Published on 10/09/2021
Ian Smith Aston University

 

•     Dr Ian J Smith awarded an honorary degree by Aston University

•     He has been honoured for his services to the biopharmaceutical industry

•     He is currently chairman and CEO of Aston University spin-out Aston Particle Technologies.

Aston University has awarded an honorary degree to a past chemistry graduate in recognition of his contribution to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Dr Smith, who originally graduated from Aston University with a PhD in Chemistry in 1972, was awarded the honour this week at a ceremony held at the Eastside Rooms, the city’s latest purpose-built conference and events venue.

Dr Smith is Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Aston Particle Technologies

Ltd, a spin-out from the School of Pharmacy at Aston University. The company offers a cost effective, one-step particle engineering technology, through a novel dry particle coating technique, that processes drugs without the use of solvents or heat. Its unique selling proposition ("USP") lies in delivering enhanced particle properties for challenging drugs (high dose, moisture or heat-sensitive) without compromising their innate properties.

Ian has over 30 years' experience in the drug delivery industry. Previously, he has led the inhalation and device product development groups at both Glaxo and Pfizer.

He was also Head of Medical Device Development at PA consulting and R&D Director at Andaris. In 2001 he founded the drug delivery company Meridica and lead the organisation as CEO until 2004, when it was acquired by Pfizer and valued at $140 million.

Professor Anthony Hilton, Executive Dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, said:

“I am delighted that Aston University has bestowed this honour on Dr Ian Smith in recognition of his contribution to the biopharmaceutical industry.

“Aston Particle Technologies is a great example of knowledge exchange - that is, 

the transfer of ideas, research, expertise or skills between universities and the wider community to maximise the chance of making a difference to the world outside of academia.”

Notes to editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world. The University also has TEF Gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework. 

Be first to get the latest news, research and expert comment from Aston
by
following us on Twitter or subscribing to our press list.

Need an expert for your story? Browse our expert directory


 

 

Sue Smith,
Head of Press and Communications

 

Sam Cook,
Press and Communications Manager

 

Nicola Jones,
Press and Communications Manager

 

Helen Tunnicliffe,
Press and Communications Manager

 

Alternatively, email