Cambridge, UK, 2^nd March 2026: Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL), which is responsible for the development and management of Babraham Research Campus, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Rich Ferrie to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Rich joins Babraham Research Campus from LBIC (London Bioscience Innovation Centre Ltd), a subsidiary of the Royal Veterinary College and key provider of innovation space and support services for early and growth stage life science companies in London’s vibrant Knowledge Quarter. During his tenure as CEO, Rich led the expansion of LBIC in King’s Cross, doubling the Centre’s footprint. The organisation went on to win the One Nucleus award for Outstanding Contribution to Life Sciences in 2025 during its 25^th anniversary year.

Prior to LBIC, Rich spent three years at University College Cork (UCC) as Director of Innovation, responsible for technology transfer, entrepreneurship, consultancy and incubation; further to 18 years at the University of Manchester culminating in the role of Director of Operations for its subsidiary innovation company.

Rich’s early career was with AstraZeneca Diagnostics where he held a variety of scientific and business development roles before leading its international sales & marketing function.

Passionate about driving life science innovation, shaping the future of biotech entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of dynamic life science companies, Rich holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (Sussex) and a PhD in molecular biology from Reading.

Rich Ferrie commented of his appointment: "I'm delighted to be taking the reins as CEO of Babraham Research Campus at this pivotal time for UK life sciences. The Campus has a rich tradition of scientific leadership, with the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship a particular hallmark of the community. I am eager to work closely with the Board and colleagues at BRCL together with the broader Cambridge ecosystem to build on its strengths, deepen its impact, shape its future development and set a sustainable trajectory for growth."

Jo Parfrey, Chair, Babraham Research Campus Board, added “We are delighted to appoint Rich Ferrie as Chief Executive Officer of BRCL. Rich brings a strong track record of leadership, along with deep experience and an extensive network across the life sciences and innovation ecosystem. His vision and energy will be instrumental as BRCL enters its next phase of growth, and we are very much looking forward to working with him.”

Babraham Research Campus is a world-leading place for early-stage life science discovery and innovation, encompassing a pre-eminently sustainable and enriching ecosystem within a campus environment to start, nurture, scale and grow a life sciences business. Distinct in its co-location of world-leading academic research at the Babraham Institute alongside over 60 biotech companies, the focus is firmly on deepening capability, not simply increasing numbers. Backed by a long-term masterplan the Campus will continue to evolve, strengthening integration between life science business incubation, expanding commercial space and enhancing shared operational infrastructure. 

This long-term investment in place, people and partnerships will prioritise environments that actively foster collaboration between academia, entrepreneurs and established industry. With strong public sector foundations, the Campus is uniquely positioned to play a national leadership role - accelerating the translation of world-class science into patient impact, high-value jobs and lasting economic growth.

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) commented: “As one of five BBSRC-supported research and innovation campuses, Babraham Research Campus demonstrates how strategic investment can catalyse growth. By connecting cutting-edge bioscience with entrepreneurial expertise, it enables promising companies to scale, strengthens the UK life sciences ecosystem and helps turn breakthrough research into tangible health and economic benefits. We welcome Rich as the new CEO and look forward to working with him as the Campus and its community enters its next phase of growth and enhanced impact.”

Professor Jim Smith, Interim Director, the Babraham Institute added: "The Babraham Research Campus is one of the top venues for bioscience ventures to start, grow, scale and invest in the UK, acting as a crucible for transformative technologies, new medicines, and economic gains for the east of England and the UK. There is great mutual benefit in having a world-class bioscience research institute on Babraham Research Campus, with the Babraham Institute providing access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise, and we look forward to working with Rich as the Campus enters its next exciting phase.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About the Babraham Research Campus

Babraham Research Campus Ltd is responsible for the management and commercial development of the Babraham Research Campus. The Babraham Research Campus is distinct in its co‐location of 60+ life science companies with the Babraham Institute, a world‐renowned research organisation which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The aim of the Campus is to support UK life science through academic research, but also with facilities and capabilities for early-stage and growing commercial organisations. The Campus provides companies laboratory and office space, networking and collaboration opportunities, together with access to outstanding scientific facilities in an ideal geographical location at the core of the Cambridge cluster.

For more information please visit: www.babraham.com and follow the Campus via LinkedIn.