Personal chemistry: Matthew Lindon of GlaxoSmithKline
 Where
do you work?
I am working for GlaxoSmithKline R&D in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
I manage a group of chemists applying parallel synthesis and
purification technology to the lead optimisation of targets
within GSK’s respiratory and inflammation drug discovery
effort.
Why did you join SCI?
I think it is important to have a forum for discussing a whole
range of subjects in the chemical industry, and I believe
SCI fulfils this role.
What is the best website you have visited lately?
www.thefreedictionary.com.
To quote the site ‘it is… English, medical, legal
and computer dictionaries, thesaurus, encyclopedia, a literature
reference library and a search engine all in one’. Our
industry is full of complex words and jargon and this site
is a great place to start if you are a chemist trying to understand
what a biologist is saying to you!
What is your favourite holiday destination?
It would have to be South Africa. It is a remarkable country
given its recent history. My particular highlight would have
to be the wildlife of the Kruger National Park. It is not
every day you come face to face with a wild and hungry lion.
Who is your hero/heroine?
As somebody who goes sailing in my spare time, I have a lot
of respect for people who sail round the world single-handed.
The courage and determination of people like Ellen MacArthur
is inspiring.
What would you like to have invented?
The microchip would have been good; I would have happily retired
years ago to travel the world on the proceeds.
What is your motto in life?
Try to enjoy what you are doing; if not, find something else
to do. It works both in and out of work.
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