Jon Barratt: Professor of Renal Medicine

Jon Barratt: Professor of Renal Medicine

Meet Professor Jonathan Barratt, Mayer Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester and one of the world’s leading researchers in IgA nephropathy. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we explore what it takes to spend decades working towards new treatments for a rare disease, and how academic researchers contribute to medicine development. We discuss the changing landscape of IgA nephropathy research, the role of clinical trials and collaboration in turning scientific discoveries into treatments, and why learning how to deal with failure is such an important part of a scientific career. We also talk about patient advocacy, mentorship, and the importance of remembering the people behind the research, especially when working in a field where the impact of disease can shape so much of a person’s future. A thoughtful conversation about rare disease research, translational medicine, and the long road from scientific discovery to patient impact. ---------------------------------------- Jon's Details LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-barratt-b322617b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-barratt-b322617b/] Email: jb81@leicester.ac.uk [jb81@leicester.ac.uk] Websites: https://www.youtube.com/@LeicesterMayerIgAN/featured [https://www.youtube.com/@LeicesterMayerIgAN/featured] https://www.iigann.org/ [https://www.iigann.org/] https://le.ac.uk/igan [https://le.ac.uk/igan] https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/IgANephropathy [https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/IgANephropathy]

Liam Eves: Clinical Trials Expert

Meet Liam Eves, a clinical trial expert who has worked across almost every part of the clinical trial delivery process, from patient recruitment and site management to operational leadership and innovation in clinical research. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we explore how Liam first found his way into clinical trials, the challenges facing modern clinical research, and the advice he would give to someone considering a career in the field. We discuss the importance of trust, communication, and authenticity, and explore why solving a problem often starts with understanding it differently. Liam shares how shifting perspective can unlock solutions to some of the biggest challenges in clinical research. We also look to the future of clinical research, exploring how emerging technologies and new ways of thinking could transform the way medicines are developed and tested. A thought-provoking conversation about clinical trials, problem solving, and the future of medicine development. ---------------------------------------- Liam's Details LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-eves-7177b219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-eves-7177b219/] Podcast (Endpoint): https://www.theendpointpodcast.com/ [https://www.theendpointpodcast.com/] Podcast (Innovating Clinical Trials): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2370152 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2370152]

Ceren Karaçay-Steinwender: Regulatory Affairs Manager

Meet Ceren Karacay-Steinwender, a regulatory affairs manager with experience in both pharmaceuticals and medical technology. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we take a deep dive into the world of regulatory affairs and explore why it plays such a critical role in ensuring that medicines and medical technologies reach patients safely and effectively. We discuss the skills needed to succeed in the field, the realities of working with evolving regulations, and why regulatory affairs is far more strategic than many people realise. We also talk about breaking into the profession (including the value of reading job descriptions), communicating complex information, and Ceren's experience building an online platform to help others navigate the field. An insightful conversation about the people, decisions, and regulations that sit behind every medicine and medical device that reaches patients. ---------------------------------------- Ceren's Work LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceren-karacay/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceren-karacay/] Substack: https://beyondtheregulation.substack.com/ [https://beyondtheregulation.substack.com/]

Adam Ritchie: Senior Vaccinologist

Meet Adam Ritchie, Senior Vaccinologist at the Jenner Institute in Oxford, whose work focuses on vaccine development and global health, including rabies vaccine research. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we explore what it takes to develop vaccines, from early-stage research through to manufacturing and global deployment. We discuss why rabies remains such a significant global health challenge despite being preventable, the realities of vaccine development, and the barriers that still exist around access and equity. We also talk about emerging infectious disease threats, the lessons learned from COVID-19, and what working in vaccinology teaches you about preparedness, global health, and the complexity of translating science into real-world impact. Adam's Details LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ritchie-b4795b67/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ritchie-b4795b67/] Rabies Vaccine Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147330992600071X [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147330992600071X]

Alice D. Condrat: Research Assistant + Science Communicator

Meet Alice Condrat, an early-stage drug discovery research assistant and the science communicator behind the Instagram account Vescientia. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we explore what it’s like to build a career in research today, both inside and outside the lab. We talk about the realities of working in drug discovery, the unpredictability of biological research, and the challenge of handling failure in science. We also discuss the role of science communication online, from combating misinformation and pseudoscience to making complex biology more accessible through short-form content and social media. Alice's Details LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicecondrat/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicecondrat/] Vescientia: https://www.instagram.com/vescientia/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/vescientia/?hl=en]