Robin Fears trained as a biochemist and had 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry in the UK in R&D. The early years were focused on cardiovascular disease and neurosciences, from discovery through to marketed product. The final decade of this industry experience was occupied in setting up a policy group for R&D in Europe. Since then, for the past 10 years, self-employed as a consultant, he has worked as advisor to various bodies in universities, academies of science and medicine, industry and with parliamentary and government groups, on issues relating to biosciences and innovation in the EU. He has provided support to the EASAC Biosciences Programme for a range of projects in biomedical and plant sciences and emerging technologies since 2002.