“Big science and new business” – Uncovering the commercial opportunities within major programmes in fundamental science
Tim Bestwick is the Chief Development Officer and Deputy CEO at the UK Atomic Energy Authority. He is also the Chair of the Harwell Campus (the major science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire) and Chair of the Space Partnership (industry, government and academia growing the UK Space sector). After corporate research in optoelectronics and two start-up technology companies Tim now works for UKAEA, leading the commercialization of fusion technology.. He is passionate about the opportunities for new spin out businesses from big science programmes, and also creating mixed ‘public-private’ campuses where innovation thrives. Tim was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to the commercialisation of science, technology and innovation.
Chris Micklem is a postdoctoral researcher in systems & synthetic biology (SynBio) at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University, where he also undertook his PhD. His work focuses on engineering novel approaches to controlling biological systems – exploring their industrial translation and transformative potential for sustainable biotech applications.
Beyond his research, Chris actively advances SynBio and entrepreneurship initiatives in Cambridge and further afield. To this end, he has served as President of the Cambridge University SynBio Society; on the Steering Committees of the EngBio IRC, SynBioUK and iGEM Startups; and on the Executive Team of Nucleate UK.
WHEN: Thursday, 12 June 2025
5.30 PM – 6.30 PM: Fireside discussion in Provost’s Drawing Room
6.30 PM – 7.15 PM: Drinks reception and networking in Provost’s Lodge
WHERE: King’s College, Cambridge
TICKETS: no need to sign-up, we look forward to seeing you there!