For Joshua Pearson (Du. 2002-07) it was the combination of an enthusiastic teacher, an axolotl and a python that first ignited his fascination with science at Brighton College. Today, that early curiosity has evolved into a career at the forefront of cancer research. As a Study Director at Crown BioSciences, Joshua works on the pre-clinical testing of novel anti-cancer therapies, helping to shape treatments long before they reach patients.
Could you start by telling us a little about your role as a Study Director at Crown BioSciences — what does a typical day look like for you, and what kinds of projects are you overseeing?
My role focuses on the pre-clinical testing of clients’ novel anti-cancer therapies. I split my time between office-based work and hands-on wet lab experiments, and I also have opportunities to attend conferences and visit clients and other Crown BioSciences sites. A key part of my role involves liaising closely with clients to design and deliver studies efficiently. I work across multidisciplinary teams, often collaborating with colleagues at global Crown BioSciences sites, to ensure studies run smoothly. Clear and constant communication is essential, alongside a strong scientific understanding of the therapies being tested and the most appropriate techniques to evaluate them. I have worked on a wide range of projects, including small molecule therapies, combination therapies, nanoparticles and cellular immunotherapies.
What first drew you into the world of biomedical research and drug development? Was there a particular moment or experience that set you on this path?
I developed an interest in science from an early age and always knew I wanted a career that allowed me to help others while applying scientific knowledge. During my university studies, I undertook a project exploring ways to improve the response of brain tumours to chemotherapy. This experience sparked my interest in oncology and led me to pursue a PhD focused on harnessing the immune system to target aggressive brain tumours. I am particularly drawn to oncology because it is such a rapidly evolving field — there is always something new to learn, and no two days are ever the same.
As a Study Director, you sit at the intersection of science, strategy, and collaboration — which aspects of the role do you find most rewarding?
Working at the early stages of anti-cancer therapy development is incredibly rewarding. It is exciting to see novel drugs perform well during pre-clinical testing and to share these results with our clients. Positive early data can be critical for securing funding, supporting patent applications and progressing therapies into clinical trials. I am also fortunate to work alongside highly talented scientists from multiple disciplines, and I find the collaborative, team-based nature of my role especially fulfilling.
How does your work contribute to the development of new therapies, and what impact does that have on patients in the long term?
At Crown BioSciences, we test anti-cancer therapeutics before they enter clinical trials. These early studies help determine whether therapies have off-target effects and how they are distributed throughout the body. The resulting data can guide decisions around drug design and dosing strategies, enabling clients to improve both the efficacy and safety of their therapies before they reach patients. Ultimately, this work helps increase the likelihood of better clinical outcomes further down the line.
With rapid advances in data, models, and personalised medicine, how has your role changed, and what innovations excite you most?
The oncology landscape continues to evolve as our understanding of cancer deepens and the range of potential therapies expands. I find the progression of combination therapies particularly interesting, as well as the development of highly tailored immunotherapies that can provide strong efficacy while avoiding the toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapeutics. The integration of AI and large data sets into early drug design is also an exciting area, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Since starting my role, I have seen a significant expansion in the diversity of therapeutic approaches being tested, many of which are showing promising early results.
Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?
I am currently progressing towards a Biomarker Lead role at the Crown BioSciences UK site. This position will allow me to help expand our biomarker capabilities, enabling us to generate more comprehensive datasets to support clients as their therapies move into clinical development. It will also foster greater collaboration between Crown BioSciences sites and provide more opportunities to present our work at conferences, sharing exciting data with the wider scientific community.
Finally, looking back, we have to ask, how do you feel your time at Brighton College played a role in shaping your career?
My interest in science was first sparked when I attended an Open Day at Brighton College, where a biology teacher (coincidentally also called Dr Pearson) ignited my enthusiasm for the subject. Touring his lab and seeing his infectious passion, along with the axolotl and python housed there, left a lasting impression. During my time at Brighton College, I was supported by many inspirational teachers who encouraged independent thinking and a genuine curiosity for learning. These skills proved invaluable at university and during my PhD. I also benefited greatly from extracurricular activities such as community service, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and sport, which helped to provide a well-rounded education. I remain in close contact with many of the friends I made at school, two of whom were best men at my wedding. I look back very fondly on my time at Brighton College and owe much of my success to the education and support I received there.