Ruth McKernan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr
Ruth Mitchell McKernan
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | March 1958 (age 67) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | King's College London |
| Genre | Academic and Popular Science |
| Subject | Neuroscience |
| Notable works | Billy's Halo |
Dr. Ruth Mitchell McKernan (born in 1958) is a British scientist and business leader. She is famous for her work on how brain cells communicate. She also helped businesses and new ideas grow in the UK. From 2015 to 2018, she was the chief executive of Innovate UK. Dr. McKernan is also a founder of Astronautx. This company researches new ways to treat dementia, a condition that affects memory and thinking.
Contents
A Journey in Science
Dr. McKernan was born in March 1958. She loved science from a young age. She studied biochemistry and pharmacology at King's College London. She earned top grades there. Later, she got her PhD from the University of London. Her research focused on medicines that help with sadness.
Early Research and Moving to the US
After her PhD, Dr. McKernan worked at St Mary's Hospital. She had a special scholarship for heart research. In 1985, she moved to the United States. She became a Fulbright scholar at the University of California in San Diego. This is a special award for smart students to study abroad.
Leading in Big Companies
In 1987, Dr. McKernan joined Merck, a large medicine company. She worked there for 18 years. From 2001, she led their Neuroscience Research Centre. This team studied the brain and nervous system. In 2005, she moved to Pfizer, another big medicine company. She held important leadership roles there. She was a Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer.
Helping Innovation in the UK
Dr. McKernan returned to the United Kingdom. From 2015 to 2018, she led Innovate UK. This is a government group that helps new ideas and businesses. She helped create the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. This fund supports big projects in science and technology. She also worked to make sure more different kinds of people were involved in new ideas. In 2018, she decided to leave her role. She felt it was a good time for a new leader.
Current Work and Interests
Dr. McKernan is a trustee for Alzheimer's Research UK. This charity helps find cures for Alzheimer's disease. She is also an honorary fellow of the British Pharmaceutical Society. This group supports pharmacists.
She works with the Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF). This fund invests in companies that research dementia treatments. In 2019, she helped start Astronautx Limited. This company, supported by DDF, studies how to fix brain problems that cause dementia. In November 2019, she was chosen to lead the UK BioIndustry Association. This group helps companies in the life sciences.
Awards and Special Honours
Dr. McKernan has received many awards for her work.
Writing Awards
In 1993, she won an award for her science articles. This was from the ABSW. Her articles were published in The Independent newspaper.
Royal Recognition
In 2013, she received a special honour from the King. She was appointed a CBE. This stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire. It is given for great service to the country.
University Honours
In 2018, Dr. McKernan received an honorary degree. This was from The University of Bradford. In 2025, she received another honorary degree. This one was from the University of Strathclyde. These degrees are given to people who have achieved great things.
Personal Life
Dr. McKernan enjoys writing about science. She also loves gardening. She is a strong supporter of women in innovation. She often speaks about how important it is for women to be involved in creating new things.
