The day we find the cure

I’ll start this talk with a reflection on how biomedical technologies have saved my life at least twice. Next, I’ll talk on how my research career has been shaped by genetic modification and stem cells, with the last 20 years focussed on how to mend a broken heart. Finally, I’d like to explore your views on the ethical dilemmas, challenges and decisions that gene editing will present to you in the near future, from superhumans to ecological extinction to solving climate change! Chris is co-founder & scientific lead on UoN COVID Asymptomatic Testing Service, using PCR on saliva (no nasty swabs)

I am motivated by enabling people to realise the potential of their data. The ability to see the idea through from concept to product delivery is one of the most rewarding elements especially if that enables a company to launch a new product or service or a researcher to make a transformational discovery. Significant resource is dedicated to the analysis of raw data into knowledge yet the outcome is nearly always a textual report. Imagine the possibilities if not simply the output was captured, but also the intuition, process and decision making rationale.

David is Chief Scientific Officer of Exonate Ltd, a drug discovery company that focuses on developing anti-angiogenic eye drops to treat blindness and is currently the Director of the University of Nottingham Centre of Cancer Sciences. Part of his research focuses on how blood vessels grow, how Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and other proteins produced by our bodies contribute to the growth of new blood vessels in health and disease.

David's talk will be on discovering new treatments for blindness.