Dr. Helena Francis, PhD

VP of Corporate Development at Constructive Bio

Speaker

Helena supports Ola and the leadership team in growing a global synthetic biology leader. As Chief of Staff, Helena works across strategy, operations and corporate governance to build a strong team of genome writing pioneers and enable them to succeed.

Before joining Constructive, Helena completed her DPhil in Genetics and Synthetic Biology at the University of Oxford, where she focused on systematic genetic dissection of the alpha-globin gene cluster. She then carried out a stint as a Management Consultant in Oliver Wyman’s London office, working across a range of strategy, modelling and risk projects and most recently helped guide London-based biotechnology start-up Bactobio through two fundraises and six successful Innovate UK applications totalling £11 million as their Head of Business Development. Helena has an MSci/BA in Natural Sciences (Biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge.

Outside of work, Helena is an avid adventurer, be that hiking, cycling or scuba diving.