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 through a curriculum that combines formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience in the field.
It is supported by the AUTM Foundation and ASTP.
Duration: 12 months
Applications Closed
25.4%
of our fellows are from an underrepresented ethnic minority group
29.8%
of our fellows are based in non-UK Europe, on average. In 2023 alone, this figure was 41%.
Who can apply for a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship?
Are you an academic scientist, at the graduate or post-doctoral level in life sciences, with little (less than a year) or no direct work experience in technology transfer who has a passion for innovation, and would like to train to become a technology transfer professional?
If so, our technology transfer fellowship programme provides fast track training into the world of technology transfer – helping to ensure the great science can make a real difference to patients’ lives.
Each fellow receives
- One year AUTM membership, plus access to AUTM’s Technology Transfer Practice Manual and 90+ webinars
- One year ASTP membership and access to ASTP platform
- Attendance at specialised training courses delivered by experts
- Access to wide network of technology transfer professionals
- Attendance to a unique Technology Transfer Speaker Series delivered by global experts
- Guidance and support for preparing and submitting the application for the Candidate RTTP
- Guidance and support throughout the programme
Mentoring
- Support and guidance from a matched mentors throughout the training programme.
Attendance at international technology transfer events
Registration, hotels and airfare are covered for:
- ASTP Fundamentals in Technology Transfer Course – 27 to 29 November, Zagreb, Croatia
- AUTM’s 2025 Annual Meeting, 2 to 5 March 2025, Washington, D.C.
- A major European Technology Transfer Conference i.e. ASTP annual Conference, May 2025
The selection process
Applications will be evaluated by a joint selection panel who will award up to 17 fellowships, at least two of which will be awarded to non-UK Europe residing applicants.
What our past fellows say
Past fellows have gone on to prominent technology transfer roles. Find out more about their experiences on the programme below.
Thomas
“The guidance from LifeArc and AUTM, the overall support and atmosphere during the fellowship and far beyond is overwhelming.”
Connie
“I expected formal training sessions and meetings every couple of weeks, but my expectations were far exceeded.”
2024 to 2025 programme
| Date | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15 August 2024 | Welcome meeting | Virtual |
| 27 to 29 November 2024 | Fundamentals of technology transfer essentials | Zagreb, Croatia |
| 2 to 5 March | AUTM Annual Conference | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington, D.C. |
| 2 March 2025 (date tbc) | Choice of technology valuation or technology marketing course (taken as a preconference course) | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington, D.C. |
| 3 March 2025 | Negotiation course (taken within the AUTM conference) | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington, D.C. |
| 21 to 23 May 2025 | ASTP Annual Conference | Vilnius, Lithuania |
FAQs
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 devotes 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.
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.
I have experience working in a technology transfer/innovation office, can I apply for the fellowship?
This programme is designed to assist academic scientists to transition to 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.
Who to contact
-
Anji Miller
Read bio: Anji Miller
More career opportunities
Fellowship opportunities
Industrial placement opportunities
OAG Internships
Contact us
In submitting your personal data via this form, you consent to being contacted via the details provided so that your enquiry can be responded to. If you would like your data to be removed, please email info@lifearc.org.
Please see our Privacy Policy in relation to the personal data you submit to us through this page.