Professor Chris Abell was Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor of Biological Chemistry and Todd-Hamied Fellow of Christ’s College, Cambridge. His highly interdisciplinary research in the Department of Chemistry was focused on the development of novel approaches for inhibiting enzymes that drive the pathology of diseases such as tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and cancer.
In 1999, together with Dr Harren Jhoti and Professor Sir Tom Blundell, he co-founded Astex and was instrumental in the company’s development over 20 years. He remained a key member of the Scientific Advisory Board and a regular visitor and mentor to many Astex members of staff.
In recognition of his contributions to Astex, the company has established the ‘Chris Abell Sustaining Innovation Award’ for post-doctoral research. Given annually, this award recognizes the scientific achievements of an individual within our multidisciplinary Sustaining Innovation Postdoctoral research programme.
Awardees
2022 – Dr. Nicole Holzmann: Quantum Computing for Chemistry
2021 – Dr. Rachel Grainger: Enabling Automated Chemical Synthesis in FBDD