Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE

Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE is Director of Research and Development Policy at the ABPI where her remit spans discovery science, translational, pre-clinical and clinical research and development. Prior to taking on the role at ABPI, Jo was Director of the GW4 Alliance a research alliance of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Previously, Dr Jenkinson was Head of Infection and Immunity at the Medical Research Council where she led the UKRI/DHSC/NIHR rapid response and rolling calls for COVID-19 research and had overall responsibility for managing the Infections and Immunity Board. She joined the MRC in 2008 and held a range of roles including Head of Capacity and Skills, with responsibility for all MRC PhD and fellowships schemes, where she led on the development of the £900m UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships. She also led the MRC’s mental health and addiction portfolio and wrote the MRC’s 2017 Mental Health Strategy.