Spotlight Interview: Dr Paul Bird, Head of the Manufacturing Engineering Group, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

Paul BirdPaul Bird works for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies as Head of Manufacturing Engineering Group where his responsibilities include the transfer of technology and processes from R&D to cGMP operations. Paul has a PhD in Biochemical Engineering (University College London) and recently completed the Supply Professionalism Programme at Warwick University. 

 

 Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

A project to automate a single-use closed final filtration and bulk fill operation carried out in collaboration with Parker domnick hunter raised a number of interesting and important issues that had to be addressed. Business Review provides the perfect forum  for a discussion within the industry around what best practice means in this case. 

What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

As a biologic API (drug product) process development and manufacturing organisation FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is growing through the transformation of operational learning into smarter innovations and doing this faster in order to create a competitive edge from which we can meet our customers needs. This capability is required by our customers to meet the emerging challenges of modern health care systems where there is a demand not just for better quality but also better access to advanced biologic medicines.

Presented is a case study integrating automation with single use technologies to achieve site standardisation of bulk drug product final filtration and pack-off. This was achieved in a way which enhances quality compliance in support of right first time manufacture yet remains, by-design, flexible such that customer requirements are always fully met.   

What has been the best moment in your career?

As an employee of FUJIFILM I got to study at WMG, a department of the University of Warwick, assessing the effectiveness of the supply chain to generate customer value. One outcome of this study was the development of an innovative training and guidance system called ‘TAG’ which was short listed for the IChemE Awards for bioprocessing and won the NEPIC Award for Sustainable Manufacturing. 

The application of the TAG system to underpin compliance and right first time manufacturing is presented demonstrating its use to facilitate and strengthen the partnership with Parker domnick hunter so that the supply of operational knowledge is equal to that of other deliverables e.g. consumables. 

How do you relax in your leisure time?

I am a keen supporter of the Woodcraft Folk (http://woodcraft.org.uk/) a movement for children and young people to play and grow. Supporting and leading an Elfins group for 6 to 9 year olds is a lot of fun. Through our activities, outings and camps we better understand important issues like the environment, world debt, global conflict and, in recent years sustainable development. By encouraging children to think, we hope they will help build a peaceful, fairer world. We always welcome new supporters! 

Where would you recommend visiting in the world and why?

The best kept secret is the Northumberland Coast in North East England. The wind-buffetted beaches along this unspoilt coastal stretch seem to go on forever. With enchanting salt marshes, undulating sand dunes, and the boundless, shimmering blue of the perma-choppy North Sea, there couldn’t be a more fitting setting for a spot of wild camping. Some of the beaches are so enchanting I really must not tell lest the secret get out! 

Paul will be presenting the webinar alongside Nick Hutchinson, Market Development Manager, Parker domnick hunter on the 25th June at 3pm London. To learn more and register click here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *