Abstract

“The best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry: My career path post Oxford didn’t follow the route I expected with the transition from microelectronics via computer science to biomedical engineering. I eventually became an entrepreneur and I’d like to share lessons about how to create revolutionary technologies. I will also tell you about my passion for replacing animal testing, which is driving my latest venture”. Dr Wilkinson studied Physics at Oxford but lived and worked in Cambridge for 23 years, He is currently CEO of Kirkstall Ltd. He has been involved in product development in large corporations and start-ups. He is co-author on several papers on in-vitro models of toxicity and a contributing editor of a recently published book on In-Vitro Testing. He is a champion for the use of leading edge technology to replace animal testing for the development of safe drugs, nutraceuticals, chemicals and cosmetics. He has founded three companies and was the first Chairman of the Cambridge Enterprise & Technology Club which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017.