This fellowship, formerly known as the LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship, empowers graduate and post-doctoral academic life scientists to take control of their careers and transition into the field of technology transfer.
Since completing the fellowship, our 2021-2022 fellows have secured exciting technology transfer roles across prominent institutions.
Here is what our class of 2021-2022 had to say about their experience as a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellow.

Alberto Gatta, Business Manager, University College London
Why I joined the programme
After almost a decade working in molecular science research at UCL, Yale and the Francis Crick Institute, I wanted to take the next step and become more involved in progressing scientific innovations into tangible impacts for patients and society. A career in technology spans science, business and law, and requires a new set of skills on top of strong scientific and analytical knowledge. I was aware of the programme and was thrilled to be offered the training, mentoring, and networking opportunities it provides.
Reflections on the programme
From the start, the programme exceeded my expectations and was pivotal to building the knowledge, network and confidence needed to enter this new profession. Although I initially felt hesitant about embarking on a new career path, I quickly found a sense of belonging among the group of fellow professionals. We supported and encouraged each other every step of the way, and ultimately were able to land our current jobs. I can tell that this group of smart and motivated people will be professional friends for the rest of my career. The technology transfer community was very welcoming and recognised the value that new recruits could bring to the profession.

Agnieszka Szemiel, CVR CRUSH Specialist Virology Facility Manager, University of Glasgow

Why I joined the programme
I have worked as a postdoctoral researcher on a wide range of viruses and am a facility manager at the Covid-19 Drug-Screening and Resistance Hub (CRUSH) which was established with funding from LifeArc and the Medical Research Council (MRC). In this role, I was eager to identify areas where I could improve my skills in project management, business management, contracts and IP. Only one programme met all the requirements to help me interact effectively with industry – and that was the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship.
Reflections on the programme
To my delight, the programme exceeded all my expectations. I gained valuable insights on how to effectively navigate the complex landscape of academia-industry interactions and discovered the world of technology transfer. This seemingly simple term encompasses a vast field that delves into the intricacies of how academia can work closely with industry to translate basic laboratory ideas into usable products that can benefit patients. This opportunity provided me with a wealth of knowledge, hands-on experience and a network of experts that have been invaluable in my role as facility manager.
Ffion Walters, Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Manager, Swansea University
Why I joined the programme
I was working on developing new products in lateral flow diagnostic assays and was looking to integrate my commercialisation experience from the in vitro diagnostics industry into my academic work when I came across the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship online. I felt it was a perfect opportunity to help me move into a career translating academic innovations.
Reflections on the programme
I was completely blown away by the depth and quality of the fellowship and the high standard of the training, which I could instantly apply in my day-to-day work, while also opening new avenues. The fellowship allowed me to move into a technology transfer role even before finishing – helping me land a role with the Enterprise, Partnerships, and Innovation team at Swansea University Medical School. The fellowship has no doubt equipped me to reach new heights in my career aspirations.

JuneʼJu Yeon Han, Trainee Patent Attorney, Keltie

Why I joined the programme
I discovered the fellowship during the third year of my PhD. My research focussed on computational developmental biology, but I wanted to transition into the business side of scientific research. The programme, which included training through courses, conferences, and networking convinced me that this would be a great start to educate myself about the career sector that I wanted to transition into.
Reflections on the programme
Initially, I was expecting to gain some basic knowledge in technology transfer, such as assessment and valuation of technology; however, the real learning came from the interaction with mentors and professionals. Through the mentorship and monthly seminars, I was able to discover which aspects and working styles of technology transfer, and other related sectors suited me best. Additional resources such as the CV review session were incredibly useful and it was also amazing to be able to interact with patent attorneys working in the field. The fellowship was a transformative experience that helped me secure my dream job as a trainee patent attorney at Keltie.
Nessim Kichik, Senior Technology Transfer Executive, Edinburgh Innovations
Why I joined the programme
I was working as a senior research fellow studying microbial infections when I became fascinated with technology transfer and took the opportunity to work on the launch of a biotech start-up. I actively sought out training opportunities to help make the move from research-based roles. Unfortunately, most of the training programmes were part-time or
full-time. But then I found out about the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship and how it would run perfectly alongside my commitments as a Senior Researcher.
Reflections on the programme
This programme surpassed my expectations. It is structured to provide the fellows with an excellent learning toolset (AUTM and ASTP webinars, and AUTMʼs essentials course), personal support and guidance in the shape of two mentors who I still maintain this relationship with, and attendance to AUTM and ASTPʼs international annual meetings. The training and support I acquired were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful start to a technology transfer career. The AUTM’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans motivated me to kick-start a career change. A couple of months later I secured a role as a technology transfer executive working with Edinburgh Innovations. In the longer term, I want to become involved in the creation of start-ups and academic spinouts, and support scientists to successfully translate their discoveries and technologies for patient benefit.

Monika Zwirek, Research Manager and Senior Scientist at the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit

Why I joined the programme
Interacting with commercial partners as a senior scientist made me interested in intellectual property and translation, and that led me to think about pursuing a career in this field. I heard about the fellowship from a colleague in the technology team at Dundee University. My line manager was very supportive of my application and introduced me to colleagues who had completed the programme.
Reflections on the programme
Our cohort was comprised of highly talented and experienced scientists who were determined to change careers in order to have a greater impact. Through the fellowship, I not only gained valuable theoretical knowledge of the technology transfer field but also made connections that have been extremely helpful in advancing my career in this field. Near the end of my fellowship, I was offered a position at the Medical Research Council as a research manager.
Cornelia Roesl, Business Manager, LifeArc
Why I joined the programme
I started working as a scientist at LifeArc in 2019 and was involved in setting up the Motor Neurone Disease Translational Challenge. I quickly realised I wanted to learn more about the business side of our job but needed more formal training in this area. I applied for the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship and feel very privileged to have been accepted.
Reflections on the programme
The programme is designed to fit around a normal day job, so it meant I could learn new skills and then apply them during my 9-to-5, which worked brilliantly. The programme taught me to look at the world of science differently and after completing the fellowship, I started my new role as a business manager at LifeArc. From now on, rather than working in the lab, I will be supporting the people who do science, mostly by managing their grants and projects. This is a great opportunity and I am delighted to be able to apply my science skills in a business context.

Bruno Santos, Acceleration & Innovation Programmes Officer, Agência Nacional de Inovação

Why I joined the programme
While working on my master’s thesis on biomedical engineering, I found that many promising technologies failed to be commercialised due to a lack of interest or resources. My curiosity led me to take a position at the Technology Licensing Office at INESC TEC (a non-profit research institution based in Porto, Portugal) where I became committed to transitioning into a career in technology transfer. The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship was a fantastic opportunity for a scientist such as myself who had little to no experience in technology transfer, plus it would help me acquire knowledge that would benefit not only my career but also the Portuguese technology transfer community.
Reflections on the programme
I went into the programme with high expectations, which were completely exceeded. I was pleasantly surprised by how everyone was extremely receptive and willing to share their knowledge. A vast amount of educational material was made available to me. It was also an eye-opening experience to see how technology transfer is approached in the US. The experience has helped me feel more confident when working with different stakeholders and has given me the tools to be a better technology transfer professional. Furthermore, it was also an important way to prove my expertise and know-how, which helped me secure a promotion.
Who to contact
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Anji Miller
Read bio: Anji Miller
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