DR ‹ › Moroccan professor Mimoun Azzouz, who heads the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre at the University of Sheffield, has received the «Outstanding Achievement Award» from the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy, recognizing his major contributions to research and training in gene therapy. Also a professor of translational neuroscience, Azzouz has become a leading figure in developing innovative treatments for neurological diseases. His work focuses on translating laboratory discoveries into concrete therapies and advancing clinical trials. Since 2006, he has secured more than £34 million in funding and led pioneering studies, notably demonstrating the effectiveness of a gene therapy targeting the SMN gene in spinal muscular atrophy models, paving the way for human trials and approved treatments. His research also extends to Parkinson's disease. Azzouz described the award as «a source of pride» for his team, reflecting years of collective work. He currently leads a network of 34 institutions and companies across Europe to advance research in this highly specialized field. He is also committed to training young scientists, having supervised 81 researchers, including 20 PhD students, over nearly three decades since starting his career in 1997. A scientific entrepreneur, he founded BlackfinBio and co-founded Crucible Therapeutics, while also leading a €25.5 million European consortium to accelerate advanced therapies. From Sheffield, Azzouz expressed optimism about Morocco's scientific future, highlighting its «enormous potential» and growing research ecosystem, including institutions such as the university in Benguerir.
