M. Frank Burslem
Senior Director, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT

When not rubbing elbows with the Queen in his native England, Frank Burslem can be found at Pfizer Global Research and Development in Groton, CT, where he is the Senior Director for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease. His team leads early discovery in biology, focusing on areas such diabetes, obesity and bone health.

Frank's previous work on the Viagra^TM Discovery and Development Team led him far beyond the lab bench-through the doors of Buckingham Palace and into courtrooms in Australia and China. He has defended the Viagra patent in patent infringement cases around the world. It was at the Queens Award for Industry - when Frank received the award for the Viagra team - that he met both Queen Elizabeth and Tony Blair. His other scientific pursuits garnered him the 2007 W.E. Upjohn Award, which recognizes colleagues who have demonstrated the value of innovation in their work.

If not science, Frank had fancied himself a career in philosophy or jurisprudence, but his curious mind won out and he received his biochemistry degree with honors from University College London. The biggest difference between science in school and science in the workplace, Frank notes, is that now he gets to be hands-on and gets to be the first one to see the results. It's that excitement and the possibility of discovery that Frank finds most appealing about his work.

Time outside of work is spent with his wife and three teenaged sons, with whom he enjoys cooking and travel.