15/08/2024
Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Officer, Maha Ashraf, has been awarded a Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship at LifeArc, a self-funded, not-for-profit medical research organisation that aims to turn promising scientific breakthroughs into new test, treatments and devices for patients. The year long programme provides fellows with the skills and knowledge to transition into careers in technology transfer through a curriculum that combines formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience in the field.
Fellows receive specialised training, mentoring, access to a network of technology transfer professionals and membership to AUTM and ASTP. Since its launch in 2017, this unique fellowship has trained and supported more than 72 fellows from 11 different European countries to transition into careers supporting the innovation sector. This year the fellowship cohort consists of 17 fellows from six countries.
We asked Maha about the fellowship and her career.
What was your motivation for applying for the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship?
This is actually a long story! After completing an internship at King's Innovation at King’s College London, I connected with Anji Miller, Senior Business Manager for Tech Transfer and Program Manager for the LifeArc Fellowship programme online through my mentor Monique. Anji's guidance and encouragement during that initial conversation sparked my interest in exploring new opportunities, particularly around innovation and knowledge transfer.
Although I had started working at St. George's Hospital in their enterprise and IP team, the nature of my role there made it difficult for me to apply for a fellowship program at the time. In 2023 I joined Â鶹ÊÓƵ, at the start of my new role there was a lot to learn and I was taking on new challenges so the idea of the fellowship program almost slipped my mind.
It was my colleague Francois-Xavier, the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Commercialisation Manager, who made me reconsider pursuing the fellowship. He believed I would be a great fit and encouraged me to attend the LifeArc innovation courses. I reconnected with Anji and after speaking with her again I was convinced that the fellowship program was the right next step for me. Anji's confidence in my potential, combined with Francois Xavier 's support ultimately motivated me to apply. I was thrilled when I was accepted into the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship program.
What are you looking forward to most about the programme?
I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to participate in this comprehensive fellowship program, which is clearly designed to equip academic life scientists and non-scientists like myself with the right skillset and real-world experience needed to transition into successful careers in technology transfer and innovation.
The fact that the curriculum combines formal training, networking, mentorship, and hands-on projects is exactly what appeals to me most. I'm eager to learn from the expertise of AUTM and ASTP, two global organisations in this field. The chance to become a part of these extensive networks and learn best practices from other professionals is invaluable.
In particular, I'm very much looking forward to the mentorship component of the fellowship. Having the guidance and support of experienced mentors like those at LifeArc will be instrumental in helping me navigate the complex landscape of technology commercialisation and Intellectual Property management. I'm confident their insights and coaching will be essential in developing the strategic and entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in this domain.
Just as exciting is the prospect of collaborating with the other fellows in the program! The diversity of backgrounds and perspectives represented, with participants from eleven different European countries, will lead to rich discussions and innovative ideas. I'm eager to learn from my peers and build a strong network of fellow innovators and change-makers.
Ultimately, my ambition is to be able to apply my learnings to my role at Babraham Â鶹ÊÓƵ and to support my team better.
Could you tell us a bit about your career interests? And who inspires you.
My career interests have been shaped by the many inspiring individuals I've had the privilege of connecting with, both through my work and at various networking events. What truly excites me is the opportunity to play a role in translating innovative and impactful ideas from the lab into real-world applications that can tangibly improve people's lives.
I'm particularly passionate about using my skills and knowledge to help bridge the gap between Eastern and Western countries when it comes to accessing cutting-edge therapies and solutions. I believe technology transfer is a tremendously powerful field that can facilitate cross-cultural collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the creation of sustainable innovations that are affordable and accessible for communities around the globe.
This is the type of meaningful, purpose-driven work that inspires me, and I'm eager to further develop the specialised skills and industry connections needed to excel as a knowledge transfer professional. The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship represents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate my growth in this direction.
Press contact
Honor Pollard, Communications Officer, honor.pollard@babraham.ac.uk
Image description: Maha Ashraf with a view of Babraham Hall behind.
About Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Â鶹ÊÓƵ undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through Â鶹ÊÓƵ Strategic Programme Grants and an Â鶹ÊÓƵ Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.
About LifeArc and the fellowship
LifeArc is a self-funded, not-for-profit medical research organisation and charity. We take science ideas out of the lab and help turn them into medical breakthroughs that can be life-changing for patients. We have been doing this for more than 25 years and our work has resulted in five licensed medicines, including cancer drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), lecanemab for Alzheimer’s (Leqembi), and a diagnostic for antibiotic resistance.
Our teams are experts in drug and diagnostics discovery, technology transfer, and intellectual property. Our work is in translational science – bridging the gap between academic research and clinical development, providing funding, research and expert knowledge, all with a clear and unwavering commitment to having a positive impact on patient lives. 
The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship (formerly, the Life arc AUTM Fellowships) is a training programme designed equip academic life scientists, at the graduate or post-doctoral level, with the skills and knowledge to transition into careers in technology transfer. The curriculum combines formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience in the field. The programme is delivered by LifeArc in collaboration with key partners, AUTM and ASTP.
About AUTM AUTM is the non-profit leader in efforts to educate, promote and inspire professionals to support the development of academic research that changes the world and drives innovation forward. Its community is comprised of more than 3,000 members who work in more than 800 universities, research centres, hospitals, businesses and government organisations around the globe.
About ASTP
ASTP is the pan-European non-profit members’ association of professionals involved in knowledge transfer among universities and industry. Established in 2000 by a group of leading practitioners across Europe, ASTP’s focus is to further improve the quality of impact that public research has on the economy and society through training, networking and advocacy. Its community comprises over 1,600 knowledge transfer professionals from 44 countries, across 4 continents drawn from universities, research centres, hospitals and industry.
15 August 2024