Professor Carole Longson moves from NICE to the ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has attracted Professor Carole Longson away from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to be its new chief scientific officer, handing her responsibility for leading the UK trade body's research, medical and innovation functions.

She will also shape and develop UK pharmaceutical science policy and will ensure that the UK “remains at the forefront of innovation in medicines research, development and manufacturing”.

Mike Thompson, chief executive of the ABPI, said: “The appointment of Carole to this new post signals our commitment to strengthening our focus on science, research and discovery in the UK and the role our members play in developing new innovative medicines and vaccines.

“Her scientific research and academic experience, along with her integrity, perspective and vision can really help us continue to transform the pharmaceutical industry in the UK.”

Longson brings research, academic and pharmaceutical industry experience to the ABPI, including seven years as a research lead at GlaxoSmithKline.

She most recently spent the 18 years at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), where she has led the HTA organisation’s technology appraisal programme.

Neil Weir, chair of the ABPI innovation board, said: “I am delighted by the appointment of Carole to the role of chief scientific officer at the ABPI and her significant scientific experience, expertise and network in both industry and academia will enable the ABPI to work with our partners to further these objectives.”