Dr Jackson joined the Cancer Research UK in 2022 from the UK’s Government Office for Science, where he was Deputy Director for Global Issues and Opportunities, responsible for developing science and research policy with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.

Owen has a wealth of experience in strategy, policy development and programme delivery from over a decade of experience across the Civil Service. Previous roles include serving as Deputy Director at the Geospatial Commission, Assistant Director in the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, and Private Secretary to the National Security Adviser. He has held several roles operating at the interface between science, research and policy, is a Policy Fellow at the Royal Academy of Engineering and was the Cabinet Office’s first Head of Profession for Science and Engineering. His research background is in microbiology.