If You Read One Thing…
The Scottish scientist at the forefront of efforts to develop a Covid-19 vaccine
Make sure it’s our interview with Dr Kate Broderick, at the forefront of efforts to develop a Covid-19 vaccine
What’s involved in your role in research and development at Inovio Pharmaceuticals?
I oversee a diverse team of scientists, bioengineers and manufacturing experts. I’m lucky to work with such dedicated people – it makes my job really exciting and enjoyable. I’ve always been fascinated by science, so helping to find the coronavirus vaccine has been very rewarding.
When did you make the move from Scotland to the USA?
I moved from Dunfermline to San Diego for a job at the University of California. I hadn’t planned to stay but things change. I applied for a scientist position at Inovio 15 years ago and have worked my way up. I love that I get to help change lives for the better.
Do you feel under pressure in the lab?
My job can be very fast-paced and sometimes stressful with long hours, but being a part of a dedicated team that is helping to create a vaccine is a career highlight. It’s a scary time but I’ve never experienced such dedication and drive to come up with a vaccine solution against Covid-19. It is an honour to be part of that effort.
How is vaccine research funded?
The reality is that vaccine development takes time, but you can do it faster if you have more funding. Vaccine development in general is very expensive, but trying to do it quickly and under really difficult conditions, such as the pandemic, makes it even more challenging.
In March, world leaders, including the UK, pledged funding – how is that being used?
I am really proud that the UK has made this absolutely phenomenal gesture of £210 million. Every investment helps bring forward the date that the vaccine is ready.
That’s when we can help save countless lives. Tragically, there are so many people dying around the world every day from coronavirus, so every day counts.
Do you have a rough timescale of when the vaccine will be ready?
I get a lot of questions about that! However, it can be difficult saying it will still take a while yet. The person who asks me the most – usually on a daily basis – is my sister, who works at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow. She’s certainly hoping we can help get a vaccine out there as soon as possible. We are working as hard as we can but realistically the wait could be 12 months.
What stage is the research for a vaccine at just now?
We’re in clinical trials, and after that we will go to regulatory authorities and hope to demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and does what we want it to do. Then we move to testing this vaccine on people who really need it. In my mind that is frontline medical staff who are risking their lives every day.
How are your family coping with social distancing in the USA?
My husband Steve is immune compromised, so we have to be really careful. My two kids are very aware of my work and know why I’m not around as much as I’d like to be right now. It can be hard trying to explain everything to kids, but I’m amazed at how well they’re adapting.
Any advice for coping with lockdown?
My top lockdown tip would be to try and get a little fresh air every day. A simple walk can help with any feelings of cabin fever and will really clear your head. It’s all about trying to find some positives in our new normal.