SHEroes of UK Biocentre - Linda Naylor

Linda embarked on her career in the private sector, initially as a scientist focusing on the development of biological products across a wide range of industries, including health, food, agriculture, and biopolymers. Subsequently, she transitioned from science to the business side, where she played a pivotal role in the development of multiple businesses. This extended nearly 25 years. After this, she moved into the intersection of the public and private sectors.

Linda spent 20 years focusing on commercialising research outcomes from the University of York and the University of Oxford. Her role involved licensing technologies and establishing new companies, contributing to both economic growth and social benefits.

After spending 15 years at the University of Oxford, Linda retired as the Managing Director of Oxford University Innovation. During her time there, she also became a board member to a number of Biomedical companies. Since then, Linda has continued her commitment to science at the intersection of the Public and Private sectors by taking up board positions at the Environmental Research Institute, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and most recently her position as Chair of the Board at UK Biocentre!

Linda admitted that initially, she did not know what career path she wanted to take. She ‘fell’ into her first industry role, but she quickly realised that her passion lay in the application of science, and how these biological products can help improve people’s lives. Overcoming challenges such as a lack of encouragement for girls in science during her school days and a gender pay gap, Linda's determination and hard work prevailed. Supported by her family and partner, Linda navigated a landscape where opportunities for women were limited and stifled and emerged stronger and more accomplished.

Linda joined UK Biocentre as a non-executive board member in June 2022 and experienced a positive and inclusive environment. Her competence was never questioned, and along with the rest of the board, Linda strives to ensure that UK Biocentre keeps its high standards of operation as the centre of excellence for sample processing and management.

Linda’s advice for aspiring young female scientists would be ‘Go for it!’.

She emphasises the importance of early encouragement in schools and believes that while the industry has come on in leaps and bounds, there is still a need for more women in senior roles. Linda thinks a career in science is interesting and finds it very rewarding to be involved in the advances that are made across all scientific disciplines that change people’s lives for the better. Linda would like to encourage women and girls everywhere to believe in themselves!