MRC Technology appoints technology transfer director

Andrew Farquharson has been appointed Director of Technology Transfer at MRC Technology (MRCT) from 1 September. He will head up the team responsible for identifying, protecting and progressing promising life science research to improve human health.

Andrew has previously held senior Intellectual Property (IP) roles in AstraZeneca UK and USA, supporting the company’s R&D, Business Development and Government Affairs activities. Currently Andrew runs a consultancy practice, providing IP services to a range of life science and pharmaceutical clients and is appointed to the EU Commission’sExpert Group advising on the European Biotech Directive’s impact on patent law and research & development activity.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Dave Tapolczay, Chief Executive Officer, MRC Technology said:

“Andrew’s extensive experience will support our charity’s work to ensure innovative life science research reaches its full potential and benefit a wider range of people. We look forward to having him on board!”

Andrew Farquharson responded:

“MRC Technology has a peerless reputation for the development and exploitation of innovative medical research. I am greatly looking forward to joining the MRCT team and using my experience to meet the challenges in ensuring that future innovations are protected and translated into meaningful new therapeutic products made available to patients.”