Biocatalysis Chemist receives Newcastle University alumni achievement award

As part of the Pride of Newcastle University Alumni Awards, Greg Holgate, Biocatalysis Chemist at Sterling Pharma Solutions, has been highly commended for his contributions to the industry in the North East. This recognition for the ‘Rising Star’ award comes as a result of the work he has conducted since graduating in July 2019.

After completing his degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at Newcastle University, Greg joined Sterling as an associate of the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. In collaboration with Northumbria University, Greg helped to establish a novel enzymatic workflow for greener and more sustainable manufacture of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“I am delighted and honoured to have received this recognition for the work I have done since starting my career with Sterling,” Greg explained.

“My experience of the KTP was inspiring. It promoted cutting-edge research in chemistry and biotechnology. The program allowed us to fast-track the implementation of technology for an innovative biocatalytic methodology for broad-range pharmaceutical synthesis.”

Upon completion of the project, the KTP grading panel awarded the partnership the highest grade of “Outstanding”. Following this, Greg joined the Sterling team full-time as a Biocatalysis Chemist.

This work has allowed Sterling to expand its technology and innovation capabilities. Since then, Greg has been working in conjunction with The University of Manchester toward a scalable biocatalytic process for the Covid-19 treatment Molnupiravir. Find out more about this work by clicking here.

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