| Citation | McKillop's research career began with synthetic and structural studies of sesquiterpenes and theoretical aspects of transition states of reactions of unsaturated molecules and carbonium ions. On beginning an industrial career with I.C.I. he remained actively interested in theoretical chemistry, but soon became increasingly involved in new developments in biosciences, particularly genetic engineering and high-throughput screening, immediately recognising their wide potential for application, and building effective collaborations with academia. His infectious enthusiasm for science and his outstanding leadership in research and development led to successive senior managerial positions with I.C.I. and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, culminating in his appointment as C.E.O. of AstraZeneca in 1999. |