Dr Nermeen Varawalla is a business leader in the Healthcare & Life Sciences sectors with expertise in drug development and presently serves as Chief Medical Officer at Scancell Ltd leading the clinical development of its cancer immunotherapies.

Nermeen completed her medical training at the University of Mumbai, before receiving a Rhodes Fellowship for her doctorate at Oxford University following which she worked as an NHS obstetrician and gynaecologist. After an MBA at INSEAD, Nermeen transitioned to business by joining Accenture’s Strategy Consulting Practice.

Recognising the opportunity to conduct global clinical trials in India, Nermeen founded a pioneering business which she sold to PRA Health Sciences (now ICON plc) and proceeded to hold leadership roles in the contract research business. Notably Nermeen raised private equity financing to build ECCRO, which she exited to join the Intas Pharmaceutical Group. Following this transition Nermeen has held leadership roles at several biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies including BTG International plc. until it’s acquisition by Boston Scientific Corporation, Atlantic Healthcare and Relief Therapeutics. In addition, she has served as a Trustee Board Member for the Malaria Consortium.

Nermeen also serves as Chair of Atorvia Health Technologies & Crism Therapeutics, Board Member, Oxford India Centre, University of Oxford and on the Board of Governors, University of Hertfordshire. Further, Nermeen is President of the UK INSEAD Alumni Association and the Alumni Association of Somerville College, University of Oxford.