About Us
OUTbio UK is an independent network run specifically for the LGBTQ community and its allies within the biotech community in the UK.
Our mission is to connect LGBTQ professionals within the biotech community, provide mutual support and mentorship, share ideas about how to implement best practices within our companies and develop our own networks and friendships.
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OUTbio UK is inspired by the work of OUTbio – a 1200+ member group with an aligned mission based in the USA. OUTbio began with a meeting of 10 people in Boston in 2015, and rapidly became the largest group of its kind in the industry.
We are the first international affiliate and hope to encourage others to form around the world, enabling members to build a global network.
Meet The Team
OUTbio UK is currently supported by a small team of biotech executives from across the UK and from a range of backgrounds. if you'd like to join the team, please get in touch - there is plenty to be done!
Tim Funnell
Director
Originally trained as a pharmacologist, Tim is a biotech investor and company builder. He was part of the founding team at Autolus, Gyroscope, Casma Therapeutics, MiroBio via his investing roles at Syncona and Third Rock Ventures and Oxford Sciences Innovation. He is now a London Partner of the transatlantic venture firm Monograph Capital. Tim spent time in Boston where he first witnessed the benefits of an LGBTQ network for the biotech industry and he hopes to catalyse a similarly supportive environment in the UK.
Noelia Sainz Pastor
Director
Noelia is a patent attorney specialised in biotechnology. She is currently a Patent Attorney, Director IP at Autolus, a clinical stage company developing CAR T cell therapies. She was formerly a researcher in the fields of targeted therapies and antibody engineering, and holds a PhD in molecular biology and a master's degree in biochemistry. Noelia leads the LGBTQ+ group at Autolus, which she helped set up. She also co-founded and ran Pelucas y Tacones (Wigs and High Heels), London’s pioneering Spanish queer night which spanned a decade and expanded to Berlin and Madrid. With her passion for bringing people together and creating safe spaces, Noelia joins OUTbio UK hoping to help shape a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.
Michael Stylianou
Director
Michael is the COO and partner, of a Global Market Access consultancy in the biotech/pharma sector. Having spent many years industry side, he is responsible for rapidly scaling the business and driving efficiencies whilst engineering innovative platforms and programmes to navigate the commercial complexities of rare diseases, ATMPs, and oncology. Known as a rebel thinker, Michael is fueled by a passion for unlocking potential, driving change and passionate about diversity in all its forms.
Liam MacCallum-Webb
Director
Liam works in healthcare consultancy, with a number of years of experience leading on projects driving service improvement and technological advancement within the English and Irish healthcare systems. With a robust background in LGBTQ+ advocacy, he is excited to support the growth and impact of OUTBio UK.
Vlad Herta
Director
Vlad is a New York-qualified attorney turned entrepreneur, with experience advising life sciences and biotech companies on corporate transactions, such as IPOs and cross-border M&A. Combining his corporate experience in life sciences with his passion for fitness and wellness, he is currently developing preventive healthcare solutions. Vlad has been active in LGBTQ+ organizations since his student years and is excited to help build a strong professional network for LGBTQ+ individuals in the life sciences sector.
Mason Day
Director
Mason is the Founder & CEO of Bioversity, a specialist search firm and DE&I consultancy focused on building inclusive teams in biotech and pharma. With a background in executive search and a commitment to driving meaningful change in the life sciences industry, Mason launched bioversity to address the sector’s urgent need for diverse talent solutions. He proudly serves on the board of OUTbio.
Jorge Mella
Director
Jorge is currently an Assistant Director at Rothschild & Co's Healthcare M&A team. He has over 7 years of corporate finance experience, advising clients across a wide spectrum of situations.
He has been a part of various LGBTQ+ organisations, helping found a number of networks at previous employers.
He originally hails from the Dominican Republic, and has called London home for the past 7 years.
Robert Naughton
Director
Rob, originally from the west coast of Ireland, has a background in biotech and infectious disease. Having lived in seven countries, he now resides in London, UK. Rob is a Key Account Manager at Sino Biological, a bio-reagents and CRO service provider. Although he no longer works in the lab, he enjoys remaining part of the scientific process and supporting scientists in making life-changing discoveries. Outside of his volunteering with OUTbio, he spends his spare time with his running and dance clubs in the city.
Harriet Lester
Director
Harriet is an Associate at The Pioneer Group, the largest investor and operator of life sciences campuses across the UK and Ireland. She works with the Launch venture development programme, supporting innovative companies in drug discovery, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and therapeutic platforms. Harriet holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford and has experience working with startups through SOSV, Techstars, and Zinc VC, providing mentorship and investment. She specialises in venture growth and strategy, guiding founders through fundraising and business development.
Vassilis Paraskevas
Director
Vassilis Paraskevas is a scientist specializing in Process Development of Cell and Gene therapy products, with over eight years of experience. He currently works as a Senior Scientist at Orchard Therapeutics, where he contributes to CMC documentation, regulatory submissions, and process closing and automation. With a strong background in bioprocessing, assay development, and tech transfer, Vassilis has played key role in advancing cell and gene therapy products from research to clinical trial. Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, he is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Jack Pearson
Director
Jack Pearson is a Medical Principal Scientist at Haleon, a leading consumer health company, where he contributes to the development of innovative health solutions grounded in scientific evidence. Prior to joining Haleon, Jack spent several years at a FemTech startup, driving research and product development focused on women’s health. He began his career in the NHS, working as a Clinical Embryologist after completing a PhD in sperm biology. Jack brings a deep understanding of reproductive science and a passion for improving patient outcomes through accessible healthcare innovations. Outside of work, he enjoys restoring and driving his three classic cars, gardening, and spending time birdwatching.
Our Sponsors
Leading life sciences companies partner with OUTbio UK to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ workforce and assist our mission to empower LGBTQ+ professionals.
Founding Sponsor
Mitochondrial therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Sponsor
A revolution in gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders
Service Name
A clinical-stage biopharma developing novel T-cell immunotherapeutics