Dr. Tony Smith


Dr. Tony Smith is an associate of Biolauncher, and currently has a portfolio of roles reflecting his interests in advanced life science technology platforms. Included amongst these, he is Chief Scientist, Europe for Cell Biosciences Inc. and is a member of the BBSRC Tools & Resources Strategy Panel and the Scientific Advisory Board of The Genome Analysis Centre. Tony has more than 30 years experience in R&D management in the life science technologies area.

Notable recent achievements include leading the Solexa team that developed the next generation DNA sequencing Genome Analyzer platform. He joined Solexa in January 2002. Solexa was acquired by Illumina Inc. in January 2007 for $600 million.

He was formerly Vice President R&D, UK, at Amersham BioSciences, responsible for the management of 200 scientists developing novel integrated technology systems in pharmacogenetics, high throughput drug screening and proteomics. Previously, he was an executive director of Gemini Genomics, where he worked with Dirk Gewert, responsible for business and technology development.

Tony’s favourite things

  • Time with family and friends
  • A well received presentation
  • The Theatre Of Dreams
  • Top down in a TR4a

Tony’s most enjoyable projects

  • The NorthWest BioBanking project (my Biolauncher baptism)
  • The Genome Analysis Centre in Norwich (proud to have helped make it happen)

The best thing about Tony…

Rowan says “Tony has been there, done it and got the T-shirt – which he is too modest to wear. His experience tells him that you need the right team to deliver projects and he values everyone’s ideas. He adds a respect for the details and a rigorous methodical and analytical mindset to our problem solving. It is a delight to work with Tony because the output is always a thoughtful, robust and tractable solution.”

Steve says “Tony has a quiet, unassuming and analytical style that belies his huge knowledge of the domain. His experience and track record of building technologies and businesses that have had global impact is second to very few in the UK life sciences sector.”

Dirk says “Of all the people I have worked with (ever!) Tony is the one I would go to first for a rational, common sense, hype-free opinion of an idea. Next company I start, Tony’s in it!”

Favourite quote


“You can always give a lecture with an empty head, but never with a full bladder”.
Prof. Sir Hans Kornberg FRS