Obituary: Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE DSc

Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE DSc was one of the UK life sciences sector’s most respected and influential leaders, dedicating her career to supporting science, innovation and collaboration across the scientific community. Throughout more than three decades in the sector, she played a significant role in helping ambitious science flourish in the UK, supporting generations of entrepreneurs, researchers and growing companies, and championing the translation of scientific discovery into real world impact.

Sally Ann passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 2 May following a long illness. Her passing will be deeply felt across the life sciences community and by the countless colleagues, partners and organisations whose lives and careers she influenced over many years.

Originally from Bathgate in Scotland, Sally Ann studied Genetics and Biological Sciences at The University of Edinburgh before completing both an MPhil in Genetics and a PhD in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology at the University of Cambridge. Alongside her scientific training, she also qualified as a chartered management accountant, allowing her to bring together an unusual mix of scientific, strategic and commercial expertise throughout her career.

Over more than three decades, Sally Ann held multiple influential leadership roles across science, innovation and research commercialisation. Sally Ann’s career included almost 18 years at Unilever, joining the company as a management trainee in agribusiness after completing her PhD. Whilst there, she held several senior positions including Director of Colworth Science Park and Principal of Unilever Ventures Life Sciences. Sally Ann later became Director of Science Parks at Goodman International, overseeing the strategic development of Harwell and Colworth Science Parks, before serving as Chief Executive Officer of Norwich Research Park.

In 2018, Sally Ann joined Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) as Chief Executive Officer, where she led the organisation through a significant period of growth and development. Under her leadership, SBC strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading life science innovation campuses, supporting pioneering therapeutics companies working across areas including oncology, neuroscience, cell and gene therapy and rare disease.

Sally Ann cared deeply about supporting early stage health innovation and helping next generation science reach patients who needed better treatments. She became known for bringing together academia, industry, investors and government to help create the right environment for scientific innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. Generous with her time and knowledge, Sally Ann was always willing to support others and share advice. Beyond her national contribution to the life sciences sector, she enjoyed playing an active role across the communities in which she worked, including board positions on Local Enterprise Partnerships in Oxfordshire, East Anglia and Hertfordshire, alongside longstanding involvement with UKSPA.

Sally Ann was also recognised as one of the early female leaders within a traditionally male led sector and believed strongly in creating opportunities for future generations entering the life sciences industry. Fairness, collaboration and supporting talented people regardless of background remained values she championed throughout her career.

Sally Ann was awarded an OBE for services to business and science in the 2020 New Year Honours in recognition of her longstanding contribution to UK life sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Her outstanding contribution was further recognised in 2023 through the award of an honorary Doctorate of Science (DSc) from the University of Hertfordshire.

Professor Jackie Hunter CBE, Chair of the SBC Board, said:

“Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE DSc made an extraordinary contribution not only to Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, but to the wider UK life sciences sector. She cared deeply about supporting innovation, collaboration and scientific progress, and her leadership, insight and generosity will be remembered by many across our community and beyond.”

The team at SBC, together with colleagues and friends across the wider scientific community, have been deeply moved by the many tributes and messages shared following the news of Sally Ann’s passing.

For those wishing to share professional tributes, memories or messages with the family and wider SBC community, these may be sent to comms@stevenagecatalyst.com and will be gathered together. A book of condolence is also available at reception at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst.

SBC will be hosting a memorial to honour Sally Ann’s life in the SBC Atrium on Wednesday 1 July. Those wishing to attend are invited to RSVP via the link here.