Dr Zheng comes to UEL from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where he was the first full-time NHS employee to be directly responsible for the development of intellectual property.

Originally trained as a doctor, Dr Zheng obtained his PhD in medical research at Imperial College London, before moving on to work with the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation. He subsequently spent several years in the pharmaceutical industry as a senior research scientist, then returned to teach at the University of London before joining Guy’s and St Thomas’ in 2001.

Dr Zheng said: “I’m very impressed by the quality of research and knowledge transfer activity at UEL, and particularly its role in economic, social and cultural development in London and the Thames Gateway. The university has great potential to be a leading force in many fields, both within the UK and worldwide. UEL also has a key role in regional regeneration and the development of the London 2012 Olympics.”

Professor Michael Thorne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, said: “We are delighted that Dr Zheng has joined us and with a new Director of Research and the government-funded Knowledge Dock, we now have a very strong team in place to build on our success in the key area of knowledge transfer, working with businesses, the NHS and other key partners both in our region and internationally.”

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Notes for editors
Dr Zheng is available for interview by arrangement.
For details, contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 / 07951 797 975