Bruntwood SciTech, the leading property provider dedicated to driving the growth of the UK’s science and technology sector, has named Dr Kath Mackay, managing director of Alderley Park as its director of life sciences; a new role established as the business embraces the opportunities ahead within the ever-growing sector.
Kath will be instrumental in developing Bruntwood SciTech’s life sciences vision and strategy, supporting its expansion across the UK, championing innovation and investment in high value sector R&D. Kath’s role will also see her focus on developing a new range of innovation services and investment support for life sciences businesses across the Bruntwood SciTech network.
The new post comes as the UK science and technology sector, in particular life sciences continues to witness rapid and sustained growth at a time when the industry has never been more in the global spotlight; after a year fighting Covid-19, developing new vaccines through mRNA, and exploring ways to protect against future pandemics.
Kath will also continue to lead Alderley Park - the UK’s largest single-site life science campus. She takes the new position following a number of key developments for Bruntwood SciTech over the last 12 months including its acquisition of Melbourn Science Park in Cambridge and the establishment of a new joint venture with the University of Birmingham to develop Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, scheduled to open in 2023.
Kath said: “Ensuring the UK is the best place to establish and scale a life science organisation has long been a priority of mine. By facilitating innovation at a regional, national and international level, and providing the specialist facilities and ecosystems for that to happen, we’re ensuring the UK life sciences sector continues to punch above its weight when it comes to creating jobs and GVA and I look forward to taking on this fantastic opportunity and challenge.”
Since joining Bruntwood SciTech in 2019 from the executive board of Innovate UK, Kath has continued to be an active member in the sector, including being a Non-Executive Director of the Northern Health Science Alliance, the North of England’s health partnership, Infex Therapeutics, a clinical development company which acquires, develops and licenses innovative drugs to treat pandemic infections, UKRI’s National Biofilms Innovation Centre, and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.