Paul Seabright (pictured), head of consultancy services at Cambridge Enterprise, the tech transfer unit of the eponymous university, has been named as its next deputy director.
Seabright, who will be taking over from tech transfer pioneer Richard Jennings after he retires in March, has been leading the unit’s consultancy arm since 2009. He has worked in biotech and medtech technology transfer fields, and holds a PhD in chemistry from Manchester University.
Seabright’s new role will see him develop and implement operational plans and policies was well as providing leadership and advice to the unit.
Tony Raven, CEO of Cambridge Enterprise, said: “I extend my congratulations to Paul on his appointment as Deputy Director. It is through Paul’s leadership that Consultancy activity and revenue have doubled over the last five years. Combined with his wider experience in and outside CE, Paul makes an ideal choice to step into the big shoes Richard Jennings will be leaving on his retirement from the post next month. I look forward to working with him in his new role to take CE on the next step in its journey of better supporting our academics and students in realising the societal benefits of their research and scholarship.”
Commenting on his appointment, Seabright added: “It is clear from the impact agenda that the commercialisation of university research is not only desirable but essential. The University of Cambridge needs a commercialisation organisation that provides a premier service and delivers a return worthy of such a world class institution. Part of our challenge is to persuade faculty that commercialisation is not in conflict with the scholarly pursuit of knowledge and will not impinge on academic freedom. As a leader of the CE team, I am delighted to support the University and deliver the service it deserves.”
