Coulter Partners places Dr. Rich Ferrie as Chief Executive Officer of Babraham Research Campus

Babraham Research Campus is one of the UK’s leading places to support early-stage bioscience enterprise. It is distinct in its co-location of over 60 bioscience companies alongside the Babraham Institute – creating an environment where world class research and business come together to promote innovation and accelerate the translation of science into life-changing clinical applications.

Rich joins the Campus from the London Bioscience Innovation Centre (LBIC), where as CEO he led a successful expansion that doubled the center’s footprint. With a career spanning leadership roles at the University of Manchester, University College Cork, and AstraZeneca, Rich brings a profound understanding of how to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial scale-up.

Jo Parfrey, Chair, Babraham Research Campus Board, said: “We are delighted to appoint Rich Ferrie as Chief Executive Officer of BRCL. Rich brings a strong track record of leadership, along with deep experience and an extensive network across the life sciences and innovation ecosystem. His vision and energy will be instrumental as BRCL enters its next phase of growth, and we are very much looking forward to working with him. We are also grateful to Coulter Partners for its expert guidance and support throughout this process.”

Kay Wardle, Managing Partner at Coulter Partners, added: “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the Board on this high-profile appointment. Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the UK’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on identifying individuals who understand where the industry is going and how the Campus can best position itself as the definitive destination for biotech companies to thrive. In Rich, we have found a leader who combines scientific rigor with a visionary approach to innovation space.”

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Dr. Rich Ferrie, CEO Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL)

Rich Ferrie brings extensive leadership experience in life science innovation and ecosystem management. Most recently, he served as CEO of LBIC, a subsidiary of the Royal Veterinary College and a premier provider of innovation space in London’s Knowledge Quarter. During his tenure, he successfully doubled the center’s footprint and oversaw its 25th-anniversary milestone, which included receiving the One Nucleus award for Outstanding Contribution to Life Sciences in 2025.

Prior to his role at LBIC, Rich spent three years as Director of Innovation at University College Cork (UCC), where he was responsible for technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and incubation. This followed an 18-year career at the University of Manchester, culminating in his role as Director of Operations for its subsidiary innovation company.

Rich began his career at AstraZeneca Diagnostics, where he held various scientific and business development positions before leading the international sales and marketing function. A passionate advocate for biotech entrepreneurship, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex and a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Reading.

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