Dr. Fiona Ducotterd

Professor

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Biography

Fiona Ducotterd is the Chief Scientific Officer at University College London’s Drug Discovery Institute, specializing in neuromuscular diseases. She joined UCL in November 2022 after a notable career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including roles at Merck Sharp Dohme, GSK, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Fiona is driven by a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, having observed its effects on her family. She is dedicated to advancing drug discovery research, focusing on the development of new medicines for neurodegenerative diseases. Fiona holds a BSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Additionally, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan. Throughout her career, she has led numerous research projects and has extensive experience managing international research teams and collaborations in the field of neurology and therapeutic innovation. Fiona also serves on several committees, including the Society for Neuroscience Finance Committee and the Neuroscience Scholars Program. She is committed to mentoring young scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in the industry.

Research Interests

Experience

Chief Scientific Officer

2022-11-01 — Present

University College London • London, United Kingdom

Leading drug discovery research initiatives focused on neuromuscular diseases.

Senior Director, Alliance Management

2019-03-29 — 2022-10-21

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, United States

Managed strategic partnerships and alliances in drug development.

Head External Innovation

2016-12-01 — 2019-03-28

Eisai • Andover, United States

Oversaw external partnerships and research collaborations.

Senior Scientist

2015-11-01 — 2016-12-01

Eisai • Andover, United States

Conducted research in neurology and drug discovery.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2008-12-01 — 2010-01-01

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology • Okinawa, Japan

Focused on brain mechanisms and behavior.