PEOPLE. PLANTS. PROGRESS.

Join the Pioneers Unlocking Nature’s Code to Heal the World.

Inspired by Nature?

If you thrive on systems thinking and believe the future
is made by those who show up and build together.

Get in Touch

Adam Parnall

Campus Director

Campus Director

Adam brings a rare blend of environmental science insight and hands-on infrastructure expertise to Phytome, building the spaces where breakthrough science can thrive.

With a background in Environmental Geoscience and a career spanning construction, innovation, and agriculture, Adam takes a multidisciplinary approach to designing and delivering high-performance environments that power discovery. As Campus Director, he’s focused on creating world-class facilities that foster collaboration, sustainability, and scientific excellence.

Driven by a love of adventure, the natural world, and long-term impact, Adam sees Phytome as the perfect alignment of personal values and professional mission—working in harmony with nature to find answers. His goal: position Cornwall as a hub for sustainable life sciences and build legacy infrastructure that turns visionary ideas into global solutions.

Beth Rowe

Research Technician

Research Technician

Beth brings plant passion and communication flair to the Phytome lab, helping uncover and share the untapped power of nature’s pharmacy.

With a BSc in Zoology and a strong background in science communication, she’s equally at home in the lab and at the lectern. Beth thrives on turning complex phytochemical research into meaningful stories that resonate with the wider world.

Outside work, she’s often foraging, gardening, or caring for her jungle of houseplants—living proof that her love for the green world is more than professional, it’s personal.

Dan Miles

Research Scientist

Research Scientist

With a background in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and botanical drug development, Dan joined Phytome to be part of a company that blends scientific excellence with sustainability and agility.

Previously at GW Pharmaceuticals, Dan developed and scaled commercial botanical processes, advising on CMC and ensuring alignment with rigorous quality standards. At Phytome, he works as a principal consultant, applying his multidisciplinary skillset across discovery, development, regulatory, and quality to help advance the pharmaceutical pipeline.

Dan is passionate about pioneering new models for plant-based medicine—using natural synergy to outperform conventional single-molecule drugs. He’s equally committed to mentoring the next generation, ensuring that ideas outlive individuals and innovation continues to grow.

Outside of work, Dan finds joy in foraging plants and mushrooms, using nature as a way to decompress and stay grounded in ecological principles that shape his worldview. While environmentalism wasn’t his entry point into botanical chemistry, it has become part of the journey—one rooted in purpose, pragmatism, and progress.

Gus Harvey

Research Scientist

Research Scientist

Gus is driven by curiosity, purpose, and the chance to help people—every day he’s pushing the boundaries of what plant science can do.

With a 4.5-year degree apprenticeship at AstraZeneca and a BSc in Bioscience, Gus brings experience from pre-clinical discovery through to clinical trials. Now part of Phytome’s natural product chemistry team, he’s exploring the therapeutic potential of plants from field to formulation.

He’s known for his sharp problem-solving, cross-disciplinary thinking, and dedication to meaningful work. And yes—every countryside walk now doubles as a plant-hunting expedition.

Ian Winham

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Ian is a seasoned international executive with a proven track record in leading complex global operations across finance, risk, and corporate governance.

He has held senior leadership roles including Chair, CFO, COO, and SVP of Operations across high-growth sectors, including a global BPO/contact centre provider and Ricoh EMEA and India. Ian’s expertise spans NYSE listings, cross-border acquisitions, SEC reporting, and SOx compliance—bringing strategic clarity to fast-moving, high-stakes environments.

With deep experience in risk and fraud management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder communications, Ian has successfully delivered for regulators, suppliers, customers, employees, and shareholders alike. At Phytome, he brings sharp financial oversight and operational insight to support scalable, sustainable growth as the company advances its global biotech ambitions.

Dr. Jasper Newman

Lead Scientist

Lead Scientist

Drawn to the frontlines of global challenges—health, food, climate, pollution, and sustainability, Jasper sees plant science as the key to unlocking meaningful cross-discipline solutions. To Jasper, Phytome is a platform where bold, interdisciplinary research meets real-world impact, with no limits on imagination or ambition.

With a PhD spanning environmental science, plant physiology, and chemistry, Jasper brings deep technical expertise in the R&D of natural product pathways. Over nearly three years at Phytome, he has advanced research across countless species and bioactive compounds—gaining hands-on experience in taking botanical products from proof-of-concept through to commercial applications for pharma and beyond.

Jasper is committed to building Phytome into a world-leading platform for botanical and fungal chemical innovation—establishing a culture of scientific rigour that endures and drives lasting social and environmental value.

When not in the lab, you’ll find Jasper immersed in nature—snorkelling, surfing, fishing, canoeing, or foraging—living the same connection to the natural world that drives his work at Phytome.

Leigh Setterington

Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

Leigh brings nearly two decades of pharmaceutical experience across hospital, community, and corporate settings—uniting deep sector knowledge with a passion for people development.

She began her career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and ward-based roles before spending nine years at Walgreens Boots Alliance in senior leadership, ultimately specialising in HR, learning, and development. Leigh led the Boots national Leadership Training Programme, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Now an Associate Partner on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Statutory Committee, Leigh brings valuable insight into professional standards and governance, alongside expertise in talent strategy, employee experience, and building high-performing cultures.

At Phytome, Leigh is focused on creating an environment where people and science can thrive—ensuring the culture is as forward-thinking as the innovation. Outside work, she enjoys the outdoors, fitness, reading, crafts, and family life in Cornwall.

Michael Clarke

Research Technician

Research Technician

Michael joined Phytome to merge his lifelong passion for plants with a mission that matters—developing plant-based solutions to improve health.

With expertise in hydroponics, disease detection, and horticulture, he brings a cultivation-focused lens to plant medicine research. He thrives in the fast-moving, hands-on innovation environment where every day presents a new challenge—and a new solution to grow.

Michael’s academic background in plant science includes research on optimising hydroponic systems, and his curiosity continues to flourish as he learns and adapts alongside Phytome’s pioneering team.

Neil Triggs

Campus Security Manager

Campus Security Manager

Neil brings decades of frontline experience in military and police security to his role at Phytome, where he leads the development and implementation of site-wide safety and security systems.

Since joining in May 2022, Neil has supported the Senior Leadership Team in building a secure, compliant, and resilient research environment—ensuring that innovation can thrive safely. His background includes close protection, high-threat risk management, and the planning of nationally accredited high-profile security operations.

At Phytome, Neil combines operational discipline with calm oversight to safeguard both people and purpose. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, long dog walks, and cheering on his favourite football and rugby teams—usually to a soundtrack of classic 80s hits.

Nia Richards

Business Administrator

Business Administrator

Nia keeps the wheels of Phytome turning—quietly and expertly ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so the science can shine.

She joined in 2025, drawn by the chance to be part of a mission-driven, future-facing team working from the beauty of Cornwall. With sharp attention to detail and a steady hand on operations, Nia ensures Phytome’s administrative foundation is strong, organised, and ready for what’s next.

She recharges with beach walks alongside her puppy and loves the daily learning curve of supporting innovation from the ground up.

Nicola Collard

Project Manager | Executive Support

Project Manager | Executive Support

Nicola has been with Phytome since day one, helping grow the company from the ground up while leading complex scientific projects with precision and purpose.

She brings deep expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, and drug development, having successfully overseen major milestones from Home Office licensing to multi-million grant-funded facility builds. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, Nicola keeps big ideas on track and on budget.

Her passion lies in using nature—not synthetics—to develop plant-based medicines that serve both people and planet. She’s also deeply committed to creating opportunities for young scientists in Cornwall so they can stay and thrive in this stunning region while contributing to world-class research.

Ryan Gotch

Investment Analyst

Investment Analyst

Ryan brings sharp business insight and a love of innovation to Phytome’s bold biotech mission.

Armed with an MSc in Management and Innovation from the University of Bristol, Ryan contributes across strategy, forecasting, and venture growth, helping shape the future of Phytome as both a science-led and commercially smart enterprise. What keeps him here? A shared belief in the power of plants and the passion of the people.

A lifelong athlete, Ryan brings teamwork and tenacity to everything he does, balancing drive with resilience and bringing fresh thinking to Phytome’s growth journey.

Sahara Bhanot

CASE PhD Student

CASE PhD Student

Phytome-funded CASE PhD student in pharmaceutical enzymology. Sahara holds a BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and MPhil Biotechnology both from Manchester University. Her expertise span computational bioinformatics, in vitro directed enzyme design and directed evolution, industrial biotechnology and directed biosynthetic catalysis.

Dr Sebastian Vaughan

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur in healthcare and technology who built Phytome to unlock a new frontier—where the chemistry of plants meets the potential of human health.

Driven by a deep belief that we’re only beginning to decode the dialogue between botanical and human biology, Sebastian created Phytome to explore that complexity and translate it into safe, effective new medicines. His vision combines rigorous science with bold innovation to reimagine how we treat disease—harnessing nature, not just synthesising it.

With a track record of building ventures that scale meaningful impact, Sebastian leads Phytome as both a scientific catalyst and investment platform—designed to accelerate discovery and deliver breakthrough therapeutics to those who need them most.

Tarian Pritchard

Senior Research Technician

Senior Research Technician

Tarian brings the rigour of pharmaceutical-grade lab work to the vibrant world of plant science—right in his home county of Cornwall.

With a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and cGMP experience in pharma and healthcare products, Tarian combines theory with hands-on skill in analytical research. He’s passionate about developing plant-derived medicines that can change lives and improve health outcomes.

Born and raised in Cornwall, he’s proud to contribute to global science from the place he calls home—blending his love for nature with cutting-edge biotechnology.

Board of Directors

Dr Sebastian Vaughan

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur in healthcare and technology who built Phytome to unlock a new frontier—where the chemistry of plants meets the potential of human health.

Driven by a deep belief that we’re only beginning to decode the dialogue between botanical and human biology, Sebastian created Phytome to explore that complexity and translate it into safe, effective new medicines. His vision combines rigorous science with bold innovation to reimagine how we treat disease—harnessing nature, not just synthesising it.

With a track record of building ventures that scale meaningful impact, Sebastian leads Phytome as both a scientific catalyst and investment platform—designed to accelerate discovery and deliver breakthrough therapeutics to those who need them most.

Ian Winham

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Ian is a seasoned international executive with a proven track record in leading complex global operations across finance, risk, and corporate governance.

He has held senior leadership roles including Chair, CFO, COO, and SVP of Operations across high-growth sectors, including a global BPO/contact centre provider and Ricoh EMEA and India. Ian’s expertise spans NYSE listings, cross-border acquisitions, SEC reporting, and SOx compliance—bringing strategic clarity to fast-moving, high-stakes environments.

With deep experience in risk and fraud management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder communications, Ian has successfully delivered for regulators, suppliers, customers, employees, and shareholders alike. At Phytome, he brings sharp financial oversight and operational insight to support scalable, sustainable growth as the company advances its global biotech ambitions.

Leigh Setterington

Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

Leigh brings nearly two decades of pharmaceutical experience across hospital, community, and corporate settings—uniting deep sector knowledge with a passion for people development.

She began her career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and ward-based roles before spending nine years at Walgreens Boots Alliance in senior leadership, ultimately specialising in HR, learning, and development. Leigh led the Boots national Leadership Training Programme, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Now an Associate Partner on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Statutory Committee, Leigh brings valuable insight into professional standards and governance, alongside expertise in talent strategy, employee experience, and building high-performing cultures.

At Phytome, Leigh is focused on creating an environment where people and science can thrive—ensuring the culture is as forward-thinking as the innovation. Outside work, she enjoys the outdoors, fitness, reading, crafts, and family life in Cornwall.

Mark Parnall

Chairman

Chairman

Mark’s passion is for innovation, engineering and opportunity creation for the people of Cornwall.

A lawyer for over 35 years’, he Co-founded peer-to-peer lender Folk2Folk and is Founder and CEO of the Parnall Group Limited,

A highly creative and motivated visionary, over 5 years ago Mark purchased the Cornish Estate Phytome calls home and transformed it into a world-class campus for innovation.

A Co-founder of Phytome, what we are today exists because of his pioneering endeavours.

Nick Buckland OBE

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Nick brings a unique blend of strategic vision, technological expertise, and deep public service commitment to the Phytome board—shaped by a career that spans sectors and scales.

A mathematician by training and a technologist by trade, Nick has chaired and served on boards across the private, public, and voluntary sectors nationally and regionally. With over two decades in the IT industry, he is recognised as a leading voice in strategy, governance, innovation, and quality systems. His past roles include Deputy Chair of the South West Regional Development Agency and founding board member of the Technology Strategy Board—now Innovate UK.

A passionate advocate for knowledge and innovation ecosystems, Nick has chaired Plymouth Science Park and served as Pro Chancellor and Chair of Governors at the University of Plymouth. He continues to champion regional growth through science, enterprise, and skills.

Nick holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Bath and is a Fellow of multiple professional institutes, including the British Computer Society, Institute of Mathematics, and the Royal Society of Arts. He is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Information Systems Practitioner, and Chartered Manager—recognized with an OBE in 2009 for services to Innovation & Technology and awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Technology in 2013.

At Phytome, he provides seasoned leadership to guide bold innovation with strategic clarity—ensuring science with purpose scales to real-world impact.