Neelam Patel is an accomplished strategy advisor, mentor, and non-executive director with deep expertise in health and life sciences. She currently chairs the Health Research Authority, serves on advisory boards including Cancer Research UK’s National Biomarker Centre, and advises on growth strategies for regional innovation ecosystems. Neelam also mentors global start-ups, helping entrepreneurs find pathways to success. 

Previously Chief Executive of MedCity, Neelam led transformative initiatives to grow London’s life sciences sector, driving innovation, investment, and collaboration across academia, industry, and healthcare. Her leadership delivered significant economic impact, and advanced research-industry partnerships in diagnostics, biotech and digital health. With a career spanning senior roles at Eli Lilly and Glaxo, Neelam brings extensive experience in leadership, organisational change, evidence-based innovation, and public-private partnerships. She is passionate about fostering research and technology to improve health outcomes and strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness