As many of you know, Richard Archer had a long and deep involvement in the field of pharmaceutical automation.  A mechanical engineer by background, with a passion for automation, he was a founder of The Technology Partnership in Cambridge, and subsequently CEO of The Automation Partnership (TAP) until retirement in 2004.  Richard believed that the field of cell production for both research and manufacturing applications could benefit from the development of automated systems fit for this difficult application area.  Indeed, there were many in the field who believed this would not be possible but Richard led the team that developed the first robot for adherent cell processing called Cellmate in 1988.  This machine allowed manual culture processes to be scaled up from research to production without process change, shortening development times, or increasing productivity and simplifying validation. There are now over 80 companies world-wide employing Cellmates in a variety of roles.  If you have ever received a chickenpox vaccination, chances are that it was made on one of the Cellmates developed by Richard and his team.

What is less well known is Richard’s subsequent involvement in furthering the application of robotics in the development of complex applications in the field of stem cell manufacture. Whilst still at TAP, Richard led the development of the next generation of robotic systems including SelecT now used by a number of organisations for large scale expansion of cells including mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells, for research.

 Richard remained associated with the stem cell field on his retirement from TAP becoming involved in many aspects of regenerative medicine including chairing stem cell start-up companies, being founding chair of the RegenMed Industry Group at BIA and consulting on business strategy in regenerative medicine and stem cells for international corporations.  He sat on various external advisory bodies for EPSRC and
The Technology Strategy Board, and was a Senior Industrial Fellow at the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge University.  In 2012 he led a project for The Technology Strategy Board to design and implement the Cell Therapy Catapult, a government-funded, national, late stage translational centre. This is now operational from Guy’s Hospital in London.

In recognition of both Richard’s contribution to the field of stem cell therapy as well as its potential to contribute massively to future healthcare, Richard’s family have asked that any personal donations be made to the UK Stem Cell Foundation.

Sue Archer October 2016