Dr. Jason Jones

Biography

As Head of Business Engagement at the University of Bradford, Jason leverages over 25 years of leadership experience across the Chemical and Life Sciences sectors. Holding a PhD in Chemistry from the University of York, his career spans both industry and academia, specializing in strategic business development and research project management. Jason is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercial management. He directs the University’s central business development team, overseeing the end-to-end management of corporate collaborations and external partnerships to ensure maximum impact. Led by Jason, the team is dedicated to showcasing the University’s excellent research, advanced facilities, and deep-rooted industry expertise. By implementing institutional best practice, including a professional-grade CRM the team provide academics with the streamlined support needed to accelerate high-quality knowledge mobilisation and commercial success.

Jason played a pivotal role in securing and delivering over £5 million in regeneration funding—including major ERDF, UKSPF, and WYCA investments. These projects, such as CAYMAN and SIBLING, have empowered over 100 West Yorkshire SMEs by providing direct access to sophisticated instrumentation and bespoke academic expertise. Recognised with the 2023 UoB Outstanding Achievement Award for Knowledge Exchange, this work has built a robust regional network that continues to drive innovation and high-value grant opportunities.

Jason drives commercialisation of intellectual property across the Institute of Health and Social Care, with a focus on the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics. He was the primary driver behind the Ran Diagnostic project, securing a £900k Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst grant and successfully launching the spin-out company, CDT Ltd. Beyond venture creation, Jason’s strategic PR efforts brought national visibility to this work via BBC Look North. His commercial track record also includes the award-winning ‘Effershield’ project, which achieved successful industry out-licensing and won both the BioNow Project of the Year and the Making Pharmaceuticals Innovation Award.

In collaboration with BioNow, Jason founded and leads the annual Yorkshire BioPartnering event at the University of Bradford. Now a premier fixture in the regional calendar, the event brings together over 80 industry leaders and academics each year to foster high-value partnerships and innovation.

I am always open to discussing new strategic partnerships and innovation opportunities. Please feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or contact me directly to explore how we can collaborate.

Research

• Preclinical and early clinical phase pharmaceutical research and development,
• targeted cancer therapeutics 
• cancer diagnostics,
• novel formulation and drug delivery technologies,
• nano-processing, 
• inhaled drug development,
• pharmaceutical and chemical analysis,
• active pharmaceutical Ingredient process development and optimisation