Dr. Claire Skentelbery
Secretary General

Claire Skentelbery has worked for Europe’s biotechnology sector since receiving a PhD in crop biochemistry. After launching her career within technical marketing, she took on the role of UK Biotechnology National Contact Point in Framework Programme Five. Later Claire worked within the Cambridge biotechnology cluster for the regional biotechnology network, before being part of the founding team of the Council of European BioRegions (CEBR), for she is now Network Manager and working with biotechnology clusters across Europe. She also acted as Director of Operations at Europe Unlimited before taking on the role of Secretary General of the European Biotechnology Network.

Andreas Mietzsch studied biology and communication sciences in Germany, receiving degrees in biology from the Technical University of Braunschweig and in communication sciences and journalism from the University of Goettingen. Since 1986 he has been the Chief Executive Officer of Berlin-based BIOCOM AG, a leading company specialised in providing information for professionals in biotechnology and the life sciences. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, Andreas Mietzsch is a highly-valued advisor and leading figure in the European biotechnology sector.

Derrick Williams is a US Citizen who has been living in Europe for over twenty years. After receiving a degree in biology from the Free University of Berlin in 2000, he began working as a science journalist and has since acquired a reputation as a media expert for biotechnology, the life sciences and the pharmaceutical sector. Williams is the primary producer for “Tomorrow Today”, the English-language version of German international broadcaster DWTV’s science program, and often appears on camera there in his role as the station’s freelance English-language science correspondent.

Franka Kjulbassanoff joined the European Biotechnology Network in 2012. Her main responsibilities include administrative and editorial tasks as well as public relations assistance. She is also responsible for the EBN-website. At the beginning of her career, Franka worked as a bookseller and publisher for Axel Springer AG, Berlin. Afterwards she received a degree in German and English philology from the University of Potsdam.