Our people
Our talented scientists are united in a one goal - to find novel solutions to the biggest rare disease challenges and help to change the lives of patients and their families.
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Prof. Mimoun Azzouz
Director GTIMC
Professor Azzouz has achieved international pre-eminence in the field of gene therapy applications and vector development for neurodegenerative diseases. His original and pioneering work, which has already produced major breakthroughs in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, will in the near future, translate into major therapeutic advances in the field of human neurodegenerative disease.
Holly Garlick
Head of GMP
Holly has over a decade of experience working in ATMP GMP licensed facilities with a passion for bringing cutting edge medicines to patients. Her role is to develop the cross functional activities to build a successful manufacturing organisation to deliver safe and effective treatments.
Dr Toby Gamlen
Production Manager
Following an academic research and laboratory management career in molecular virology and lentiviral gene therapy vector production I am excited to be taking on managing the scientific and laboratory aspects of the AAV production process at the GTIMC.
Dr Joseph Scarrott
Process Development Scientist
Joe has been working with adeno-associated virus (AAV) since 2012, both as a tool for translational gene therapy research and as a manufacturing modality for process development. He is a co-inventor on patents for both a gene therapy treatment and an improved manufacturing process for AAV, and will be responsible for process development and research activities at the GTIMC
Michael Reid
Quality Assurance Manager
With over a decade of experience in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing, Mike’s role in the senior management team is to develop and manage the quality of our production facility.
Soon, he will embark on a 30 month Royal Society of Chemistry training programme to become an accredited quality person. With generous support from the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapy, once Mike is QP eligible he will be legally responsible for the release of medicines for human use manufactured at the GTIMC.
Dr Joe Cartwright
Head of Projects
Joe has over a decade of experience in biopharmaceutical engineering and manufacturing. In his role as Head of Projects, he is responsible for the coordination and management of all projects within the GTIMC as well as liaison with partners and collaborators.
Prof. Janine Kirby
GTIMC Skills and Training Lead
Professor Janine Kirby is the GTIMC Skills and Training Lead for the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapy and co-lead for the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies. As Professor of Neurogenetics I have significant experience on understanding the genetics and pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, biosample collection and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Prof. Guillaume M Hautbergue
Skills and Training Deputy Lead
Guillaume has been a professor of translational RNA biology since January 2023. He supports Janine Kirby in the skills and training pillar of the Gene Therapy Innovation & Manufacturing Centre. Teaching on the MSc course in Advanced Therapies and coordinating research projects for these students. Guillame is also Director of the spin-out gene therapy company Crucible Therapeutics.
Dr Steve Mason
Head of Operations
Steve has been working at the University of Sheffield for many years. His experience in industrial manufacturing is a significant asset to the facility. Steve is responsible for a wide range of operational aspects of the site, interfacing with estates and facilities, university finance and external contractors that service the building or the equipment. His experience overseeing all of the operational needs of the GTIMC frees up the scientific specialists to focus on the science.