Meet the Team

After obtaining his PhD in Molecular Microbiology and completing a period of post-doctoral research at the University of Nottingham, Dr Craig Woods joined the founding team of Deep Branch Biotechnology serving as Associate Scientific Director and VP of R&D. Craig oversaw a team of 12 scientists and engineers and led the scientific project management for a £2m collaborative Innovate UK grant. Craig was an integral part of the Series A round at Deep Branch and began Series B talks before joining Forge Genetics.

Dr Lisa Thomas is a life science business coach and was previously the Director of the Innovate UK ICURe Launch Programme at the Pioneer Group, specialist life science investors. Her career started with a Regenerative Medicine PhD from the University of Nottingham, before training with PwC as a chartered accountant specialising in R&D tax and innovations grant.

As CSO of Forge Genetics Dr Chris Humphreys manages the scientific direction of the team, overseeing both the microbial contract research projects and the internal development of our proprietary technology. With over 14 years of experience in the development and implementation of genetic tools in recalcitrant microorganisms, Chris is now applying this exciting technology to the field of gene therapy.

Professor Nigel Minton is co-founder and chair of Forge Genetics. He is also the director of Nottingham’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC) and of a national network in industrial biotechnology of >850 members. Nigel has filed 23 patents, published over 225 articles, supervised 80+ PhD students and has secured in excess of £50M in funding. He has consulted for Merck, Protherics and Pfizer and sat on the scientific advisory boards of Cobalt, Deep Branch and LanzaTech.

Dr Sophie Dale-Black is a scientifically trained and commercially driven consultant, adviser and non-executive focused on the success of science and innovation led businesses across the UK. As a member of the Forge Genetics advisory board, Sophie plays a pivotal role in the ongoing innovation of the company, shaping our long-term strategy, highlighting business opportunities and identifying key market trends.

Patrick Ginty PhD, RAC(US), is a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Boyds Consultants where he heads up the cell and gene therapy project pipeline. With 18 years’ of experience in leadership, R&D and regulatory affairs in the cell and gene therapy industry, Dr Patrick Ginty has worked across therapeutic areas like oncology, retinal, hematological, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Forge Genetics advisory board, Patrick brings valuable insights and strategic direction to the team.

Dr Patrick Ingle draws upon 11+ years experience of genome editing in non-standard microorganisms in his role leading the contract research work at Forge Genetics. Patrick completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, where he worked on developing new genetic tools to engineer Clostridiodes difficile, following which, he continued to work with Professor Minton as a post-doctoral researcher, completing several projects with external companies and international partners before joining Forge Genetics.

Dr Alex Rawson joined Forge Genetics after completing his PhD in pathogenic clostridia at the University of Nottingham. With over half a decade of experience in bacterial genetic engineering, Alex heads the research and development branch of Forge Genetics. He combines his extensive expertise in numerous gene editing techniques to further develop our cutting-edge technologies, pushing the boundaries of genetic engineering to create a healthier and more sustainable world.