2025 BioCap Conference

Tanya obtained her first degree in biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, and her PhD from King’s College London. After a period at the British Council, she took a position in Cancer Research Horizons’ Commercial Partnerships team (formerly Cancer Research Technology) in 2002 facilitating the development and commercialisation of technologies developed by Cancer Research UK.

Tanya has extensive business development and transaction experience across therapeutics, diagnostics and medtech (discovery to early clinical), spanning a broad set of translational and commercialisation models including licensing, industry-academic alliances and formation of start-up companies. She has been involved in the creation of start-up companies which have combined raised over £700m.

In her current role, Tanya leads a team responsible for Cancer Research Horizons’ new ventures activity, creating new start-up companies, investing in early-stage start-up propositions and companies via our Cancer Research Horizons Seed Fund and managing the portfolio of such companies.

Simon Bryson has extensive work experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Simon is the CEO and Founder of Proveca Ltd since July 2010, where they have been involved in leading the company. Simon is also a Board Member and Scientific Advisor for the Paediatric Medicines Research Unit at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust since January 2019. In addition, they serve as an Advisory Group Expert for conect4children from January 2022. Simon has been a member of the Board for Health and Life Sciences at Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership since June 2016. Previously, they worked as the Director/Owner of Auralis Ltd from January 2005 to May 2010, and as an Executive Director at PowderJect/Chiron Vaccines from June 2002 to November 2004. Simon began their career at GlaxoSmithKline, where they served as the Director of Biopharmaceutical Development QA from 1998 to 2002.

Simon has a strong educational background in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and biochemistry. Simon holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Paediatric Pharmaceutics from the University of Brighton. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biochemistry from Newcastle University. Simon also holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Brighton. Additionally, they have obtained the certification of FRSB CBiol from the Royal Society of Biology.