The Power Behind Evolutionary Change Featuring Dr. Geerat Vermeij

Have you ever tried to picture the natural world without relying on sight? It’s a wild thought, but for Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, it’s just how he experiences life. Blind since the age of three, Dr. Vermeij built an extraordinary career as an evolutionary biologist. He’s a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, a celebrated author, and Professor Emeritus of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis.In our conversation, Dr. Vermeij walks us through the hidden stories that mollusk shells can tell us about evolution. Think underwater battles, survival strategies, and long-forgotten extinction events. He also introduces a powerful idea (no pun intended): that it’s not just energy that drives evolution, it's power. He digs into this more deeply in his book The Evolution of Power, which turns traditional theories on their head in the best possible way.But science is just part of the story. Dr. Vermeij also talks about what it’s been like to build a life in academia without sight including challenges, but also the deep gratitude he has for the mentors and collaborators who helped him thrive. He doesn’t sugarcoat it, but there’s something incredibly moving about the way he frames inclusion not as charity, but as essential to discovery.This episode kicks off our special series for Disability Pride Month, where we spotlight brilliant thinkers who expand how we see the world and what’s possible within it. Dr. Vermeij’s life reminds us that resilience, curiosity, and community can break barriers and reshape the story of science itself.In This Episode:[02:32] Dr. Vermeij talks about some of the things that he is the most proud of including his early insights including that shells are defenses against predators.[03:12] Shells get damaged but not necessarily lethally damaged. Most of his work has been a variation of this theme.[04:04] These adaptations are relatively recent in geological time. This means that the evolution between predator and prey has experienced spectacular adaptations.[05:16] He spent a lot of time studying in Guam, Panama, and Jamaica. Also New Guinea, Australia, and many more Islands. Every biologist should visit the tropics.[07:08] His main finding was to connect geological history with modern adaptation. He's also expanded to other organisms besides mollusks.[08:17] He's working on another book about what it's like to be a scientist. He and a colleague are also working on the evolution of semi-aquatic mammals.[09:39] Trying to understand evolutionary transitions and taking fossils into account is part of a larger project.[10:17] We should be diverse in the ways that we approach problems.[11:01] Unanswered questions in biology today including questions about natural selection.[12:40] What are the effects of climate change? A place to look are the changes in the effects of the geological records.[13:15] Dr. Vermeij talks about his book, The Evolution of Power. Energy doesn't do anything for you unless you use it.[16:39] How collecting shells as a boy shaped his love for the sciences. He's always had an interest in nature and the natural sciences.[20:13] We learn about his experience being a blind scientist. According to Dr. Vermeij, he has faced relatively few barriers. He had highly supportive potential mentors.[22:38] He's adapted well to his work, because he's had extremely amazing and helpful assistants.[24:03] All of his role models have been sighted, and have gone out of their way to help someone who was really interested in their work.[27:15] He's always had a successful career from the beginning.[28:32] Advice includes really liking what you're doing and working very hard. Have a strong curiosity about the world and the sense of what is important and what is not important.[29:39] For blind people, having readers can get you through materials so much faster than the computer. This is also how Dr. Vermeij met his wife.[31:56] He's had a long time view that we should pay less attention to people's identities and more to what they can actually do.[33:42] He's the most proud of his journey, and how he recognized something interesting and pursued knowledge. He's all about asking scientific questions.Resources: Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij - UC DavisThe Evolution of Power: A New Understanding of the History of LifeMacArthur Fellows

What if one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century began with a dead cow and a desperate young farmer? That’s exactly what happened in 1933, when 21-year-old Ed Carlson arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, carrying a bucket of blood and a mystery that would eventually lead to the discovery of warfarin. This unlikely starting point sparked years of relentless research by biochemist Karl Paul Link and his team, fueled by scientific curiosity, institutional support, and an unshakable belief in the power of perseverance.As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), we’re shining a light on the remarkable intersection of science, history, and Wisconsin legacy that made this discovery possible. Our guest is acclaimed journalist and author Doug Moe, whose storytelling career spans four decades and includes thousands of columns and multiple award-winning biographies. His latest work, Saving Hearts and Killing Rats: Karl Paul Link and the Discovery of Warfarin, brings this fascinating journey to life and was recently honored as the “Wisconsin Book of the Month” by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.In our conversation, Doug shares how he was first approached to tell this story, why it took him years to finally dive in, and what he uncovered in Link’s letters, archives, and personal history. We’ll hear about the personalities, the persistence, and the politics that surrounded the development of warfarin and explore why the impact of WARF and university-driven innovation still resonates so powerfully a hundred years later.In This Episode:[01:59] Tom Link, the son of Carl Paul Link, brought Doug a stack of articles and papers about his dad. This was a decade ago. [03:24] Doug knew Carl Paul Link was somebody who needed a biography written. This is the perfect time to highlight innovation and university research and tech transfer.[04:40] Link died in 1978, but the University of Wisconsin had an amazing archive of his work. Link was an avid letter writer. He would even put the time of his correspondence on his letters and it was often 2:30 in the morning.[06:09] The incoming correspondence was also a treasure trove.[07:24] Doug walks us through the story of the origin of warfarin, beginning with a dead cow and a bucket of blood. [09:02] There was a connection between sweet clover hay and cow's dying because their blood couldn't clot.[10:15] Scientists spent six years trying to figure out why this was. They eventually discovered a hemorrhagic agent that they were able to reproduce synthetically.[11:27] They faced many hurdles including how long it took to have success. Perseverance is at the top of the success list. [13:10] People doubted Link's story, but Ed Carlson was real. [15:14] Warfarin is an anticoagulant, but it can also be used as a rat poison.[17:10] How warfarin got its name. [19:06] The tipping point for warfarin becoming commonly accepted was when President Eisenhower had a heart attack in 1955.[20:34] Link had a big personality. He was likely manic depressive or bipolar. He was a complex individual. He was also a fancy dresser. [22:52] Link was also into activism on campus. [25:00] He also had controversies. [28:44] We learn about Link's blowout with Harry Steenbock.[29:25] WARF's involvement in warfarin becoming available to the public. WARF helped with the patent and donated money to the University of Wisconsin.[31:37] WARF's 100th anniversary, and the power of university tech transfer and public research foundations.[32:29] Doug is glad that his book highlights the importance of innovation and tech transfer. [34:29] What Doug would like readers to take from the book.Resources: Saving Hearts and Killing Rats: Karl Paul Link and the Discovery of WarfarinDoug MoeDoug Moe - LinkedInWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation:WARFKarl Paul Link

What happens when climate innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a blueprint for real change? In this episode, we explore how climate-focused technologies are being developed, commercialized, and scaled in ways that go far beyond traditional models. My guest, Josh Dorfman, brings a rare mix of experience in both business and policy, with a track record of building ventures that reduce emissions while delivering everyday value. Josh is the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a company creating carbon-negative building materials that was recently named one of the world’s most innovative by Fast Company. He also launched The Lazy Environmentalist, a media brand that made sustainability more accessible, and now runs Supercool, a platform spotlighting climate tech with real-world impact. With past work ranging from startups to established brands like Brita, Josh offers a grounded, actionable look at how innovation, sustainability, and commercialization intersect and what that means for tech transfer offices and startups who want to make a difference.In This Episode:[02:17] Thinking about climate goes back to being an English teacher in China in the 1990s. He saw the future of a billion cars in China and never shook the thought. [04:36] He was involved in tech in the States, but wanted to do something about climate. He started a sustainable furniture company in 2004. This eventually led to where he is now.[05:12] Plantd is working on carbon negative construction materials made out of grass and resin.[06:23] They talked to green builders, but the scale wasn't there. They decided to reach out to the largest builders in the market.[07:32] They opened a path to go to market with D.R. Horton, one of the biggest builders in the country.[10:01] First steps for building sustainability into your tech transfer strategy include being integrated in the tech ecosystem that many cities are building around the country.[11:07] Building connectivity and getting integrated in the ecosystem is paramount.[12:05] Sustainability is built into the product. Go fast but don't over commit to the wrong path.[13:42] Supercool focuses on technologies that reduce emissions and improve everyday life. [14:09] Technologies include WasteLess, a food waste prevention company. Another one includes Upway which is an infrastructure for getting pre-owned bikes. It creates a built-in market for e bikes.[18:06] When large brands commit, they're really committed.[19:40] Working with Brita helped eliminate some disposable water bottles.[20:46] How policy shapes the space between innovation and government. [23:05] The global march towards the low carbon future is inevitable.[24:20] This is a huge time for cultivating environmentally friendly technology and entrepreneurship.[26:16] Advice includes lean into sustainability strategically just like bringing any other product to market.[27:50] Focus on the outcomes and the results for the business that your product will enable. Use sustainability as a differentiator.[28:26] Josh is excited about the concept of urban mining.[29:11] In the west, we have all the stuff that contains all these materials.[31:31] Focus on solutions. [32:44] Josh shares his hope for the future. Sustainability is an opportunity for all ages.Resources: PlantdJosh Dorman - LinkedInSupercoolLazy EnvironmentalistWasteLess SolutionsUpway

What if universities had a smarter way to surface the innovation already happening across their campuses? In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Lehmann, Managing Director of Stargaze at Portal Innovations, and Ashish Uppala, Head of Engineering and Product for Stargaze. Steven brings over a decade of experience in venture building and university innovation ecosystems, including leading the University of Chicago’s $20 million pre-seed fund and authoring the Innovation Ecology Substack. Ashish, a former CTO of scite.ai and an expert in AI and machine learning, combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for mapping biotech innovation. Together, they share how Stargaze is helping universities navigate today’s funding challenges by identifying hidden opportunities in their research ecosystems. From integrating complex data sources to predicting commercialization potential, Stargaze is transforming how institutions connect innovation with impact.In This Episode:[01:50] Portal has been around for about 5 years. The goal has been to build infrastructure that's necessary to commercialize innovation in areas that are over-scienced but underfunded or don't have the resources to take the innovations to market.[02:51] They've been building the infrastructure to get academic ideas for a Series A investment.[03:06] They needed to find the scientist and the ideas to plug into their infrastructure. Stargaze is like Google Maps for innovation.[04:12] Stargaze builds rich maps of scientific ecosystems. They use AI, network science, and reason models.[06:33] Stargaze helps keep track of all the possibilities and move from reactive to proactive.[08:24] They are equipping innovators and scouts with understanding the commercial potential of research.[09:07] They can build a picture to understand the potential landscape.[11:41] We talk about who's working on the project.[13:18] The core of Stargaze is organizing information around innovation so that they can feed it into different matching and scoring algorithms. [15:17] Because of the information they have, they find investors that are interested in whatever the researcher may be working on.[16:55] How Innovation biomarkers can be helpful in an emerging system.[18:47] Finding the signals of who can work together in a meaningful way toward a particular problem.[21:12] We talk about privacy and security. Data and license is scoped to that person or project. [25:26] The recent rate of innovation has been crazy. [27:54] Thinking about synergies and risk to the core business.[29:18] How Tech Transfer professionals can implement Stargaze by signing up to the Stargaze network.[31:48] It's very user friendly.Resources: Steve Lehmann - Portal InnovationsSteven Lehmann - LinkedInAshish UppalaAshish Uppala - Portal InnovationsAshish Uppala - LinkedInStargaze NetworkOpenAlex

The world of software innovation is evolving faster than ever, and Tech Transfer professionals are being asked to make critical decisions around open source, copyright, patents, and AI. In this episode, we take a deep dive into this complex landscape with Dan Dardani, Director of Physical Sciences and Digital Innovations Licensing and Corporate Alliances at Duke University. Dan brings over two decades of experience to the conversation, including nearly 20 years at MIT and his long standing leadership in AUTM’s Software Course Committee.Dan shares his practical insights into how Tech Transfer offices can navigate the tricky decision between copyright and patenting software, how to handle open-source licensing in research environments, and what to consider when commercializing digital tools. He also offers guidance on machine learning and artificial intelligence, addressing real-world questions around IP ownership, data licensing, and the legal gray areas created by emerging technologies.Whether you’re just starting to build policies for software disclosures and AI-related inventions, or you’re looking to refine your office’s strategy, Dan’s perspective is both grounded and forward-thinking. His advice, drawn from decades of hands-on experience, will help you understand not just what’s changing in the digital IP world, but how to keep up and lead through it.In This Episode:[01:57] Patents and copyrights aren't mutually exclusive. They protect different aspects of the software. Software comes with copyright right out of the box.[02:44] Patents are more difficult and more expensive to obtain. Courts have recently made it more difficult, but it still can be done.[03:23] When deciding between copyright or patent, ask what the innovation is. Is it a transformative leap? [04:57] You need to tell a compelling story and emphasize the transformative ability of your software.[05:53] The last thing to consider is if there's a commercialization strategy.[06:48] Examples of software innovations that have met the criteria for patentability. Diamond v. Diehr in the 1980s. Transformative is a key concept in IP thinking.[08:03] We have to be more careful with applying for algorithms now. [09:11] Workhorse apps and code may be more suited for copyright protection than patents.[10:22] Copyright is the first line measure for protecting innovation.[10:46] Open-source is vital to software innovation. Risks dealing with open source innovations include third-party code issues, sponsorship issues and open source compliance issues.[11:45] It's important to not commit copyright infringement by releasing someone else's code.[13:34] Balancing a researcher's desire to use open source licenses and the universities need to protect IP and pursue commercialization. Education and early communication.[15:49] There are multiple ways to license, including dual licensing strategies.[16:14] An example of FFTW using a hybrid licensing model.[18:13] Releasing code as part of the peer review process.[21:55] Focusing on machine learning and AI.[22:07] Addressing IP ownership when working with these technologies. Understanding the difference between being a data producer and a data user.[23:42] It's crucial to understand the layers and document the data sources.[24:24] Navigating inventorship when AI is involved. A human needs to be named the inventor.[26:01] There's going to be an evolution of the laws regarding patents and AI. The laws are going to need to adapt to address inventorship and ownership.[28:26] Advice for TTOs to mitigate risk that might infringe on existing IP. It gets complicated, and the best advice is to start with a clean house.[31:13] Distinguishing between the types of data used for licensing.[33:49] Advice for tech transfer offices that are just beginning to think about these issues and develop policies around proper software hygiene and AI related inventions.Resources: Daniel Dardani - Duke UniversityDaniel Dardani - LinkedInInnovation Without Borders: Insights from the ISTA Forum 2024Diamond v. DiehrFFTW

AI is no longer just a concept in IP. It’s part of how teams work, make decisions and create value. In this episode I talk to Dr. Marcia Chang, VP of IP Operations and Client Success at Tradespace. Dr. Chang has over 20 years of experience in IP strategy, operations and commercialization and has a unique blend of engineering and legal expertise. She has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and a J.D. from Santa Clara University she’s held leadership roles at companies like Applied Materials, Metawave Corporation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. She was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Tech Law. At Tradespace she’s now at the forefront of using AI driven approaches to transform how IP is managed and commercialized. Dr. Chang explains how Tradespace is helping universities and companies streamline the entire IP lifecycle. By using AI to simplify invention disclosures, evaluate technical content and identify commercial opportunities the platform gives IP teams clearer insights and greater strategic impact. For Tech Transfer offices with limited resources and growing demands Tradespace is a practical way to prioritise what matters and move more technologies to real-world application. We discuss adapting to new technology with a curiosity and willingness to learn. Along with practical tips for building smarter, more connected systems. Dr. Chang also reflects on how AI went from being a tool she was sceptical of to one she now advocates for. In This Episode:[01:41] Dr. Chang gives us an overview of Tradespace. Its mission is to empower IP teams to focus on strategy and unlock the value of their portfolios.[02:29] The name Tradespace comes from mapping choices onto a multi-dimensional trade space. Teams can weigh alternatives, trade-offs, and find the optimal path.[03:15] It's their goal to help teams manage IP better and even make IP better.[04:02] Tactically Tradespace can help IP teams translate technical concepts in the business concepts. Strategically they focus on communicating more value.[05:54] They help teams sift through the technical information in a short amount of time.[06:08] Key tools that Tradespace offers. They have tools that help with invention disclosure and use AI to make the submission process easier.[08:34] They have the ability to streamline the entire IP process in a single end-to-end platform.[09:27] The data is also very secure.[10:31] How they help bring innovations to market. They provide AI-assisted commercialization with automatic matching of potential partners along with generating text summaries.[11:57] They've helped customers identify dormant IP assets and uncovered use cases that hadn't been thought of before.[14:22] We talk about the specific ways that AI is reshaping the field of IP management. This includes better portfolio management and faster decision making.[18:22] Getting comfortable with AI begins with education.[20:55] Challenges in tech transfer today include budget restraints and having to do more with less. AI tools can help with the entire process making things faster, cheaper, and better.[23:03] They've seen backlogs cleared. It's like adding a member to your team.[23:57] Potential trends include more transformative technologies unlocking innovation.[26:03] Dr. Chang talks about her inspiration and how she always took the road less traveled.[29:56] Valuable lessons include always being humble.[32:54] Tradespace has unlocked over $100 million of potential revenue for clients. They hope to scale as AI evolves.[34:56] AI is evolving to become a partner in our work.Resources: TradespaceDr. Marcia Chang - LinkedInTomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to your Future

When you start a biotech company, equity isn't just a line on a spreadsheet. It can literally determine who gets to keep pursuing their dream and who has to step aside. In this episode, we're digging into equity distribution, an aspect of launching a startup that's easy to overlook but critically important. It shapes whose ideas ultimately make it from the lab bench to the real world.My guest today is Dr. Jahanara Ali, founder of Longitude Ventures Consulting. Dr. Ali has spent years working with universities, biotech startups, and investors, helping them transform research into successful businesses. Her recent three-part series, "Dividing the Equity Pie," explores how equity was distributed among founders and investors in biotech companies that went public from 2021 to 2023, and her insights reveal some fascinating trends.We'll unpack those insights, explore the differences between companies launched by investors versus those started by founders, and talk honestly about the persistent gender gaps in equity stakes. Whether you're a researcher wondering how equity works, a tech transfer specialist representing inventors, or an entrepreneur setting up your own startup, you'll leave this conversation with practical tips and a clearer understanding of how to manage equity fairly and effectively.In This Episode:[02:08] We learn about how Dr Ali ended up in biotech and venture consulting. She was a scientist but she knew she wanted to move into the business side.[03:14] She began working in Tech Transfer and joined an early stage biotech startup to learn about the business side.[04:02] Through her various experiences she became an expert in equity, licensing, and early stage development.[05:30] She dove deeper and deeper into how to divide equity for biotech companies.[06:02] She discovered that equity was all over the place for academic founders.[07:34] Academic founders usually do better with their equity shares if they negotiate for themselves.[08:52] She discovered that founders who developed foundational IP or an inventor who took an operational role usually end up with more equity than inventors who stay in academia.[09:27] It's important to educate faculty members and licensing offices on this data.[11:12] Advice for academic inventors includes to partner with tech licensing offices but negotiate the equity component separately.[12:05] Key differences between investor-launched and entrepreneur-launched biotech companies.[13:43] Founding investors retained about 30% of equity at IPL. Founding entrepreneurs retained about 14% of equity.[15:13] Companies launched by VCs raised over $100 million. This was a lot more than the entrepreneur launched companies.[16:08] Lessons include understanding how difficult it is to succeed. Have experienced people around you who have done it before.[17:18] Out of 243 founders, only about 51% were on the cap table at IPO. The other 50% just drops off for whatever reason.[18:47] If you're going to raise money, dilution will happen.[19:50] Gender disparities among founders. [20:15] About 85% of the founders were male. Women were 10%. Investors started 5% of the companies.[21:51] Young women should include male mentors in their professional network. [23:19] There are Angel networks that do invest in women entrepreneurs.[24:18] There is an opportunity to standardize academic equity.[25:03] Key insights for academic inventors.Resources: Dr. Jahanara Ali - LinkedInLongitude Ventures Consulting - LinkedIn

When cutting‑edge science collides with the realities of commercialization, tech transfer stops being paperwork and starts shaping the future of innovation. That intersection is exactly where European patent attorney and IPKat writer Rose Hughes has built her career, and today she’s here to break down what the latest headline decisions mean for anyone navigating patents on this side of the Atlantic. Dr. Hughes traces her journey from a PhD in infection‑immunity at University College London to training with Marks & Clerk, six years in‑house at AstraZeneca’s Cambridge R&D hub, and now a role at boutique firm Evolve, all while sharpening her public voice through IPKat’s mentored blogging model. In our conversation, Dr. Hughes unpacks the Enlarged Board’s looming opinion on reading claims in light of the description and why a Philip Morris case shows the hidden danger of boiler‑plate definitions. She explains G 2/21’s guidance on post‑field data using a polymorph dispute where vague promises of stability fell short, and she highlights how the UPC’s early Abbott v Sibio ruling suggests Europe’s new patent court is echoing EPO practice on functional language and added‑matter tests. We also dig into an Amgen peptide‑manufacturing opposition that weighs patent protection against trade secrets, and a recent Board decision where an AI‑driven cell‑analysis method collapsed for lack of technical character and data support.Dr. Hughes offers practical takeaways for university Tech‑Transfer offices from timing filings to fast‑moving science and preparing for AI tools that may automate drudge work but not strategic thinking. Along with candid advice for newcomers on following the science you love and using AI to focus on high‑value patent strategy.In This Episode:[05:16]  Dr. Hughes explains how launching the IPKat blog let her break down complex patent cases, deepen her own understanding, and build a go‑to resource for the European IP community.[08:22] We learn about some interesting cases that Dr Hughes has worked on recently. [09:33] The best IP is going to be grounded in the most exciting and innovative science.[10:06] We discuss some Enlarged Board of Appeals decisions and opinions about descriptions including the Philip Morris tobacco case.[13:05] Her advice is to be aware of boilerplate definitions. Also watch out for AI definitions.[15:15]  A deep dive into the Polymorph Patents ruling. [16:18] The Board of Appeal applying G2/21 said that you can use post-published data, but you can't just base it on sweeping statements in your application. Connect your features with how they are solving a problem.[17:43 ] Insights on the UPC’s Abbott  decision.The new court is likely to follow EPO precedent on added‑matter and claim interpretation.[20:27]  Dr. Hughes talks about an Amgen peptide manufacturing‑method case. [23:47]  A recent Board ruling on AI‑enabled cell‑therapy which uses AI to analyze the cell. (T 0660/22, Cell analysis/NIKON)[26:27]  There will be an increased use of AI tools and there will be challenges with how this is handled. [00:29:08] How tech transfer offices should approach European patent practice. There are significant differences between the two.[30:19]  The gap in antibody claim scope between the US and Europe is widening. [32:07] Predictions for trends and changes that could impact European patent practice and tech transfer in the next few years.[34:16] Advice for new patent attorneys and agents that are entering the field. Focus on the science that you are interested in. Gain as many different experiences as you can.[35:47] AI isn't going to take our jobs away; there will still be a role for patent attorneys. It will  automate the tedious processes.Resources: Dr. Rose Hughes - BloggerRose Hughes - LinkedInEvolve Pharmaceutical IPThe IPKat

This episode will illustrate how scientific research and tech commercialization can create a powerful impact. I'm excited to have Dr. Valwynne Faulkner on the show today. She is a postdoctoral researcher at the Francis Crick Institute and a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovations Fellow. Her fascinating work spans cutting-edge molecular biology research and technology transfer.Val walked me through the work her team is doing with CRISPR to expose new ways of tackling tuberculosis, even the stubborn drug‑resistant strains. She also opened up about how the LifeArc fellowship is pulling her deeper into tech transfer, what she is learning about patents and partnerships, and why she thinks regulators need a seat at the table from day one.Whether you spend your days at the bench or in an office turning ideas into products, Val’s story shows how a curious mind and a collaborative spirit can move discoveries out of the lab and into the world.In This Episode:[01:12] We learn about Dr. Faulkner's current research at the Francis Crick Institute studying mycobacterium tuberculosis. [01:50] At the systems chemical biology lab they are developing CRISPR-based molecular tools that we can use to precisely control and silence genes.[02:13] This helps them understand the functional roles of genes in TB and response to antimicrobial drugs.[03:05] The hope is that the research will uncover new drug targets and help combat antimicrobial drug resistance.[03:46] Dr. Faulkner talks about the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovations Fellowship. It helps teach scientists how to transition into careers within tech transfer. They get formal training and all aspects.[05:14] She learned about the program by chance. LifeArc was at the Francis Crick for a career event. [06:15] Her diverse experience across academia, industry and regulatory labs has given her a holistic perspective on research translation.[07:38] AUTM is a partner with the fellowship and gives them access to all of the online tools and learning centers. Along with excellent mentors and experienced professionals.[08:40] Insights gained from the AUTM 50th event. It's amazing how many stakeholders are involved.[09:37] Bridging the gap between scientific research and commercialization. The AUTM  Annual meeting has been crucial in facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.[10:49] A key challenge is navigating the complicated IP landscape. [11:57] Dr. Faulkner is excited about advancements in antimicrobial drug discovery.[13:04] Advice includes reaching out and asking questions and seeking things like fellowships. Be open to interdisciplinary collaborations.[13:53] The future of research innovation will be shaped by strong academic and commercial partnerships.Resources: Dr. Valwynne Faulkner - Francis Crick InstituteLifeArc

Building inclusive workplaces is not just good ethics, it is a major catalyst for innovation, creativity, and long term success. In this episode we take a closer look at how tech transfer offices can harness the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent and why doing so could transform not just individual careers but entire organizations.My guest is Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain Consulting a UK-based consultancy pioneering neurodiversity inclusion in workplaces worldwide. Andy has spent over a decade helping organizations rethink how they hire, train, and support neurodivergent individuals from private companies to public institutions. His work includes developing the UK Industry Standard Neurodiversity in Events Checklist and advising on strategies that make workplaces more welcoming and effective for all kinds of thinkers. Andy shares how TTOs can create hiring practices that break down barriers, design workspaces that support focus and creativity, and foster cultures where every mind is valued. He explains why adapting communication styles, offering small workplace adjustments, and tracking the right metrics can make a huge difference, and why the business case for neuro inclusion is just as strong as the moral one. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone serious about building innovation ecosystems leaving no talent behind. In This Episode:[02:07] Andy shares why he founded Welcome Brain and some services they provide.[02:42] Andy talks about getting incredible results when tailoring learning for neurodivergent young people.[03:52] They help organizations support neurodiverse individuals within that organization.[04:25] They are currently working with the government with recruitment and hiring.[05:10] As many children are getting diagnosed, so are their parents. There are many neurodivergent adults.[07:37] Neurodiversity means thinking differently. This is what has made America great.[08:53] TTOs are hubs for translating research into real world impact. There are certain skills inherent in neurodivergent people that can be really helpful with systems thinking and seeing things that others miss.[10:23] Innovation is thinking differently. That's what neurodivergent people do. Incredible ideas and tremendous creativity.[11:25] Neurodiverse teams can be more productive. Andy talks about roles that neurodivergent people would excel at.[13:30] We talk about hiring and the recruitment process for neurodivergent people. The job description language, the screening process, and the interview process can filter out neurodivergent people.[15:59] Interview skills aren't the same as the skills required for the job.[16:24] Send interview questions in advance so people can prepare.[18:10] Being neuro inclusive will make you more money. Retention rates are also higher.[21:14] Office space and redesigning workspaces to increase focus. Things that can be done include creating acoustics around each zone.[23:41] Fostering psychological safety for neurodivergent individuals to share their needs and avoid stigma. Seeing other neurodivergent people creates a sense of safety.[27:28] Modeling inclusive behavior to shift team culture.[28:17] Managers need to be involved and communication is key[30:03] We learn about Welcome Brain's Certification Program. The initiatives need to be evaluated and measured.[33:12] We discuss the Neurodiversity In Events Checklist.[38:25] What TTOs should do to start creating neurodivergent inclusive environments. Resources:Welcome Brain Neurodiversity ConsultingAndy Williamson - Welcome Brain Neurodiversity ConsultingWelcome Brain - LinkedInAndy Williamson - LinkedInNeurodiversity In Events Checklist