Ryan Cawood

For almost all of my adult life I have struggled to know what to call myself. As I turn 40 I still do not know. A scientist? A businessman? Self-indulgently an entrepreneur? Or for now maybe even a blogger? What I do know is that I first found a passion for science when I attended Leeds University to study genetics, but it was also here that I learnt I enjoyed to write, almost independently of the subject. I was awarded the Arthur Chadwick Memorial prize for some of my work on the History of Science.

Shortly after my studies in genetics I completed a doctorate at the University of Oxford in the Department of Oncology, where my research focused on the use of viruses for the treatment of cancer. The position was generously funded by Cancer Research UK, something for which I will always remain grateful. Through my various roles, I have published around 25 scientific papers.

After completing my studies, I was unable to secure the post-doctorate position that I wanted, working on malaria in Kenya. So I rather rashly decided to start my own biotechnology company. I knew nothing of the art of business and had never heard of a balance sheet or profit and loss account. After 10 years, what started out on an IKEA desk in my spare room subsequently went on to raise £20 million in investment and employed 125 people, some of the smartest and most dedicated I have ever worked with. The company became one of the fastest (top 50) growing in the U.K. for two consecutive years, subsequently winning a Queens Award for its efforts.

I will be honest, I did not enjoy the journey. It almost broke me. But as with many things that cause us great hardship, it was worth it in the end, when the company sold in 2021. Perhaps more importantly though, the sale bought me opportunity. A chance to spend time seeing the world at a different pace, rather than snatching the occasional week checking emails by a pool. 

This site is intended as a place for me to document my thoughts and travels on a journey around the world with my wonderful wife Jess. I do not know what the future holds for me, and long may that continue.