Dr Juliana Maynard

Dr Benedetta Arno

Benedetta leads the design, planning, and execution of imaging-driven preclinical programs, delivering high-quality data packages to support biotech and pharmaceutical collaborators.

With deep expertise in molecular and optical imaging techniques, including PET, SPECT, CT, and IVIS, she manages a team of scientists dedicated to investigating the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of radiopharmaceuticals and other therapeutic modalities.

Holding an MSc in Biomedical Science and a PhD in Molecular Medicine, as well as extensive experience across in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies, she drives innovation through multiple stages of drug discovery and works closely with MDC partners to continuously develop and expand new scientific capabilities.

Dr. Chiara Da Pieve

Chiara leads the radiochemistry team across the whole preparation of radioligands, including the adaptation of supplied protocols, the development of bespoke radioactive probes, optimisation of conjugation and radiolabelling procedures and method development, as well as sample purification and analysis. Her expertise in labelling small molecules, peptides, and proteins (including full size antibodies) with both diagnostic (e.g. Zirconium-89, Gallim-68) and therapeutic (e.g. Lutetium-177, Terbium-161, Actinium-225) radiometals is fundamental to de-risking programs and enabling the production of high-fidelity imaging and efficacy data required for a successful clinical translation.

With an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, a PhD in Coordination Chemistry, and decades of experience in the field, she brings an insightful technical understanding of the application of radioactive metals, biomolecule conjugation, and radiolabelling.

Dr Paul Sharp

Dr Paul Sharp is a Lead Scientist in Translational Imaging at Medicines Discovery Catapult, bringing more than 15 years of in vivo, molecular imaging, and translational research expertise to TRIPS. His career spans advanced preclinical model development, multimodal imaging, nanomedicine, and oncology, with a consistent focus on generating high‑fidelity, decision‑driving data for complex therapeutic programmes.

Paul leads the design and execution of integrated imaging strategies that de‑risk radiopharmaceutical and targeted therapy development. His work bridges radiochemistry, in vivo biology, and quantitative imaging to deliver robust biodistribution, PK/PD, and efficacy insights that accelerate progression toward IND, Phase 0, and early clinical translation. He is recognised for his ability to translate complex biological questions into precise, reproducible imaging workflows that meet regulatory and commercial expectations.

Before joining MDC, Paul held research roles at the University of Manchester, where he developed and optimised preclinical cancer models and applied MRI and optical imaging to evaluate novel nanocarriers and drug‑delivery platforms. His earlier work at UCL and other leading institutions established his foundation in neuroscience, neuro‑oncology, and biomarker discovery, supported by a strong publication record in molecular imaging and advanced therapeutic technologies.

Dr Anita Liu

Dr. Joseph Cowell

Dr Joseph Cowell is a Senior Radiochemist with extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry and radiochemistry. In his role at MDC, he supports the development and production of radiolabelled compounds, applying expertise in synthetic methodology, analytical techniques, and radiopharmaceutical development to advance preclinical and translational imaging projects.

Following the completion of his PhD from Newcastle University in organic chemistry, he spent six years as a Postdoctoral researcher at Newcastle University, the University of Reading, and Chimie ParisTech, Paris. Joseph then started a career in industry, working for three and a half years as a Senior Chemist at Apex Molecular before joining MDC in 2025 as a Senior Radiochemist.

Richard Berrisford

Dr Tatiane Takahashi

Tatiane has many years of pre-clinical research experience within academia and industry. She has expertise in psychiatric disorders and oncology, as well as experience in leading in vivo drug discovery projects of complex medicines.

Tatiane is well acquainted in applying non-destructive imaging modalities in in vivo studies, such as PET, CT, MRI and IVIS, and vast experience in ex vivo tissue imaging and molecular analysis.

Tatiane holds a BSc and MSc in Pharmacology and has received a PhD with Magna cum laude distinction in neuropsychopharmacology from Heidelberg University in Germany.

Tracy Hall

Elisabet Fernández-Potente

Elisabet Fernández-Potente is a Scientist at MDC specialising in preclinical research, with extensive experience in cancer research and neuroscience, and a strong passion for scientific innovation. In her current role, she contributes to advancing translational research through the design and execution of innovative in vitro and in vivo studies.

Prior to joining MDC, Elisabet worked at The Institute of Cancer Research, where she developed extensive expertise in cancer biology, preclinical models, and high-throughput drug screening. Her experience includes the application of advanced imaging technologies to support translational research and deepen the understanding of therapeutic response and disease progression.

Elisabet is particularly driven by innovation and is currently focused on expanding the preclinical evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals and radioligand therapies.

She combines strong scientific and analytical expertise with a creative, forward-thinking approach to problem-solving. An approachable and collaborative scientist, Elisabet works effectively across multidisciplinary teams and is committed to delivering high-quality research outcomes.

Heather Joy

Heather Joy is an in vivo scientist with a strong foundation in preclinical research, supported by a BSc in Zoology from the University of Bristol, and extensive experience across a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology and infectious diseases. Her work focuses on the design and delivery of complex in vivo studies that contribute to the advancement of translational science and drug discovery.

Heather has significant expertise in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and is highly skilled in regulated in vivo procedures and surgical techniques. Her technical capabilities enable the generation of robust, high-quality data to support preclinical imaging studies and broader in vivo research programmes.

In addition to her scientific and technical expertise, Heather is a qualified Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) and a yellow belt in Lean Six Sigma, allowing her to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.

Through her role, Heather plays a key part in supporting the delivery of integrated preclinical imaging studies, working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment with in vivo capabilities and the successful execution of translational research programmes.

Dr. Prabhakar Panday

Dr. Prabhakar Panday is a radiochemist specialising in the development and delivery of radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical and translational imaging and radiotherapeutic applications. At Medicines Discovery Catapult, he enables preclinical programmes by designing and optimising radiolabelling workflows across a range of clinically relevant isotopes, including 68Ga, 177Lu, 89Zr, 203Pb, 111In, and 225Ac, supporting both diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT). 

His expertise spans radiometal and 18F radiofluorination chemistry, with experience in radiolabelling, purification and quality control using HPLC, iTLC and UV-Vis. He also manages the global sourcing and procurement of radioisotopes to ensure reliable and timely supply. 

With a background in synthetic organic chemistry (PhD) and 18F PET precursor development, Prabhakar supports preclinical imaging, radioligand therapy (RLT) and drug discovery programmes. 

Thomas Chapman

Tom Chapman is an in vivo scientist within the radiopharmaceuticals, translational imaging and preclinical imaging team at Medicines Discovery Catapult, where he supports innovators in advancing transformative drug discovery programmes and technologies. Tom is responsible for the delivery of client projects including cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) studies, alongside multimodal imaging projects and multi-species surgical procedures.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and brings over 15 years of combined academic and industry experience in in vivo research. He spent eight years developing technical expertise at The University of Manchester before moving into industry, where he worked for seven years within a global CRO environment. During this time, he gained extensive experience as an in vivo scientist specialising in anti-infectives and pharmacokinetics (PK).

His expertise includes a broad repertoire of in vivo surgical techniques, as well as the planning and execution of complex rodent PK studies. Tom also has additional laboratory experience in microbiology and cell culture, enabling him to contribute across a range of translational research activities.