From scientific breakthrough to system change: lessons from Oxford Nanopore
Green Templeton Lectures 2026
Wednesday 3 June 2026 17:30 to 19:00Speakers: |
Zoe McDougall and Mark Bruce (Oxford Nanopore Technologies); Thomas Hellmann (Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Said Business School) |
Location: |
EP Abraham Lecture Theatre, Green Templeton College |
About
Brilliant science does not guarantee real-world impact, but it can when mixing determination and collaboration. Oxford Nanopore is a prominent example of how to take an innovation out of the lab and make a real difference in the world.
In this fireside chat, Zoe McDougall and Mark Bruce from Oxford Nanopore Technologies will talk to Thomas Hellmann, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Said Business School. Over the last 18 years, Oxford Nanopore has grown from a science project into Oxford’s first unicorn and then UK-listed life sciences company, and more importantly, a company whose technology is spanning scientific discovery through to pathogen surveillance, clinical genomics, and also as an engine for biopharma industries. Oxford Nanopore leveraged many disciplines from chip design to electrochemistry to exquisite single molecule sensing, to make scalable devices that allow faster, richer and more accessible biological analysis- firstly of DNA and RNA, but in the future, of many biological molecules.
What does it take to turn a groundbreaking scientific idea into a globally adopted technology that can reshape an entire scientific ecosystem? In this fireside chat, Zoe and Mark will share the story of how Oxford Nanopore evolved from an ambitious science project into a globally investable business, navigating both breakthroughs and challenges along the way. They will explore the realities of scaling a science-led company, the influence of Oxford’s unique entrepreneurial environment on Oxford Nanopore’s growth, and how the company itself symbiotically grew alongside the Oxford technology and commercialisation hub it is today.
Open to all, but please register below. The panel will be followed by a drinks reception in the Stables Bar.
About the speakers
Dr Mark Bruce is Vice President of Sequencing Methods Research at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, where he leads the development of innovative sequencing approaches. In this role, he works closely with early-stage collaborators to transform emerging ideas into practical, high-impact solutions. His work focuses on advancing sequencing performance across key dimensions including accuracy, output, sensitivity, scalability, and robustness, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to push the boundaries of what the technology can achieve. Mark joined Oxford Nanopore Technologies in 2008, shortly after completing his PhD, at a pivotal stage when the company was still working toward proof of concept. Since then, he has played a central role in its evolution—from early innovation through commercial launch to the challenges of scaling a disruptive technology into a globally adopted platform. He is an inventor on more than 25 (published and pending) patents spanning protein engineering, sequencing chemistry, methods development, and system-level innovations
Zoe McDougall is the Global Head and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Oxford Nanopore, where she leads the company’s efforts to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including scientific researchers, governments, and policymakers. Since joining the company in 2008, Zoe has shaped Oxford Nanopore’s external communications, strategic marketing, and investor relations, while also focusing on the role of culture in driving organisational effectiveness. Zoe has been central to ensuring that Oxford Nanopore’s narrative is clear and compelling to diverse audiences, helping to position the company as a leader in the genomics space. Before joining Oxford Nanopore, Zoe gained extensive experience across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. She has worked with companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and, through her role at Porter Novelli, consulted for industry leaders including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Novartis, as well as emerging innovative brands.
Professor Thomas Hellmann is is a Senior Research Fellow, Green Templeton College and DP World Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. His research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and public policy.
About the Green Templeton Lectures
This is the third of the Green Templeton Lectures 2026, exploring healthcare innovation. Innovation in healthcare and life sciences is a rapidly evolving field and a central societal priority. In the context of urgent global health challenges and the expanding role of biotechnology and digital health, Oxford is uniquely positioned to convene researchers, thought leaders, practitioners, and future innovators to exchange ideas and foster meaningful dialogue.
The 2026 Green Templeton Lecture Series explores how discovery, experimentation, and translation drive progress in medicine and health. It considers the scientific, entrepreneurial, and system-level shifts shaping the future of healthcare, while also reflecting on the broader state of the field and the conditions needed for innovation to flourish. The programme strengthens the college’s role as a convener in this space, deepens engagement with students and alumni, and enhances its public profile in health innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. At a time when few spaces in Oxford bring together health, entrepreneurship, and policy in a sustained way, the series aims to create a forum where these worlds meaningfully connect.
The series is led by Associate Fellow Dr Christiaan de Koning, in collaboration with partners across the college and the wider health innovation ecosystem, and forms part of the activities of the Oxford Health Innovation Forum.
The lecture series is generously sponsored by Mills & Reeve. a leading UK law firm known for building strong, long-term relationships with clients, colleagues and communities. Guided by its purpose, “Achieve more. Together.”, the firm works in partnership to deliver practical, forward-thinking legal advice that creates meaningful and lasting impact.
