Alan Dickson is Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, based in The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. With primary research interests in translational research, industrial collaborations and commercialisation, Alan has expertise across the production and molecular characterisation of antibodies and their analytical applications. The health and functional status of biological and cellular systems/targets has been interrogated via multi-omic analyses and the application of engineering biology principles to understand normal and abnormal cellular conditions. Throughout the past decade, Alan has been deeply involved in the provision of innovative training for early career researchers (ECRs) and providing models for stimulating the entrepreneurial skills into the career aspirations of ECRs.