The Research and Development Society

The Panelists

Ralph White PhD MRPharmS

Ralph is a pharmacist who has worked for over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry and has experience in managing both research and product development teams for a large global pharmaceutical company. Over the years, Ralph lead a number of key projects and most recently was responsible for designing and managing a training programme in matrix working with participants from all areas of GlaxoSmithKline's R&D. His work has spanned licensing, transition out of research, proof of concept, full development, and lifecycle management in the marketplace. His company, PPMLD Ltd., provides insight and assistance in the complex maze of modern pharmaceutical development through an international programme of learning and development, focusing on building an holistic understanding of multi-function working in a matrix environment. Ralph holds a Degree in Pharmacy and a PhD in Neurochemistry from the University of London, and is a Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

Bill Metcalf FIEE, MInstP, CSci, CEng

Bill Metcalf runs his own consultancy organisation, Cambridge Strategic Management, specialising in R&D project management. Previously he gained wide experience as a practising engineering manager, having served a formal apprenticeship and worked in the Cavendish Laboratory, Hewlett-Packard (Palo Alto) and the Phillips Group. A microwave engineer by training, he was for ten years the Chief Executive of an electronic components manufacturing company. In his spare time he has set up Eastern Europe’s largest digital map production company which in which he is still involved. He also teaches at the University of Oxford, Cambridge, London, Leeds, Sheffield and Cranfield. Bill climbs vertical rock for relaxation.

Dr Elizabeth Pollitzer

In 1997 Elizabeth founded the IT company, ITsynergy, and has been involved in both the work of the Daphne Jackson Trust and of Portia. The latter is an organisation working on issues relating to women and Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). The Trust helps individuals return to SET research after a career break: it is usually women and the reason for the break is usually motherhood. In 2003, she bid farewell to her academic career to concentrate on ITsynergy and on Portia. Portia now leads the Equalitec: Advancing Women in ITEC project, working in partnership with industry, professional bodies, women's organisations, training providers and policy makers. There are currently 16 development partners and a growing network of supporting partners. Equalitec has eight work-packages to deliver by the end of June 2007, including a work placement scheme, a training scheme, a mentoring circles scheme, an ITEC innovation award, a career portal, and a diversity forum. To keep sane Elizabeth plays the cello.

Stephen Luckhurst

Stephen takes charge of the people strategy, policy and plans which enables the delivery of business targets. The HR strategy is to position QinetiQ as an employer with high levels of staff engagement and where brilliant people come to do their best work. Stephen joined the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) in July 1998 to become Project Manager for human resource issues relevant to vesting of the new company, including the creation of the new pension scheme and the establishment of QinetiQ's Human Resources function. Stephen was appointed to his current role in June 2002. Previous positions include Assistant Director for Personnel with the former MOD Naval Bases and the Supply Agency. Stephen is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a member of the CBI Employment Policy Committee, Chair of the Surrey and North East Hants Industrial Mission, Trustee of the QinetiQ Pension Scheme and a school governor.

Anne-Marie Martin

Anne-Marie’s career began in a civil service research laboratories dedicated to the treatment of sewage and trade wastes and progressed to a public relations organisation dedicated to promoting the consumption of sugar. She joined The Careers Group, University of London in 1983 and worked at Imperial College for three years before moving to Kings, SOAS and SSEES and becoming Senior Careers Adviser in charge of the office at Queen Mary and Westfield College in 1988. Anne-Marie moved to The Careers Group in 1990 to take over the income generating activities and the Business and Resources Division before becoming Director in 1995. The Careers Group, University of London pursues its mission to help individuals maintain job satisfaction throughout their working lives in some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. It has offices at Goldsmiths, King's, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, SOAS and University College London and, in addition, services a number of smaller Colleges and non University of London Institutions from its Central Service. Anne-Marie is a company law member of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services; trustee of the Thomas Wall Trust; acknowledged expert on destination statistics and a frequent contributor to careers publications and media debates on graduate aspirations, recruitment and retention where she draws on her own experiences and those of the 85 staff that make up The Careers Group.

Further information

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