Dr Craig Woods has a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham. Craig then went on to join the founding team of Deep Branch Biotechnology, serving as Associate Scientific Director and VP of R&D before becoming CEO of Forge Genetics.

Dr Chris Humphreys has over 14 years of experience in the development and implementation of genetic tools in recalcitrant microorganisms. As CSO at Forge Genetics, Chris manages the scientific direction of the team, overseeing both the microbial contract research projects and the internal development of our proprietary technology.

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, before training with PwC as a chartered accountant specialising in R&D tax and innovation grants.

Professor Nigel Minton is co-founder and chair of Forge Genetics. Nigel has filed 23 patents, published over 225 articles, supervised 80+ PhD students and has secured more than £50M in funding. He has leveraged his expertise consulting for Merck, Protherics and Pfizer and sat on the scientific advisory boards of Cobalt, Deep Branch and LanzaTech.

Ariyana joined Forge Genetics after being a researcher in Regenerative Medicine at the University of Surrey and a commercial analyst. As a Founder's Associate, Ariyana leverages her background in biotechnology to support the operations and strategy at Forge Genetics.

Dr Patrick Ingle completed his PhD where he developed new genetic tools to engineer Clostridiodes difficile, before joining Forge Genetics. Patrick now draws upon 11+ years of experience in genome editing in non-standard microorganisms in his role leading the contract research work at 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.

Dr Louise Von Emloh joined Forge Genetics after completing her PhD in combating Clostridium difficile infection through spore germination control at the University of Nottingham before continuing research as a post-doctoral researcher. Louise is now a Research Scientist at Forge Genetics, utilising her background in engineering non-standard microorganisms to carry out contract research work at Forge Genetics.

Dr James Millard completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, developing genetic tools for gas-fermenting bacteria. James then worked with business-academic consortia to develop novel bioprocesses as a post-doctoral researcher at the Synthetic Biology Research Centre, going on to become fermentation lead, before joining Forge Genetics.

Dr Andrew Dempster brings over 14 years of microbiology experience to Forge, from traditional microbiological and biochemical methods to the latest molecular advances. His doctoral and successive research has spanned across gut bacteria, therapeutics, and industrial biotechnology, specialising in overcoming genetic intractability and genome modification.

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. Sophie is an advisory board member of Forge Genetics, playing a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing innovation, strategy, highlighting business opportunities, and identifying key market trends.

Dr Patrick Ginty, RAC(US), is a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Boyds Consultants, where he leads the cell and gene therapy project pipeline. Patrick has 18+ years’ of experience in leadership, R&D and regulatory affairs in the cell and gene therapy industry, across multiple therapeutic areas. Patrick brings valuable insights and strategic direction to Forge Genetics as an advisory board member.

Barnaby has over 25 years of experience across technology and M&A leadership roles. He was previously CEO at Plumtree Group and was COO at LSE:AIM listed Ideagen before their acquisition in 2022 for £1 billion. Barnaby’s role on the advisory board will leverage his knowledge in scaling and leadership, providing Forge Genetics with invaluable guidance for strategic development.