Amersham appoints James Rothman to the newly created post of chief scientific adviser
Amersham has announced the appointment of James Rothman to the newly-created position of chief scientific adviser, following seven years of service on Amersham's scientific advisory board.
Professor Rothman will work with the chief executive, William Castell, and will sit on Amersham's Portfolio Committee, which has primary responsibility for recommending the overall strategic direction of the company's research. Professor Rothman, currently chairman of the cellular biochemistry and biophysics programme at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, is one of the world's most distinguished biochemists and cell biologists.
Recently, Columbia University in New York announced that Rothman will join the faculty of the Department of Physiology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he will found the Center for Chemical Biology.
Rothman is renowned for discovering the molecular machinery responsible for transfer of materials among cellular compartments, which provides the basis for communication between cells and organs in the body.
Examples include the release of hormones like insulin to the blood and synaptic transmission in the brain.
In 2002, he received the prestigious Albert Lasker medical research award for this work.
He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and its Institute of Medicine.
William Castell commented: "Jim brings with him a rare combination of world class science and a genuine interest in its commercialisation.
"Harnessing his skills and his interests will allow Amersham to further develop the inspirational leadership of our most important investment, innovation".
Professor Rothman said: "The post-genomic era is an exciting time for biology and there is huge potential for improving healthcare.
"Amersham has the skills to develop and deliver the products that will help to revolutionise how biology is done and ultimately unlock the potential of the human genome.
"By improving the understanding of the link between genes, proteins and disease, Amersham is exceptionally well positioned for the coming era of personalised medicine."
