The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
welcomes Professor Jacob George, who starts his role as the
MHRA's Chief Medical and Scientific Officer (CMSO) today (5
January 2026).
In this new role, Professor George will lead the Agency's science
strategy and will oversee the MHRA's scientific, research and
innovation activities.
The creation of the CMSO role reflects the MHRA's commitment to
scientific excellence and innovation, supporting the UK's life
sciences ambitions while safeguarding patient safety.
Professor George brings extensive experience as Professor of
Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of
Dundee and as a consultant physician in NHS Tayside.
Professor George is a member of the Delivery Group and Management
Board for the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), the
current Co-Chair on the National Institute of Health Research
(NIHR) Capital Investment Funding Committee and has been Senior
Health Technology Advisor to NICE.
In 2017, he was appointed by the Minister of Health, Malaysia, as
an International Expert Advisory Member of the Malaysian
Scientific Review Panel for Phase I Clinical Trials and continues
in this role.
Health Innovation Minister Dr , said:
“As a practising surgeon, I've seen first-hand how much it
matters that patients can access the latest treatments quickly
and safely.
“The MHRA plays a vital role in supporting these
innovations and Professor Jacob George's expertise will help us
accelerate access to safe and innovative treatments patients
need.
“His appointment as the agency's first Chief Medical and
Scientific Officer reflects our commitment to strengthening the
UK's position as a world leader in life sciences while putting
scientific excellence at the heart of how we regulate medicines
and medical devices.”
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA,
said:
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Jacob George as our Chief
Medical and Scientific Officer. Jacob's expertise and leadership
in science and innovation will empower us to continue to set new
standards as a world-class regulator, safeguarding public health
and accelerating access to medicines and medical devices across
all four nations of the UK.”
Professor Jacob George, Chief Medical and Scientific
Officer, MHRA, said:
“I am delighted to be joining the MHRA at such an important time
for science and regulation.
“The Agency plays a vital role in protecting patient safety while
supporting innovation, and I look forward to working with
colleagues and partners across the UK to strengthen scientific
excellence and public trust.”
Professor George's appointment was announced in November
2025. Further details are available in the original
appointment announcement.
ENDS Notes to
editors
-
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines
and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are
acceptably safe.
-
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health
and Social Care.
