Dr Osbourn, who is also Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), has been awarded the OBE for services to Human Monoclonal Antibody Drug Research and Development and Biotechnology. An expert in antibody engineering, she has authored many key publications and patents, and has made a significant contribution to the discovery and development of a number of marketed drugs and more than 40 clinical candidates. Jane is also Site Leader for AstraZeneca’s facility at Granta Park in Cambridge UK and chairs the cross-campus leadership team for AstraZeneca in Cambridge, the company’s global headquarters.
She has also been a passionate advocate for the UK life sciences sector and made a major impact on the development of the life sciences ecosystem in Cambridge, where she is currently a director at both Babraham BioScience Technologies and Cambridge Enterprise.
Dr Jane Osbourn said: “It is a great honour and privilege to receive this award. The life sciences sector is unrecognisable in terms of technology, research areas and scope compared to when I was a researcher at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge in the early 1990s. The UK is at the forefront of innovative therapies and research, while cementing itself as the third biggest biotech cluster in the world and long may that continue.
“Science only progresses through shared endeavour, and I would like to thank all the many colleagues, collaborators and mentors I have worked with over the years for their skill, hard work and support.”
Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BIA said: “Jane Osbourn is a pioneer in our sector, leading on world-class research and contributing to blockbuster discoveries such as HumiraTM, which has benefitted patients not only here at home but across the world.
“She has been a passionate advocate for the UK life sciences sector, while working closely with government agencies and businesses to expand the science and research infrastructure in Cambridge. Through her leading role in the BIA she has championed the UK’s vibrant and important biotech industry. Her skills go far beyond just science, she is also a fantastic communicator and leader.”
“She has and always will be a trailblazer in our sector and I’m delighted that she has received this award.”
Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca and co-chair of the Life Sciences Council, said: “On behalf of AstraZeneca, I am delighted to congratulate Dr. Jane Osbourn for her award of an OBE in recognition of her services to Human Monoclonal Antibody Drug Research and Development and Biotechnology. This well-deserved Honour reflects her contribution to biopharmaceutical science over more than 25 years, from Cambridge Antibody Technology to AstraZeneca and MedImmune.
“Jane’s leadership in UK life sciences includes championing the biotech sector through her position as chair of the BIA and contributing to the growth of the UK’s scientific ecosystem. I would also like to recognise her authentic commitment to building skills through STEM and education outreach, in particular for women in science”.