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc and a strategic advisor to Chinese gene therapy company Santo Therapeutics. He was previously chair of Destiny Pharma plc, an anti infectives business, and chair of Oxford BioMedica plc, a leading gene-based biopharmaceutical company. Through Ipso Ventures, Nick helped found Therakind, a successful developer of paediatric medicines.
Julie Simmonds
Panmure Liberum

Julie joined Panmure Liberum in November 2015 from Canaccord Genuity. She has 25+ years’ experience in life sciences research, covering both UK and continental European companies across a wide range of healthcare subsectors. Julie has a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Kent and experience in industry in both Europe and the US. She is also Chair of the NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Connect a translational research funding panel for medical devices, diagnostics and digital health technologies.
Alex Shaw
FTI Consulting

We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Voting Panel and further details will be available in due course.
Ivo Staijen
HBM Partners AG

Ivo Staijen joined HBM Partners in 2003 as investment advisor for the biotechnology and pharma sector. HBM Partners is an independent Swiss healthcare investor with $2.2 billion assets under management. The company acts as advisor to HBM Healthcare Investments, a healthcare-dedicated investment trust, specializing in early- to mid-stage investments in biotech, medtech, diagnostics and services. HBM Partners also manages several other healthcare funds dedicated to specific sectors or geographies. Ivo currently heads up the Public Equity team at HBM Partners and is Portfolio Manager of the HBM Global Biotechnology Fund. He has over 24 years experience in investments and capital market transactions in the healthcare space. Prior to joining HBM Partners, Ivo was a senior biotechnology analyst at Bank Sarasin, and prior to that, department head at MDS Pharma Services Switzerland. In 1992, Ivo obtained a M.Sc. in chemistry from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. During his studies, he was a visiting scholar at the Department of Biology at MIT, Cambridge MA, in 1991. Ivo received his Ph.D. in Biology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1996. He has been a CFA Charter Holder since 2004.
Kenny Walker-Durrant
Goodwin

Kenny Walker-Durrant is a partner at Goodwin, specialising in the life sciences sector. His expertise lies in corporate law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture capital transactions. He works closely with emerging growth companies and venture capital investors, advising them throughout the corporate lifecycle, from early-stage investments to exits.
Kenny’s notable experience includes advising Centessa Pharmaceuticals from its inception, on its $250 million fundraise in conjunction with the company’s acquisition of 10 biotech companies and guiding the company through a successful $397.5 million IPO. He has also played a key role in high-profile transactions, such as advising DJS Antibodies on its acquisition by AbbVie, ReViral Limited on its acquisition by Pfizer for up to $525 million, and Alys Pharmaceuticals on its simultaneous acquisition of six companies and securing $100 million in financing.
Kenny has been recognised as a “Next Generation Partner” for Venture Capital by The Legal 500 UK 2025, highlighting his technical expertise, deep market knowledge and pragmatic approach to complex legal matters in the life sciences industry.
Shortlist review
Read more about this year’s shortlisted companies by selecting an award below.
Further award categories will be released shortly.
Best Communication Award
sponsored by ICR Healthcare
The 2025 shortlist:
Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
London-based Hikma helps put better health within reach every day for millions of people around the world. The group uses its unique insight and expertise to transform cutting-edge science into innovative solutions through its broad range of branded and non-branded generic medicines.
During the period under review, Hikma participated in ten investor conferences and a series of roadshows across North America, Europe and the UK, providing investors with opportunities to interact directly with IR and management. The group hosted a Meet the Management event for sell-side analysts and investors at its offices and manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco, which included a tour of the facility, and presentations from senior members of the MENA team. Hikma’s website was updated in February 2024 with a new look and feel focusing on its purpose, financial results, and strategic direction, which resulted in an increase in views of nearly 200%.
hVIVO plc
London-based hVIVO is a rapidly growing specialist contract research organisation (CRO) and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and therapeutics using human challenge clinical trials, providing end-to-end early clinical development services for its global client base of biopharma companies.
In July 2024, hVIVO hosted two large scale events to showcase the opening of its new facility in Canary Wharf, the world’s largest quarantine facility for human challenge trials. The first event was customer focussed, whilst the second event hosted institutional investors, sell-side analysts and lifesciences media. The positive feedback received led to hVIVO giving ten group tours to investors in the period. In addition, hVIVO delivered three live presentations following the release of its financial results with the group CEO and CFO answering live questions. hVIVO recently updated its investor website to ensure it is a destination for investors seeking more information.
Ondine Biomedical
Ondine Biomedical is a Canadian life sciences company, based in Vancouver, that is quoted on AIM. Ondine has become a global leader in photodisinfection-based therapies to prevent and treat a broad spectrum of infections, including those caused by drug-resistant pathogens.
Ondine Biomedical places a strong emphasis on transparent, consistent communication to deepen investor understanding of its clinical achievements, commercial momentum, and long-term growth potential. The group leverages its Investor Meet Company platform for interactive webcasts, providing shareholders and prospective investors with direct access to its leadership team through real-time Q&A sessions. In addition, Ondine Biomedical conducts in-person meetings between its CEO, President & CTO, and institutional investors. The group maintains high engagement through regular CEO email updates, which average a unique open rate of 44%.
Oxford Biomedica plc
Oxford Biomedica is one of the original pioneers in gene and cell therapy. Based in Oxford, the group collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical and biotech companies towards a shared mission: to make cell and gene therapy a universally accessible clinical option.
Since the unveiling of OXB’s new strategy as a pure-play CDMO in September 2023, the group has proactively presented its new equity story to the market through a dynamic and transparent communications programme, consistently keeping stakeholders informed and engaged during a period of strategic change. In order to provide clarity to the market, OXB released business and trading updates, including operational and financial updates as well as key commercial KPIs. This newsflow was also supported by active participation at key investor events such as the Leerink Healthcare Conference and Jefferies London Healthcare Conference. OXB’s digital channels played a critical role in this communication, with social media used actively to share corporate updates, operational milestones, and thought leadership content.
Pharming Group NV
Pharming is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, with a US presence located in New Jersey. The group is commercialising and developing an innovative portfolio of protein replacement therapies and precision medicines to help transform the lives of patients with rare, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases.
Pharming’s two-person Comms and IR team over-performed during the period, delivering impactful and wide-ranging collateral. The group’s messaging supported the ongoing launch of its second product, Joenja, which represents a significant milestone for Pharming. The IR team also generated significant communications regarding the successful acquisition of Abliva AB, which added a second potential blockbuster to its pipeline. Pharming attended thirteen investor conferences during the period, along with holding four stand-alone roadshows for investors, in addition to handling the transition of its long-term CEO, Sijmen de Vries, who was replaced by Fabrice Chouraqui, formerly of Novartis.
Verona Pharma plc
London-based Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising innovative therapies for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. The group’s first commercial product is the first inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of COPD that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities in one molecule.
2024 was a milestone year for Verona Pharma, during which the group prioritised clear and effective communication with the goal of continued transparency among its shareholders. Following major announcements, Verona hosts webcasts led by its CEO and management team to provide additional context to investors. During the period, the group held 550 investor meetings, and hosted fireside chats at prominent investor conferences, including the Canaccord Annual Growth Conference, Jefferies London Healthcare Conference and the Leerink Global Healthcare Conference. The group uses its corporate social media channels, investor website, and press releases to communicate key clinical and product updates, in addition to sending direct updates to individuals subscribed to email alerts.
Best Technology Award
sponsored by RBC Capital Markets
The 2025 shortlist:
Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc
Headquartered in Oxfordshire, Adaptimmune is a fully integrated cell therapy company working to redefine how cancer is treated. With its unique engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) platform, the group is developing personalised medicines designed to target and destroy difficult-to-treat solid tumour cancers.
Adaptimmune has an industry-leading technology platform which enables identification of targets, engineering and selection of T-cell receptors to targets, and the preclinical screening of its end T-cell therapies. The group’s technology platform provides a unique ability to drive T-cell therapies forward to the clinic whilst minimising the risk of cross-reactivity to healthy and non-target tissue. The platform has been developed over 15 years by leading experts in immune-oncology and T-cell receptors and is redefining how some of the most challenging solid tumours are treated.
Allergy Therapeutics plc
Sussex-based Allergy Therapeutics is a market leading, pioneering immunology business with specialist experience in the research and development of allergy treatments. The group’s adjuvant technologies advance the results of allergy immunotherapy and drive beneficial immune responses in cancer and infectious disease.
Allergy Therapeutics is a global pioneer of convenient treatment for allergy and immune related disorders. The group’s innovative VLP Peanut vaccine potentially allows patients who once faced anaphylaxis to safely consume peanuts. The vaccine approach uses virus-like particles derived from cucumber mosaic virus displaying the key peanut allergen Ara h 2. This design aims to retrain the immune system to tolerate peanut protein rather than mount a dangerous allergic response. Early results from the ongoing Phase I/IIa PROTECT clinical trial, currently underway in the US, are promising and if successful in later trials, VLP Peanut could transform treatment for millions worldwide.
ANGLE plc
Surrey-based Angle is a world leader in liquid biopsy, dedicated to advancing cancer care. The group’s Parsortix technology has the potential to deliver profound improvements in clinical and health economic outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
ANGLE’s Parsortix technology is a unique CTC harvesting method using patented microfluidics in the form of a single use cassette, housed within an automated system. Its patented Parsortix PC1 system is the first FDA cleared medical device for the capture and harvest of intact CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient blood for subsequent, user-validated analysis. Having the ability to monitor and analyse CTCs could transform the treatment of MBC by providing patients with personalised cancer care through a non-invasive, repeatable liquid biopsy. ANGLE has made excellent progress to commercialise Parsortix in the last year, including entering into a supplier agreement with AstraZeneca.
Avacta Group plc
London-based Avacta Group is a life sciences company developing next generation peptide drug conjugates. The group is challenging current drug delivery methods to expand the reach of highly potent therapeutics with an unwavering commitment to eliminate cancer.
Avacta’s proprietary pre|CISION® platform leverages tumour-specific activation to precisely release potent therapeutic agents in the tumour microenvironment through activation by tumour-associated proteases, enabling systemic administration of otherwise toxic payloads only in the tumour while sparing healthy tissue. This addresses one of the key limitations of conventional chemotherapy and other powerful anticancer agents, minimising the debilitating side effects they can cause. With promising clinical data and a diversified preclinical pipeline, Avacta’s pre|CISION® platform is now positioned as a next-generation therapeutic engine capable of generating a broad portfolio of tumour-activated therapies.
Creo Medical Group plc
Chepstow-based Creo Medical is a commercial-stage company developing cutting-edge, electrosurgical devices for minimally invasive procedures. The group has successfully brought to market the CROMA Advanced Energy platform, which is powered by Kamaptive Technology and includes a comprehensive suite of multi and single modality devices.
Creo’s platform is a full-spectrum adaptive technology that combines radiofrequency energy with microwaves. These can be harnessed with Creo's flexible, accurate, and highly controllable surgical tools, which enable physicians to make precise, localised cuts (bipolar radiofrequency), and controlled coagulation (microwaves), delivered through a standard flexible endoscope. The group’s SpeedboatTM device has been used by clinicians in the UK, EU, US, Africa and APAC to treat cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Creo currently has an ongoing collaboration with NASDAQ-listed robotic surgery giant Intuitive, to combine aspects of its technology with Intuitive’s robotics programme, establishing the group as a key innovation driver in the medtech space.
Scancell Holdings plc
Oxford-based Scancell is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immuno-oncology therapies. The group’s objective is to give patients who have unresponsive tumours an increased chance of survival through durable and potent immune responses.
Scancell has built a pipeline of next generation DNA cancer vaccines, designed to generate lasting immune responses in patients with hard-to-treat cancers, without compromising safety. Through targeting modifications of proteins and lipids prevalent in cancer, the group can generate potent anti-tumour responses by harnessing the adaptive immune response. The group has consistently produced exemplary data from its two lead programmes, SCOPE and ModiFY, validating Scancell’s technology and its underlying platform.
The Emerging Star Award
sponsored by HSBC Innovation Banking
The 2025 shortlist:
Apollo Therapeutics
Headquartered in Cambridge, Apollo Therapeutics is portfolio biopharmaceutical company with presence in both the UK and US. The group translates breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research into innovative new medicines and has over 20 active therapeutic programs.
Apollo’s portfolio-based model allows the group to focus on scaling a robust and potentially transformative pipeline. The group has over 15 therapeutic programs in development across oncology, major inflammatory disorders and rare disease and has core innovation sourcing and drug discovery collaborations with six of the world’s leading universities. In November 2024, Apollo signed an exclusive license agreement with Sunshine Lake Pharma for the development of its most clinically advanced FGF21/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist, which has potential to deliver enhanced efficacy in a range of conditions.
Beacon Therapeutics
Headquartered in the US with offices in London, Beacon Therapeutics is an ophthalmic gene therapy company focused on rare genetic eye disease. The group was founded in 2023 to save and restore the vision of patients with a range of prevalent and rare retinal diseases that result in blindness.
Beacon Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes for individuals living with X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), a condition impacting younger people and men that can often lead to legal blindness by age 40. The group has access to a target generation technology platform that will identify, screen and search secreted proteins in the ophthalmology space. In July last year, Beacon raised $170m in Series B funding led by life sciences venture capital firm, Forbion, alongside existing investors Syncona and Oxford Science Enterprises, in addition to new investors TCGX and Advent Life Sciences.
Bioptimus
Paris-based Bioptimus is an AI startup group building the world’s first multi-modal foundation model for biology. The group’s mission is to fuel breakthrough discoveries and accelerate innovations in biomedicine and beyond.
Bioptimus unites a world-class team of scientists from Owkin and Google DeepMind alumni to transform biology with cutting-edge AI foundation model technologies that capture the various scales of biology. In March this year, the group released its state-of-the-art AI model for histopathology, H-optimus-1, which is trained on millions of whole-slide pathology images and delivers best-in-class performance across essential diagnostic and research tasks—such as cancer subtype classification, tumor grading, biomarker detection, and quality control of digital slides. The AI model launched on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace last month, providing healthcare and life sciences organisations with immediate access to deploy Bioptimus’s cutting-edge pathology model in their own secure cloud environments.
Myricx Bio
London-based Myricx Bio is a biotech focused on the discovery and development of a completely novel class of selective cytotoxic payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), based on inhibitors of N-myristoyltransferases (NMT) for the treatment of cancer.
Originating from groundbreaking research at Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute, Myricx Bio has rapidly transitioned from an academic discovery into a scaling biotech. The group secured a historic £90m Series A financing round in July last year, which was the largest ever for a UK academic spinout, reflecting the confidence that the top-tier investor syndicate has in the group. Myricx has assembled an experienced leadership team with deep knowledge and proven track records in biologics and pharmaceuticals and is utilising its fundraise to support the development of the group’s pioneering N-myristoyl transferase inhibitor platform.
Nuclera
Headquartered in Cambridge, with offices in Boston, Nuclera is a pioneer in bringing rapid protein prototyping to the benchtop. The group’s technology accelerates breakthrough improvements in human health and empowers life science researchers with easy access to target proteins.
Nuclera is a disruptor in the life science sector, thanks to its eProtein Discovery™ benchtop system, which is revolutionising drug discovery by enabling faster and more efficient identification of potential drug candidates. The group secured a major fundraise last year, a $75m Series C, to accelerate the commercialisation of its system, highlighting the strong market confidence in Nuclera’s technology. The system has gained traction among world-class academic institutions and industry leaders and in May last year was installed at top institutions, including the University of Cambridge, The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) in Belgium, and the CRUK Cambridge Institute.
Purespring Therapeutics
London-based Purespring Therapeutics is developing gene therapies to halt or prevent kidney disease. The group is the first company to successfully treat kidney disease by targeting the podocyte, a specialised cell that is implicated in the majority of renal disease.
Purespring is powered by its leading gene therapy platform, which enables streamlined gene therapy development for both monogenic and non-monogenic renal diseases. Previously, the ability to target the podocyte has been a major barrier to gene therapy for the kidney, however breakthrough work conducted by Purespring has demonstrated the ability of the AAV platform to target a range of kidney diseases. In October last year, the group raised £80m in a Series B financing from a high-quality investor syndicate, in addition to appointing an experienced CEO (former President of Novartis Europe) to lead the group through clinical trials.
Quell Therapeutics
London-based Quell Therapeutics delivers pioneering Treg therapies to durably transform the lives of people suffering from immune-mediated diseases. The group’s extensive experience across all aspects of cell therapy development has ensured continued leadership in the engineered Treg field.
In November last year Quell announced that AstraZeneca had selected a candidate to progress in its Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Treg cell therapy program. This was the first significant research milestone achieved under its 2023 collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca to develop, manufacture and commercialize autologous, engineered Treg cell therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). As a result of this milestone, AstraZeneca exercised its exclusive option to license the potential therapy for further development and commercialisation, resulting in a milestone payment to Quell of $10m.
Zelluna
Based in Norway, Zelluna’s mission is to develop novel TCR-NK therapies for treatment of solid cancers. The team comprises experienced biotech entrepreneurs that have taken immune-oncology projects from inception through to the clinic. The group is supported by a highly experienced international board.
Zelluna’s TCR-NK platform is truly innovative and is protected by a strong foundational patent, with the potential to develop disruptive new cancer immunotherapies across a broad range of solid tumour indications with curative potential. In March 2025, Zelluna became the first ever cell therapy company to list on the Oslo Stock Exchange following the successful completion of a merger with Ultimovacs and a private placement, representing a pivotal moment in the group’s growth. Zelluna is planning its first IND (Investigational New Drug Application) later this year and aims to generate its first clinical data next year.
Mediscience Media Commentator of the Year Award
sponsored by MEDiSTRAVA
The 2025 shortlist:
Amy Brown/BiotechTV
Amy is the UK-based contributor for Biotech TV and a freelance writer on the business of drug development. Amy covers biotech news and research in the London-Oxford-Cambridge triangle area. Prior to this role Amy was the Deputy Editor at Evaluate Vantage.
Amy’s hard work and ability to communicate complex topics have made her a valuable voice in biotech media. Amy has rapidly expanded the coverage of UK companies on the popular BiotechTV platform, having joined midway through 2024. She is a dedicated and thoughtful journalist who consistently brings insight and professionalism to her coverage of the biotech industry. Amy takes the time to research companies she interviews, ensuring she understands both the science and the broader context, and her interviews are well-prepared, engaging, and informative.
Endpoints/the Team
Endpoints is the biopharma world's leading source for breaking news, smart analysis and exclusive access. The publication is part of the Financial Times Group and is led by John Carroll, who is the co-founder of Endpoints News and has covered biopharma for the past 20 years.
The Endpoints Team consistently offer exclusive reporting, real-time coverage, and in-depth profiles of people behind deals, science, and financial transactions. The team is relied upon across the industry as a trusted source for up-to-the-moment news and detailed reporting on science and business. Both the Endpoints Team and John Carroll personally, have been regulars on the shortlist for this award, validating the valuable service the publication provides to the sector on a daily basis.
Hannah Kuchler/Financial Times
Hannah Kuchler is the global pharmaceutical editor for the Financial Times. She was part of the FT’s team reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic, which received an honourable mention at the SABEW awards for its coverage. Hannah was shortlisted for this award last year.
Hannah has been shortlisted once again this year for her consistent high-quality commentary on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, in addition to her strong reporting on healthcare relevant issues. Prior to her current role, Hannah was the US pharma and biotech correspondent for the FT, where she collaborated with PBS Frontline on a documentary about the opioids crisis, which was nominated for an Emmy and won a Loeb award. Hannah’s other roles have included over five years as a technology correspondent covering social media and cyber security in San Francisco.
Melanie Senior
Melanie is a highly respected freelance journalist whose clear, insightful reporting helps shape the understanding of the life sciences sector. Writing for Nature Biotechnology, Evaluate and IN VIVO, she delivers well-informed analysis on science, strategy, policy and market trends. Melanie has been shortlisted for this award for the past two years.
This year, Melanie’s coverage has addressed key developments from the rise in early-stage biopharma deals, to shifts in orphan drug incentives and the role of AI in oncology R&D. Her writing is as accessible as it is analytical, making her a trusted voice for executives, investors and policymakers. Melanie has brought attention to areas such as radiopharmaceuticals and biotech self-commercialisation, offering perspective that is grounded in sector expertise.
Tina Tan/FirstWord Healthtech
Tina is the Executive Editor of FirstWord HealthTech, based in London. She has been covering the medtech and healthtech sectors since 1997 providing news reporting, insights and interviews from the intersection of technology and healthcare, including digital health.
Tina is a receptive and insightful commentator with deep insight and knowledge of the medtech sector. She is a regular contributor at industry conferences and a trusted voice in the sector. Prior to her role at FirstWord HealthTech, Tina was Editor-in-Chief at Medtech Insight. FirstWord HealthTech provides fast and reliable news delivery of the latest developments in the digital health industry, with related analyses, physician polls and executive interviews to provide deeper insights.
The event
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities sometimes become available, including sponsorship of an individual award, sponsorship of the official drinks reception or sponsorship of the menu. Sponsorship opportunities are, by their very nature, limited. Costs and availability on request.
Hosting a table
Reservations are available for tables of ten people. Numbers are strictly limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Advertising
Advertising in the digital brochure is welcomed and enables your key messages to reach a highly targeted audience. The digital event brochure is available to download on the night and contains details of the all nominees, the programme for the night and the menu. Uniquely, it also contains the names of all attendees, in alphabetical and table order. Thus it is widely used as a reference post event for up to a year afterwards.
Bespoke sponsorship opportunities
We offer a range of bespoke sponsorship packages, tailor made to suit your marketing objectives and budget. Further information on request.
Enquiries
For all enquiries relating to the European Mediscience Awards, please do get in touch with jo.thomas@ford-sinclair.co.uk.
Key details for guests
Date
Thursday 12 June 2025
Venue
Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental
One Hamilton Place
Park Lane
London W1J 7QY
Start time
6.00 p.m. – Drinks reception
7.30 p.m. – Dinner
9.15 p.m. – Awards
9.45 p.m. – After-dinner entertainment
12.00 midnight – Carriages
Dress code
Black Tie
Charity collection
A charity collection will be taken up during the course of the evening and the European Mediscience Awards team will be available throughout to accept contactless donations. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Accommodation
Hotel InterContinental
A special rate of £390 for a single/double room, inclusive of breakfast, has been secured for the night of the 12 June 2025, subject to availability. If you do wish to book a bedroom for the evening of the European Mediscience Awards, please use the link below.
Location
Latest media
Charity
2024 Charity Collection
A charity collection was held at the European Mediscience Awards 2024 in respect of two charities: BCCS and The Brain Tumour Society. The total amount raised which was split equally between these two charities was:
£8,270

BCCS provides highly professional and well‑supported Social Workers and Counsellors to help children and young people who are in need.
BCCS works in the East End of London and Essex with children, young people and their families and schools to help them overcome emotional difficulties, behavioural problems and their root causes. The prime focus of the work is to provide an early intervention service to enable them to address difficulties that may be impeding their educational, social and emotional development.
The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts. It invests in pioneering research, in the UK and internationally, to increase survival and improve treatment options, and raises awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.
It also offers a comprehensive support and information service for anyone who is affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, including a support and information line, Information Standard accredited fact sheets, online peer-to-peer support and a dedicated Children and Families Service.