Behind every groundbreaking scientific achievement lies the dedication of individuals like Jennifer Kingston, whose relentless pursuit of excellence is reshaping the future of separation science. But here’s where it gets controversial: while her work in sustainable purification methods and apprenticeship programs is celebrated, some might argue whether such innovations truly address the broader challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. Let’s dive into her story and decide for ourselves.
Jennifer Kingston, a director at AstraZeneca, recently received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Technical Excellence Prize, an honor that underscores the critical role of technical staff in advancing chemical sciences. What sets Kingston apart? Is it her meticulous attention to detail, evident even in her leadership role, or her ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on lab work? When you speak with her, it’s clear that nothing escapes her notice—except, amusingly, the spam email announcing her prestigious award. The prize recognized her contributions to developing a state-of-the-art purification laboratory, promoting sustainable practices, and launching a groundbreaking degree apprenticeship program. (https://www.rsc.org/standards-and-recognition/prizes/winners/dr-jennifer-kingston)
‘It’s truly rewarding to be acknowledged,’ she shares with a humble smile. As the group leader in separation science for oncology drug discovery, Kingston is no stranger to fulfillment—whether it’s solving complex chemistry puzzles, witnessing her team’s growth, or delivering high-stakes projects. Her team specializes in drug molecule purification using column chromatography, with a strong emphasis on automation and chiral/achiral method development. Yet, it’s the human impact of her work that fuels her passion. ‘Seeing before-and-after scans of patients in clinical trials—that’s what makes it all worthwhile,’ she reflects.
And this is the part most people miss: Kingston’s journey into pharmaceuticals began 25 years ago, inspired by the unexpected origins of a famous blue pill. After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool, UK, she initially worked at the National Rivers Authority, tracking water pollution and falling in love with analytical chemistry. But by her early thirties, fresh off a PhD in passive sampling techniques for organic pollutants from the University of Portsmouth, UK, she craved a new challenge. Reading about Viagra’s serendipitous discovery, she envisioned the excitement of drug development and knew it was her next calling.
‘If you’re considering a career shift, just go for it,’ she advises. ‘Life’s too short to be in the wrong role.’ Her PhD, pursued after years in industry, not only honed her skills but also gave her a clear sense of purpose. ‘Spending three years immersed in research is a luxury I’d recommend to anyone passionate about science.’
Her career took a pivotal turn at Pfizer, where she met Terry Berger, a mentor who revolutionized her approach to supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). ‘I know this might sound technical, but it’s my passion,’ she says, explaining how Berger transformed SFC into a superior, sustainable technique. By using supercritical carbon dioxide with co-solvents, SFC offers unparalleled selectivity in chiral separations—all while reducing waste and solvent usage. ‘It’s not just efficient; it’s greener,’ she emphasizes.
Early in her career, Kingston struggled to advocate for SFC adoption due to her junior status. However, at Merck Sharp & Dohme and Novartis, she successfully championed the technology. When she joined AstraZeneca in 2014, she was determined to integrate SFC into Cambridge sites and spearhead its expansion at the Discovery Centre, now AstraZeneca’s largest UK research hub. ‘How do you safely integrate liquid CO2 at 60 bar into a building?’ she recalls, highlighting one of the many engineering feats her team accomplished. Today, her team occupies a central space in an open-plan facility, fostering unexpected collaborations among oncology researchers once scattered across Cambridge.
But here’s the real question: Can apprenticeships truly bridge the gap between education and industry? Kingston’s three-year degree apprenticeship program, launched in 2016 with colleague Paul Turner, is a testament to their potential. Inspired by her time at Novartis, where she witnessed apprentices’ untapped talent, she pitched the idea to AstraZeneca’s leadership. Over 20 students have since completed the program, with alumni becoming chemistry teachers, senior scientists, and even receiving pep talks from Kingston herself.
‘When we started, people doubted whether apprentices could contribute meaningfully,’ she recalls. ‘But they adapt quickly and bring fresh perspectives.’ Kingston believes apprenticeships are ideal for individuals driven by curiosity and a passion for science. Yet, she cautions, ‘It’s not for everyone—it’s for those who constantly ask ‘why.’’
The program benefits both apprentices and the organization. Inexperienced minds challenge assumptions, identify knowledge gaps, and reignite curiosity in seasoned mentors. ‘It’s a win-win,’ Kingston notes. As for her own future, she’s already tackling the next frontier: ‘We’re targeting diseases once thought untreatable, building molecules no one believed possible.’ She grins, ‘My challenge is right here—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
Now, over to you: Do you think apprenticeship programs like Kingston’s are the future of scientific education, or are they just a niche solution? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
