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Drug Discovery

Drug Discovery

Karen Steward, PhD profile page

After completing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in 2006, Karen became a research scientist at the Animal Health Trust, UK. During her time there, she completed a PhD in molecular microbiology and evolutionary genetics in partnership with the University of Cambridge and went on to hold a post-doctoral position. Her research focused on the fundamental biology of infectious diseases, outbreak analysis and the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays. In 2017, she left the lab to pursue a career in science communication. During her time at Technology Networks as senior scientific specialist, Karen coordinated and created a range of scientific content, tools and resources for the site, led interdepartmental projects and provided scientific support across the teams. Karen left Technology Networks in October 2025.

Education

University of Cambridge

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

Awards & Certifications

National Finalist in Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Scheme

Walter and Dorothy Plowright Memorial Prize for Young Researchers, 2nd

National Finalist in SET for Britain

Accreditations

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trained

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - Distinction recognised by Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

Natural Sciences, BA (Hons), MA recognised by University of Cambridge

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) recognised by University of Cambridge

Member recognised by American Society for Microbiology

Member recognised by Microbiology Society

Member recognised by The Veterinary Research Club

Areas of Expertise

Vaccine and Diagnostic Development and Commercialization

Wine Analysis and Production

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Content Written By, Reviewed By, or Featuring Karen Steward, PhD

Total: 248

People standing around in a circle holing their hands out in the middle, representing and collaboration team work.

Industry Insight

Inside Cambridge’s Collaborative Future: How journey Is Transforming the Lab Space Landscape

In the heart of Cambridge, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way science startups scale: one built not only on breakthrough molecules and patents, but also on collaborative spaces, shared values and pragmatic support.

A newborn baby in hospital with a nurse leaning over administering treatment in preparation for LNP-mediated gene therapy.

Industry Insight

Building the Next Generation of Genetic Medicines With LNPs

A recent milestone study used the LNP delivery system developed by Acuitas Therapeutics to treat a newborn with urea cycle disorder (UCD) successfully with a personalized CRISPR therapy. We spoke to Dr. Ying Tam, their CSO, to find out more.

Three scientists in lab coats discussing their research in a lab with lab glassware on the shelf behind them.

Industry Insight

Driving Innovation While Navigating Global Pressures: How One Life Science Company Is Evolving With the Market

As global scientific and regulatory landscapes shift, companies across the life sciences sector are under growing pressure to adapt. Hear how Phenomenex are taking a proactive approach.

An individual wearing blue gloves and blue lab coat holding a white mouse.

Industry Insight

A New Era in Drug Discovery Begins as FDA Embraces Human Models

In this article, discover how the FDA and NIH are replacing animal testing with human models, such as organoids, featuring expert insights on safer, faster and ethical drug development.

Illustration of DNA in a glowing ball held in a person's hands surrounded by symbols indicating innovation and discovery.

Industry Insight

Academic Origins Driving Impact in Epigenetic Diagnostics

An epigenetic analysis platform spun out of academia could address current issues with wider adoption of epigenetic profiling as a cancer diagnostic tool. Hear about the challenges, successes and importance of industry partners.

A scientist in gloves and an overall holds a rack of purple topped blood sample tubes and goes to pick one out.

Industry Insight

ctDNA, CTCs and the Future of Liquid Biopsy

Discover insights on the challenges of CTCs and ctDNA from liquid biopsies as cancer diagnostic tools, how novel technology is helping to overcome some of these issues and the future monitoring landscape.

3D rendering of a protein molecule with four "arms" surrounded by smaller molecules, some interacting with the larger molecule.

Industry Insight

Molecular Glues Meet Precision Discovery To Advance Oncology Treatments

From theory to clinic, explore how molecular glue innovation is transforming targeted protein degradation for cancer and other diseases. Offering a new path to degrade targets once thought undruggable.

A person typing on a laptop, patient notes and a stethoscope alongside, overlaid with graphics representing multimodal patient data.

How Multimodal Datasets and Models Are Helping To Advance Cancer Care

In the era of precision oncology, the integration of high-throughput, multimodal datasets presents both a formidable challenge and a transformative opportunity. We spoke to Dr. Benjamin Haibe-Kains about how AI/ML data models are helping.

A person walking past a comb-shaped structure with glowing cells and particles in the bays and bright squares on the floor.

Industry Insight

Making Single-Cell Functional Analysis Accessible to All

Today, single-cell technologies are not only dissecting genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles but also enabling dynamic measurements of cellular functions. Bruker's new Beacon Discovery Platform could make this a reality for more labs.

Gloved hands holding up a petri dish and pipette with a DNA double helix and chemical structures in the background.

Finding Success Where Theoretical Science and Practical Uses Meet

Professor Franka Kalman shares insights on the journey that has led to be a successful and celebrated separation scientist, the people who have inspired and supported her along the way and how she’s helping the next generation of female scientists.

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