Alistair Henry, UCB

In this latest episode of Careers in Discovery, we sit down with Alistair Henry, the new Chief Scientific Officer at UCB, to talk about his remarkable 26-year journey with the company. Alistair shares his passion for science and how it led him from a curious teenager to a leader in drug discovery, working on ground-breaking projects in immunology and neurology. Alistair opens up about the excitement and challenges of his new role, the importance of always looking ahead, and how he balances immediate priorities with long-term innovation. He also reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, from his unexpected entry into pharma to his deepening focus on making a real difference for patients. Alistair offers honest and practical advice for those starting out in their scientific careers. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious, connecting with others, and being open to stepping out of your comfort zone. He also talks about the power of collaboration and how building a strong, open, and innovative culture has been key to his success at UCB. If you’re interested in the human side of a career in science and what it takes to lead with purpose, this episode is full of insights from someone who’s done it all.