Tanya Aspinall

Tanya Aspinall has a diverse work experience in the field of health and safety. Tanya is currently the Head of H&S and Facilities at Medicines Discovery Catapult, where they joined in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to establish the organization's first in-house H&S function. Prior to this, they worked for the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester from 2006 to 2021 as a Safety, Risk, and Compliance Manager, providing specialist H&S advice and guidance to ensure safe working within the Institute. Tanya also developed University-level biological safety management processes and KPIs.

Tanya's earlier experience includes working as an MRC Senior Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at the University of Manchester from 2004 to 2006 and as a Wellcome Trust Senior Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at the same institution from 1997 to 2003. During their time at the University of Manchester, they were responsible for managing research groups, teaching students, and ensuring lab safety.

Additionally, Tanya has worked as a Peter Allen Research Fellow at the University of Philadelphia in 1997 and as a BBSRC Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology from 1996 to 1997.

Tanya Aspinall has a diverse education history. Tanya obtained their Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biological Sciences from the University of Leicester in 1992. Tanya then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester - Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) from 1992 to 1996. In 2007, they furthered their education by completing the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from The University of Bolton. In 2019, they attended the University of Edinburgh Biosafety Training Institute and obtained a Biosafety Practitioner, Level 1 certification. Additionally, Tanya holds certifications such as Chartered Fellow of IOSH (CFIOSH) from THE INSTITUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, Fellow of IIRSM (FIIRSM) from the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), and is a Member of ISTR from the Institute of safety in technology and research.