Prior to its acquisition by Genzyme in 1989, Alan was the Scientific Director of Integrated Genetics, a biotechnology company. Previously, he was head of the biochemistry division at the National Institute of Medical Research.

Alan has published extensively on the genetic code and protein synthesis, tumour virology, cell biology and cystic fibrosis. He holds a B.A. from Christ’s College, Cambridge and a Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, England.