Members of the Sustainable Production Group
Katie Murray, AstraZeneca
Sustainable Production Group lead
Katie is a chemical engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She started in process development and scale-up roles with both Merck and Co. (USA) and AstraZeneca (UK), before moving to technical leadership and strategy roles in the deployment of manufacturing technology into AstraZeneca, where she helps drive adoption of more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies to increase patient access to medicines and reduce the manufacturing carbon footprint.
Katie currently leads the ILG -LS Sustainable Production Group, which plays a central role in advising on government policy and guiding companies through the transition to net zero carbon.
Paul Blakeman, CPI
Paul is Strategic Partnerships Manager for CPI, an independent innovation organisation that accelerates the development, scale-up and commercialisation of deep tech and sustainable manufacturing solutions. Paul’s role at CPI involves developing strategic partnerships and impactful projects in Scotland, with a focus on public sector and regional development partnerships in support of CPI’s Place strategy. Prior to joining CPI, Paul has held product management innovation leadership roles in the smart cities and sustainable mobility sectors.
He has been an active member of the ILG -LS Sustainable Production Group for over 4 years and supports Katie Murray in leading the group.
Michelle Beukes, Heriot-Watt University
Michelle is a Business Development Manager at Heriot-Watt University, supporting healthcare innovation through strategic partnerships and collaborative research. Her role supports connectivity to Heriot-Watt’s academic expertise in sustainable and advanced manufacturing for life sciences, offering access to specialised knowledge and facilities. With over 25 years’ experience in the biomedical and medical device sectors, Michelle brings a global network and deep understanding of clinical and commercial needs. She focuses on translating unmet healthcare sector challenges into viable innovation opportunities. Working alongside Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institutes, Michelle bridges academic insight with industry priorities, supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero and strengthening its life sciences ecosystem.
Caroline Kewney, IBioIC
Caroline is a biochemist and biotechnologist with over 25 years’ experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. She began her career in viral and microbiological biosafety testing, process validation, GMP manufacturing, and business development, holding roles with Q-One Biotech (US), BioReliance, Sartorius and SGS. She now works in a business engagement and impact role with Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), a publicly funded organisation supporting the bioeconomy through academic-industry collaboration. At IBioIC, Caroline helps accelerate the replacement of petrochemicals by supporting scale up, de-risking commercialisation, and delivering training and networking opportunities.
Adam Liddle, RoslinCT
Adam is Head of Sustainability with RoslinCT, a global cell and gene therapy CDMO. Adam started his professional career as a chemist, later diversifying into environmental protection focusing on waste management, producer responsibility and transfrontier shipments of waste. Adam then spent 10 years in professional services consultancy, developing and leading corporate sustainability strategies for large global businesses focused on delivering real impact for people and planet. Adam is also a member of the Climate Emergency Response Group, an independent group of climate experts that inform and influence the Scottish Government’s response to climate change, and has presented at various conferences and events including COP26, providing global representation for his employers.
Adam holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, an MSc in Environment & Development, is a Chartered Waste Manager and Chartered Sustainable Finance Manager, and accredited Project Manager.
Deborah McElhone
Deborah joined the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre at CPI in 2022 and is now Head of Sustainability (Pharma), leading CPI’s pharma sustainability initiatives. She previously served as Grand Challenge Technology lead, advancing continuous manufacturing technologies.
With around 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry (Q-One BIOTECH, Piramal Pharma, Bioreliance, Merck), she has held roles from QA and Development Scientist to Head of R&D for a CRO/CMO specialising in Antibody Drug Conjugates. She has also led business development and strategic program management teams. Deborah has extensive CMC experience, from proof-of-concept to commercial drug product development, managing large skilled teams.
Other SPG members are Euan Cameron, Emma Perfect, Andrew Henderson, Nick Shields, Sarah Hunt, Sagarika Gnanaolivu, Anan Hoest-Ragab, and Lorraine Russell
