A Brunel University of London spin-out, TestAVec, which is developing new approaches to improve the safety of gene therapy, has showcased its work at the Future Innovators reception on 9 June at The Royal Society. The reception was part of the UK Global R&D and Science Investment Summit aligned to London Tech Week (8-12 June 2026).
TestAVec was founded on research from Brunel’s Centre for Gene Therapy. This is a rapidly growing area of new medical science with the potential to treat serious and previously untreatable conditions; however, it carries significant risks.
Led by Professor Mike Themis, the team at Brunel has developed and patented a number of safety assays that reduce these risks. The work has attracted over £1m of investment from the Medical Research Council (MRC), GSK and Novartis.
The Future Innovators reception, hosted by Universities UK, brought together leaders from across academia, industry and government to highlight emerging technologies with the potential to deliver economic and societal impact.
Robert Spencer, Executive Chair of TestAVec, said: “Gene therapy is literally life changing, but it is not without risk. Our focus is on helping this field move forward more safely, ensuring these therapies can be developed with greater confidence and I am delighted that TestAVec has been selected to showcase its work and that of Brunel’s scientists.”
Brunel’s involvement in the event highlights the University’s role in translating research into practical applications with real-world impact, supporting the development of new technologies that address global health challenges.
Vivian Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “The UK’s world-leading universities are vital to the country’s future economic growth. They make the discoveries of tomorrow and help people to turn those innovations into successful businesses that go on to employ thousands of people in well paid jobs”.