Sally Dowen

Sally Dowen is a seasoned clinical research professional with over 20 years of experience in early-phase clinical development, regulatory strategy, and operational leadership. As Vice President of Operations for the UK, Sally brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, regulatory insight, and pragmatic problem-solving to her role.

Sally began her career in academic research, earning an MA in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Molecular Oncology from Cambridge University. She held postdoctoral research positions at Cambridge and Cancer Research UK before transitioning into clinical operations. Her industry career includes senior leadership roles such as Head of Clinical Trials at the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Director of Clinical Science and Regulatory Affairs at a leading UK CRO.

In 2024, Sally founded Lealto Consulting, a specialist consultancy focused on early-phase clinical development. She has overseen more than 200 Phase I and II trials across diverse therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, CNS, oncology, and infectious diseases. Her expertise spans adaptive trial design, regulatory submissions, medical writing, and operational execution.

Sally is known for her collaborative leadership style, integrating seamlessly with client teams and fostering open communication. Her commitment to scientific rigor and operational excellence ensures that clinical trials are both compliant and efficient, delivering optimal outcomes for sponsors and patients alike.