In January this year appointment was made by CADDA to fill the vacant Project Director role. Dr Paul Meakin has joined the CADDA management team and is based at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Filling the post of Project Director brings the team up to full strength, allowing CADDA to drive forward with its mission to stimulate innovation in diagnostic development and market adoption.
Paul’s introduction to diagnostics began when he joined a lateral flow start-up business focussing on tests for agri-environment targets. Now, almost 20 years later and having experienced diverse roles across the industry he recognises a very different diagnostics landscape, with incredible advances in technologies and applications across numerous markets. ‘Globally, the diagnostics industry has struggled to achieve the recognition it deserves as a pillar of healthcare. I think we are seeing this change now on the back of our collective Covid-19 testing experience and the NHS drive to decentralise diagnostic testing’, comments Paul. ‘There are so many positive changes happening in the sector although the pressure remains to demonstrate real-life benefits for patient care.’
‘I want to bring my experience of working in early-stage companies, as a start-up founder and managing projects with global consumer care companies to CADDA. It is an exciting opportunity to build lasting relationships between academia, healthcare providers and industry for the benefit of the UK’, continues Paul.
Creating a future for CADDA and a lasting positive legacy is high on Paul’s agenda. Combining his knowledge and network with those of the highly experienced CADDA team and advisory board, the foundations for creating success are well in place.
To explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration, please contact p.meakin-19@kent.ac.uk