Dr Simon Tyler

Simon obtained an MA in Natural Sciences (Chemistry) from Hertford College, Oxford in 1995 and earned a PhD in 1998 researching the asymmetric synthesis of amino acids with Prof. Laurence M. Harwood. Then followed a two-year post-doctoral stint with Prof. Barry M. Trost at Stanford University, studying the catalysis of the Claisen rearrangement. In 2001, he returned to the UK to join Process R&D in AstraZeneca, going on to lead multiple chemical development projects spanning pre-clinical to Phase III drug candidates, gaining insight into the myriad demands of drug substance manufacture and turning molecules into medicines.

After ten years in Large Pharma, Simon played a pivotal role as a co-founder of CatSci Ltd, negotiating the financial terms for the asset transfer and service agreement with AstraZeneca. After the establishment of the start-up, he subsequently took on commercial responsibility, overseeing the growth from a catalyst screening company to a multimillion-pound process research and development business that serves the global pharmaceutical industry. As a dynamic leader, Simon is committed to leveraging the power of UK R&D to make new therapeutics that are cheaper, greener and accessible to all.