Transparency data

Member biographies

Published 23 September 2026

Chair: Professor Catherine Merry 

Cathy Merry is Professor of Stem Cell Glycobiology at the Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, with an area of expertise in matrix biology. Cathy trained as a biochemist, completing both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Manchester. She now leads a lively, dynamic, interdisciplinary research group that is discovering previously unknown mechanistic regulation of cell behaviour by glycans in health and disease and, more broadly, the role of the pericellular matrix in controlling cell behaviour. To do this, her group create stem cell-based tools and novel 3D culture environments that now support large collaborative research projects in cancer and inherited rare disease modelling. 

Cathy is the deputy associate pro-vice chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Nottingham University Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, with a particular interest in improving research culture and creating an inclusive research environment. She currently sits on the board of the National Centre for the Refinement, Replacement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) in the UK, as well as being a member of the BBSRC Knowledge Exchange, Translation and Commercialisation (KETC) College. She is passionate about improving the quality of in vitro alternatives to the use of animals in research. In 2023, Cathy founded a spin-out company, Peptimatrix, providing high-quality, non-animal derived in vitro matrices. 

Dr Steven van Winden 

Steven is an academic researcher working at the interface of animal health, epidemiology, and applied One Health systems. His work examines how infectious diseases, management practices, and environmental factors interact within livestock production systems, with a particular focus on dairy cattle. Combining quantitative epidemiology, microbiome science, sensor technologies, and field-based studies, he explores how biological processes and management decisions shape animal health, productivity, and antimicrobial use. 

Trained as a veterinary surgeon with multiple postgraduate qualifications, Steven brings clinical insight into large-scale data analysis and systems modelling. His research spans pathogen transmission between species, farm-level risk modelling, and the development of precision tools for disease detection and welfare assessment. He works closely with farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to translate scientific evidence into practical interventions that improve animal health, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability across agricultural systems. 

Dr Sean Smith 

Dr Sean Smith holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and has spent much of his career in the contract research and pharmaceutical sectors. He has held senior leadership roles across formulation development, commercial manufacturing and clinical trial supply, including serving as vice president of a global division operating across 11 sites in Europe, Asia and South America. 

He also has experience in public service, having served as both a local councillor and magistrate on the Sussex Bench. 

Following his return to industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean held senior leadership positions in the pre-clinical contract research sector, including as UK General Manager for Research Models and Services (RMS) and subsequently as Executive Director responsible for European RMS operations at Charles River Laboratories.

Dr Rebeca Garcia Pinillos 

Dr Rebeca García Pinillos is an Animal Welfare Veterinary Advisor at the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Founder and Director of One Welfare CIC. A veterinary surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience in animal welfare, ethics, international policy, stakeholder engagement and regulation; she is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law and a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine. She holds a PhD in European Hygiene Regulation from the University of Reading and a veterinary degree from the University of Zaragoza. 

She has advised on major areas of UK animal welfare legislation and guidance, including welfare at slaughter, animal sentience, animal activities licensing and emergency disease response. Her work includes drafting operational guidance, designing approval and licensing processes, and designing and delivering inspectorate training in the UK and internationally, including as a former Better Training for Safer Food world expert. She has contributed to global policy and standards development, including work with the United Nations Environment Programme on the links between animal welfare, the environment and sustainable development. She also serves as the UK Animal Welfare National Focal Point to the World Organisation for Animal Health and is an internationally recognised speaker and lecturer on animal welfare and One Welfare. 

Rebeca brings extensive expertise in animal welfare and evidence‑based regulation, alongside experience in strategic governance, inspectorate operations, training and guidance development, international stakeholder engagement as well as the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and One Health/One Welfare approaches. 

Maggie Gentry 

Maggie Gentry is the Director for Governance and Welfare at the University of Cambridge and has over 35 years’ experience working with animals. Initially starting out as an animal technician, Maggie has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of species at different establishments during her career. Maggie became a Senior Research Assistant in a research group at the Sanger Institute after completing her BSc (Hons) in Animal Welfare and Biomedical Science. Eventually transferring back into the animal technology field, Maggie moved into managing facilities before working her way up to director. Currently, in the last few weeks of writing up her PhD thesis, Maggie has been looking at ways communication can impact the uptake of the 3Rs. 

Dr Georgie Wilkinson 

Georgie Wilkinson is a veterinary surgeon with extensive experience supporting research establishments across the UK as a Named Veterinary Surgeon. Her work centres on advancing animal welfare, promoting ethical practice, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. A strong advocate for professional development, Georgie is passionate about delivering high-quality training that equips people with the knowledge, confidence and skills to make a difference. She believes that investing in people is one of the most effective ways to advance the 3Rs, strengthen welfare culture, and improve outcomes for both animals and science. 

Alison Foster 

Alison Foster is Chief Operating Officer at GxP Engaged, a life sciences consultancy specialising in regulated GxP services. She brings over 25 years’ experience leading global clinical development, operations, and transformation across the pharmaceutical and contract research organisation sectors. 

She has a strong track record of building and scaling international organisations, setting long-term strategy, and aligning people, capabilities, and partnerships to deliver complex programmes at pace. Her expertise spans all phases of clinical development, with particular strength in building high-performing leadership teams and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures. 

Alison also sits on a number of boards, providing strategic oversight, governance, and leadership across both corporate and not-for-profit organisations. She is recognised for her collaborative leadership style, commercial acumen, and ability to lead teams across global markets. 

She brings to the ASRU governance board a balanced mix of strategic insight and operational expertise, with a strong focus on quality, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Alison offers independent challenge, sound judgement, and a commitment to effective governance, supporting robust decision-making and continuous improvement.