Innovation: A relentless commitment to learning and impact

Bahija Jallal

Innovation is not a destination; it is a journey defined by curiosity, courage, and a relentless commitment to learning. Throughout my career, from my early days as a scientist to my current role as CEO of Immunocore, I have seen that true innovation is not about chasing the next big thing for its own sake. It is about serving patients, advancing science, and never being satisfied with the status quo.

At Immunocore, we have been pioneering T cell receptor (TCR) therapies for decades. The path has been anything but straightforward. Without a relentless commitment to innovation, it would not have been possible to make soluble TCRs ultimately allowing us to develop molecules to treat patients. When our first medicine went into clinical trials, there were moments of doubt, setbacks, and the ever-present risk that comes with venturing into the unknown.

But I have always believed that the greatest risk is not failing – but failing to try, to ask questions, and to gather data… even when sometimes that data might challenge our assumptions or complicates our path to an approved treatment. We have an obligation to patients and to science to learn as much as possible, as efficiently as possible. Every data point, every experiment – even those that do not yield the results we hope for – brings us closer to understanding disease and developing better therapies. This philosophy has guided the expansion of our TCR technology.

For me, one of the key success factors in our growth is being “data-driven” while remaining adaptable. Data is not just a tool for validation; it is a compass that guides our decision-making. In the world of biotech, where uncertainty is the norm, data gives us the confidence to move forward, to pivot when necessary, and to make bold bets on new science. At Immunocore, this has meant not only advancing our lead programs but also building a robust pipeline in oncology, infections and autoimmune diseases. We are constantly asking: What can we learn? How can we do better? How can our therapies benefit more patients?

The biotech revolution in immunotherapy is a testament to what happens when brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds come together, challenge each other, and refuse to accept that “good enough” is ever enough. My own journey—from Morocco to France, then to Germany and the United States—has taught me that diversity of thought and experience is a powerful engine for creativity. We must foster an environment where people feel empowered to speak up, to challenge orthodoxy, and to bring their whole selves to the table. Innovation flourishes when we break down barriers—geographical, cultural, and intellectual. At Immunocore, we are proud to be an international company, drawing on the strengths of our teams and partners across the globe. This diversity of thought is a strategic advantage that allows us to see problems from multiple angles and to find solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.

Yet, there can be no innovation without leadership. In challenging times, leaders must be transparent, decisive, and above all, optimistic. We must inspire our teams to see beyond the immediate obstacles and to believe in the possibility of changing lives. That optimism is not naïve; it is grounded in the knowledge that every breakthrough in medicine was once considered impossible. I often reflect on the importance of resiliency and perseverance—of holding onto your vision even when the world tells you it cannot be done. The development of TCR therapies was met with scepticism for years, but we persisted because we believed in the science and, more importantly, in the potential it can offer patients with no other options.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the impact of innovation on people. Throughout my career, my passion for drug development has been maintained by meeting patients whose lives have been transformed by therapies that initially only existed as ideas in a laboratory. These moments remind me why we do what we do. They are a powerful motivator to keep pushing, to keep questioning, and to keep striving for better.

In the end, innovation is about impact. It is about translating scientific discovery into real-world solutions for patients who are waiting—sometimes desperately—for hope. That is what drives me every day. The future of medicine will be shaped by those who are willing to take risks, to learn from failure, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.