LifeArc Fellowships

We have developed two fellowship programmes to equip life scientists with the skills, knowledge and network to launch a career in the innovation sector as a Knowledge and Technology Transfer professional.

The fellowships were designed to address sector needs and ensure there is a pipeline of qualified technology transfer professionals.

Group of LifeArc Technology Transfer fellows sat on a sofa chatting

Our track record

130

fellows trained to date

>50%

of fellows are female

75%

of our Knowledge Transfer fellows

are in academic innovation roles

21%

of fellows

are from underrepresented ethnic groups

as defined by the 2011 Census

Our previous fellows are from

different countries

Why do we need more innovation professionals?

For scientific innovations to be translated into life-altering impacts for patients, they must be supported by intellectual property, licensing and other skills. This is where innovation professionals, specialising in knowledge and technology transfer come in.

Launching a career as an innovation professional can be challenging, requiring a strong research background and business acumen. Professionals must grasp scientific concepts quickly, understand intellectual property law, negotiate agreements, and influence stakeholders. However, awareness of the field is limited, and there is no clear path for entry.

Group of LifeArc fellows sat on the sofa chatting

Discover our fellowships

LifeArc knowledge exchange fellowship

Supports four talented scientists to transition into the field, with a one-year programme in 4 of London’s leading academic knowledge and technology transfer environments.

Group of LifeArc fellows sat on the sofa in the office chatting — Female Patient And Nurse Have Consultation In Hospital Room

LifeArc knowledge transfer innovation fellowship

Designed to be completed alongside your current position, this fellowship provides fast-track training for up to 18 fellows.

Two female LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellows laughing in a meeting — Female Patient And Nurse Have Consultation In Hospital Room

Impacts of the programmes

Our fellowships programmes have now trained over 130 knowledge and technology transfer professionals. Previous fellows are now working in various innovation roles across academia, industry, government, and venture funding and have also been employed by LifeArc.

Past fellows serve as ambassadors for the programmes and the profession, volunteering annually to mentor new fellows or share their career journeys through our speaker series or sector-specific conferences.