Dr Nicola Wallis joined LifeArc in 2026 and is Head of our Therapeutics Platforms within our Preclinical Pillar, leading our internal lab-based antibody and small molecule drug discovery activities.
Nicola has more than 30 years of experience across pharma and biotech in drug discovery and translational science. Following a degree in Chemistry and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, she started her industry career at SmithKline Beecham (later GSK), working at both UK and US sites. On returning to the UK, she joined Astex Pharmaceuticals, where she was Senior Vice President and Head of Biology. Nicola has led and contributed to small molecule drug discovery projects across multiple therapeutic areas (Oncology, Neurodegeneration, Anti-infectives), including many which have advanced compounds to the clinic. Most recently she worked as an advisor and independent drug discovery consultant, helping early-stage biotech and academic groups to translate research to clinical impact. Nicola is an experienced collaborator, having built successful scientific partnerships across academia and pharma and a keen mentor, supporting career development of individuals in life sciences.
