MRC Technology appoints director of technology transfer

MRC Technology has named Andrew Farquharson as director of technology transfer, effective from September 1.

Farquharson will lead the team responsible for identifying, protecting and progressing promising life science research to improve human health.

Commenting on his appointment, Farquharson said: “I am greatly looking forward to joining the MRCT team and using my experience to meet the challenges in ensuring that future innovations are protected and translated into meaningful new therapeutic products made available to patients.”

Farquharson has previously held senior intellectual property (IP) roles at AstraZeneca UK and USA, supporting the firm's R&D, business development and government affairs activities.

He currently runs a consultancy practice, which provides IP services to a breadth of life science and pharma clients. 

Farquharson is additionally appointed to the EU Commission's Expert Group, advising on the European Biotech Directive's impact on patent law and R&D activities.

Dr Dave Tapolczay, CEO at MRC Technology, added: “Andrew's extensive experience will support our charity's work to ensure innovative life science research reaches its full potential and benefit a wider range of people. We look forward to having him on board.”