Home » Careers » Early careers » LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship

This fellowship (formerly known as the LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship) equips academic life scientists, at the graduate or post-doctoral level, with the skills and knowledge to transition into careers in technology transfer.

It is supported by the AUTM Foundation and ASTP.

Duration: 12 months

Applications Open

Group of LifeArc fellows sat down chatting

About the fellowship


Since 2017, this one-year program, offered in partnership with AUTM, the Global Technology Transfer Association, and ASTP, the European Knowledge Transfer Association, equips graduate and post-doctoral life scientists with the skills to transition into technology transfer careers. No direct experience in technology transfer is required; all we ask is that you have a passion for innovation and an interest in technology transfer.

The curriculum combines formal training in all aspects of knowledge and technology transfer, including invention evaluation, patent protection, licensing and spin-out formation with networking, mentoring, and an understanding of the innovation ecosystem. Fellows must dedicate time outside their current positions and will be sponsored to attend major meetings in the US and Europe.

72

fellows trained to date

>50%

of fellows are female

29%

of fellows

are from underrepresented ethnic groups

as defined by the 2011 Census 

>90%

fellows secure a TT role

excluding years impacted by COVID-19

Graphic of shaking hands

What we can offer you

As a LifeArc fellow, you will gain access to a variety of unique benefits to support your learning and help launch your career in the technology transfer field.


Two-year AUTM and ASTP membership

Including access to member platforms, online events and career support. Plus ASTP’s Technology Transfer Practice Manual and 150+ educational training webinar sessions

Attendance at international technology transfer events

You’ll be invited to learn from global experts and attend specialised training courses and speaker series

Access to a wide network of technology transfer professionals

We provide numerous networking opportunities for you to build valuable relationships and expand your professional network

Guidance for preparing and submitting the application for the Candidate RTTP

Fellows will receive expert advice and support throughout the preparation for the Registered Technology Transfer Professional accreditation

Support from a peer mentor and an expert mentor

Support from a technology transfer veteran who offers in-depth knowledge, and a past fellow to provide guidance on how to capitalise on this unique opportunity

Monthly fellowship meetings

Monthly group meetings provide an opportunity for support, discussion, and access to a unique Technology Transfer Fellowship Speaker Series delivered by global experts

2025 to 2026 programme


DateActivityLocation
14 August 2025Welcome meeting Virtual 
Autumn 2025 Fundamentals of technology transfer essentials European location tbc
8 to 11 February 2026AUTM Annual Conference Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
February 2026 Choice of technology valuation or technology marketing course (taken as a preconference course)Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
February 2026Negotiation course (taken within the AUTM conferenceSeattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
May 2026 ASTP Annual Conference European location tbc
 

Applications are now open!

We are currently accepting applications for our 2025 to 2026 cohort.
The closing date for applications is Midnight, Sunday 25 May.*

*We reserve the right to close the application window if the number of applications exceeds a set cap.

What our previous fellows had to say

Past fellows have gone on to prominent technology transfer roles. Find out more about their experiences on the programme below.


FAQs

Who can apply?

Essential:

  • qualified to graduate or postgraduate degree in life or medical sciences
  • well-developed written and oral communication skills
  • strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate confidently and effectively with academic staff, all levels of management and companies.
  • genuine passion for science and technology and their use to improve health
  • competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • self-starter

Desirable:

  • experience in technology market research, analysis and reporting
  • experience in technology marketing, IP protection or commercial negotiation including contract development/analysis
  • understanding of the challenges faced in therapeutics and diagnostics development and of the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry marketplaces

Eligibility

  • applicants must have less than 1 year knowledge transfer, technology transfer or business development experience

Applications are now open and will close at Midnight, Sunday 25 May.*

*LifeArc reserves the right to close the application window if the number of applications exceeds a set cap

What is the selection process?

We aim to recruit top talent from every background. Our recruitment process uses tools and methods that allow us to consider your achievements in the context of where you gained them, ensuring an unbiased and fair assessment.

Each submitted application package is assessed for eligibility and strength of application.

Applications will be evaluated by a joint selection panel who will award up to 18 fellowships, at least 2 of which will be awarded to non-UK residing applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. LifeArc may request additional information to assist with eligibility checks. Failure to comply with requests for supporting information could be grounds for disqualification. 

How many hours of self-led study are required for the programme?

The rate of study is dependent on the circumstances of the fellow. However, we recommend each fellow devote at least 4 hours a week to study. This will ensure the fellow completes all modules and is prepared for the training, conferences and professional accreditation that are part of the programme. 

Is funding available?

The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowships combine formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience in the field. Expenses for international travel are covered, but no further funding is available with this programme. Where possible, assistance will be provided in terms of networking and mentoring to secure an eight-week placement in a technology transfer office. The level of financial support during the internship/placement is at the discretion of the hosting establishment. 

What technology transfer events will I be able to attend?

Registration, hotels and airfare are covered for:

  • ASTP Fundamentals in Technology Transfer Course
  • AUTM’s 2026 Annual Meeting
  • A major European Technology Transfer Conference i.e., the ASTP Annual Conference

Do I need permission from my employer or supervisor to apply? 

Your application will need to include a reference from your current or most recent employer or supervisor. You will also need to ensure you can have time off from your current position to attend the in- person elements of the programme. 

Is practical experience included?

Most fellows secure a position in the technology transfer sector prior to the end of the programme. The possibility to gain practical experience as a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellow is optional and led by the fellow. LifeArc will provide   support to secure an internship/placement at an appropriate technology transfer establishment. The level of financial support during any secured internship/placement will be at the discretion of the hosting establishment. 

Is the programme open to only UK applicants?

The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship is open to European-based applicants who can travel to the US and respective EU countries for the designated training courses and conferences that are part of the programme. Our full-time programme, the Technology Transfer Fellowship, requires all applicants to be based within daily travel distance of London.

Applicants located in North America can apply for the Susan Riley Keyes Memorial Technology Transfer Training Fellowship

I have experience working in a technology transfer/innovation office, can I apply for the fellowship? 

This programme is designed to help academic scientists transition into a career as a technology transfer/innovation professional. Only applicants with less than a year of technology transfer/innovation work experience at the start of the fellowship programme will be eligible for this fellowship. 

Is the fellowship open to applicants working in industry?  

This fellowship is only open to applicants who, at the time of the commencement of the fellowship, are situated in academia or an appropriate non-commercial establishment. 

I am a PhD student, can I apply? 

Yes. Applicants in the final year of their doctoral study are eligible to apply for this fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to fully commit to the programme without negatively impacting their current studies.  

Is it possible to hear directly from past and current fellows?

Yes. The following free webinar is available through the AUTM website. It outlines the experience and plans of past and present fellows. Viewing may require limited registration.

As ambassadors of the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship, past and present fellows are identifiable through LinkedIn and are happy to share their experience of the programme.

Who to contact

Fellowship opportunities

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