Ian Walker

Experience

• 

  University of Leeds

  Jan 2003 - Jun 2004

  Research Fellow

  Investigating the biochemical and cellular mechanisms involved in targeted photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cancer. A role at the interface of drug design and in vivo testing involving close liaison with both synthetic chemists and clinicians.

• 

  Photopharmica

  Feb 2004 - Jun 2004

  Consultant
• 

  Covance

  Jun 2004 - Dec 2006

  Study Director

  Coordinated efforts of large multinational matrix team of 35 members, charged with complex work programmes with focus on pre-clinical testing, and manufacture of biological agents. • Successfully completed more than 300 studies, contributing to release of new therapies and vaccines by 50+ companies.• Ensured compliance with GXP regulations, applying advanced experience in quality production / control of GMP biological material.

• 

  Cancer Research Technology

  Dec 2006 - Sept 2012

  Played an instrumental role in maintaining balanced early stage clinical portfolio for CRUK through team mentoring, guidance, and support with focus on business development. • Spearheaded commercial licensing and vital international collaborations, encompassing strategic negotiations covering early stage drug development and financial valuation.• Uncovered and presented operational improvements as well as potential partnerships to the Centre for Drug Development (CDD).

  • Senior Licensing Manager and Operational Excellence Lead

    May 2011 - Sept 2012

  • Acting Head of Clinical Partnerships

    Mar 2010 - May 2011

  • Licensing Manager, Clinical Partnerships

    Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
• 

  Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

  Sept 2012 - now

  Key member of CRUK’s senior leadership team charged with development and launch of clinical research strategy to optimise patient benefits. Control £40M annual budget as well as operations of 35 team members, providing staff with training, support, and motivation to achieve objectives. Lead strategic partnership development focused on boosting external investments and support on national / international levels. Direct dynamic national clinical research infrastructure and prioritisation of efforts, covering 18 Experimental Cancer Medicines Centres (co-funded with Department of Health), eight core-funded Clinical Trial Units (CTUs), and CRUK network of Senior Research Nurses (SRNs). Drive organisation’s precision medicine functions, securing £25M funding for national Stratified Medicine Programme (SMP2) in Lung Cancer (MATRIX). Show less Delivered strategic leaderships and vision for organisation’s Stratified Medicine efforts in the UK, working collaboratively with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. Chair of the CRUK Stratified Medicine Governance Board, Invited member of the Technology Strategy Board SMIP working group and the ABPI Pharmaceutical Oncology Initiative. Invited expert member of the three Department of Health work streams to supports the Government initiative to sequence 100,000 whole genomes (strategic priorities, ethics and data workflows). Show less

  • Executive Director of Policy Information and Communications

    Mar 2021 - now

  • Director of Research

    Mar 2020 - Mar 2021

  • Director of Clinical, Population and Early Detection Research

    Jan 2017 - Mar 2020

  • Director of Clinical Research and Strategic Partnerships

    Sept 2013 - Jan 2017

  • Head of Stratified Medicine and Combinations Alliance

    Sept 2012 - Sept 2013