UK names health data chief, as BIA finds its new CEO
Dr Melanie Ivarsson has been named as chief executive of the UK's new Health Data Research Service.
Former Moderna executive Dr Melanie Ivarsson has been appointed chief executive of the UK's Health Data Research Service (HDRS), the centralised unit tasked with unlocking the research and commercial value of NHS data.
Based at the Wellcome Genome Campus and backed by up to £600 million ($807 million) in government funding, the HDRS is tasked with setting up and operating a secure, streamlined access point to NHS health data, improving its potential in the development of new medicines and therapies.
A biopharma industry veteran, Ivarsson served as chief development officer of Moderna during the development of its COVID-19 vaccine and previously held senior positions at Takeda, Shire, and Pfizer. In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for services to public health during the pandemic.
"Having seen first-hand what we can achieve when health and care data is utilised for research, I'm excited to work across the four nations of the UK and with partners across the life sciences ecosystem to turn the HDRS ambition into reality," said Ivarsson.
Dr Ivarsson's appointment follows the announcement of Baroness Nicola Blackwood, formerly Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, as HDRS chair in November 2025.
The HDRS – which is due to start operations in December – lies at the heart of the UK's ambition to make the most of the NHS's rich data resources. Its primary function is to serve as a gatekeeper for researchers seeking access to anonymised data, so project organisers no longer have to sift through multiple sources, whilst ensuring patient data is used ethically and kept secure and private.
That should streamline processes for approved researchers in both commercial and academic sectors to develop new medicines and therapies; for example, by matching patients to available clinical trials.
"With decades of experience in clinical research and innovation, and a track record for building and leading teams, she is an ideal leader for HDRS," said Science Minister Lord Vallance. "By streamlining access to NHS health data, it will lead to better prevention, treatment, and cures for all of us."
BIA names Chris Molloy CEO
The BioIndustry Association (BIA) has also announced its new CEO to replace Steve Bates, who stepped down last September to take up a new role as executive chair of the UK government's Office of Life Sciences.
Prof Chris Molloy, currently CEO of the Medicines Discovery Catapult, has been named as Bates' successor and will take the helm of the BIA in May.
With over 30 years of life sciences sector experience, he is also a trustee of the Institute of Cancer Research and chairs the industry advisory Boards for the Greater Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and Health Innovation Manchester.
"The BIA is recognised at home and internationally as a progressive force for UK bioscience, working to create the best environment for its companies to grow," said Molloy.
"As the sector evolves and the world changes, we need to continue to harness the UK's strengths to develop a broader set of data-driven, clinically active, growth-ready science and services companies across our sector."
