Dr. Barry Furr
Former Chief Scientist and Head Project
Evaluation Group

Acknowledged for his infectious enthusiasm for science and drug discovery.

In a recent 'Top 100' feature in PharmaVOICE’s July/August 2006 issue, former Chief Scientist and Head of Project Evaluation Group at AstraZeneca, Professor Barry Furr, points at the opportunity for the industry to move away from process and box ticking. In order to reduce the industry attrition and cost, researchers should instead prioritize and select from the abundant range of new technologies that are available.

Dr. Furr is quoted as believing that “science must always drive decisions,” a belief that has fostered his successful career in drug discovery. "An infectious enthusiasm for science applied to drug discovery has made Barry Furr an inspiration to his colleagues and the broader scientific community”, says PharmaVOICE and continues that in the lab, he offers “open and honest appraisal of issues and shows genuine interest in the success of his colleagues’ projects”.

He has vast experience in the area of anticancer drug discovery as well as valuable years spent in the areas of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal inflammation research. His research and leadership has led to multiple pharmaceutical treatments, for a variety of cancers, which are currently benefiting patients around the globe. This work has also been recognized by numerous awards, including The Society for Drug Research Award for the discovery and development of Zoladex, The Jubilee Medal of the Society for Endocrinology for cancer research and services to Endocrinology, and the Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cancer drug discovery.

Most recently he held the position of Head of AstraZeneca R&D Bangalore in Bangalore, India, while maintaining his role as Chief Scientist and Head of the Project Evaluation Group. This appointment challenged Dr. Furr to refocus the research centre on tuberculosis, one of the oldest diseases known to man. Due to his own dedication and that of the outstanding scientists at the facility, R&D Bangalore is now a leading and internationally recognized centre.

Together with his wife of 36 years, Dr. Furr is most proud of his three grown children. His eldest has a Ph.D. and is employed at the University of Southampton. His eldest daughter is a graduate primary school teacher while his youngest is a Senior House Officer at a hospital in Ipswich.

Published August 2006