MDC welcomes new Chair from January 2027 to drive impact as next-generation technologies and collaborations reshape drug discovery

Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) is delighted to announce today the selection of its next Chair of the Board. Professor Sir Mike Ferguson will take up the position from the beginning of 2027, succeeding Dr Robin Brown, who expertly led the organisation as Chair for nine years.
A transition period will follow, with Robin vacating the post at the end of December this year, having completed his valuable service to the Catapult. MDC is deeply grateful for the meaningful impact of Robin’s leadership, recognising the pivotal role he has played in steering the organisation’s strategic vision and his significant contributions to the Board.
Mike is both a distinguished academic scientist and an accomplished innovator, with extensive experience at the board and governance level across some of the UK's most influential scientific institutions, including Wellcome and UK Biobank. He is Regius Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee and was knighted in 2019 for services to science. His breadth of experience will be invaluable as MDC enters its next phase of growth and impact, accelerating the translation of new technologies into treatments that reach patients faster.

Dr Robin Brown, Departing Chair, Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:
"Nine years ago, I joined MDC driven by the belief that emerging technologies and new ways of collaboration could transform medicines discovery, and that MDC was uniquely placed to deliver. What has followed has exceeded my expectations. MDC has established itself as a national hub and diffused new approaches and ways of working into industry at scale. Mike understands both the science and the landscape with rare depth, and I have every confidence he will accelerate what we have built together."

Professor Sir Mike Ferguson, Board member and Chair-elect, Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:
"I am delighted to be appointed as the next Chair of MDC at such a pivotal time for the organisation and the wider UK life sciences sector. Science and technology in the service of society and UK growth are at the heart of MDC, which has established a strong reputation for innovation and collaboration. I look forward to working further with the Board and team to build on that impact, to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for patients who need them most. I am extremely grateful to Robin for all he has done for MDC, and for his wisdom and generosity as we smoothly transition."

Dr Mike Strange, Interim CEO, Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:
"On behalf of everyone at MDC, I would like to thank Robin for his exceptional leadership and dedication over the past nine years. Robin's tenure is reflected in MDC's strategic impact, from making UK companies more investible and driving commercial breakthroughs to delivering collaborative programmes in areas of unmet patient need. Mike arrives at a moment when next-generation technologies are opening new possibilities in drug discovery. His scientific standing and business experience will be invaluable as we enter this new phase and continue to deliver innovation and impact for patients."