Dr Katie King, daughter of TV personality Carol Vorderman, has been named Innovator of the Year at the 2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards for her work with space company Bio Orbit. The 32-year-old nanotech scientist founded the firm last year, which is part-sponsored by the European Space Agency.
Bio Orbit aims to develop a pharmaceutical factory in space within the next decade. Dr King is exploring how microgravity can improve the crystallisation of proteins in cancer drugs, potentially allowing patients to inject medication under the skin instead of undergoing hospital chemotherapy.
Carol Vorderman shared the news on X, writing: 'Proud mum moment ❤️ My daughter, nanotech scientist, Dr Katie King Ph.D founded a space company Bio Orbit last yr, part sponsored by European Space Agency. She has just won INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD.'
Dr King prepared to head into space last year, training at Astroland in Cantabria, Spain, an aerospace start-up researching future living on Mars. Carol accompanied her daughter and shared updates of Katie in a spacesuit.
Dr King is Carol's eldest child from her marriage to Patrick King. The family also includes son Cameron, 27, who has extreme dyslexia. Carol has previously spoken about the lack of support for children with special educational needs in schools.
