LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship
Dr Anastassia Kostenko will join the early-career scheme for fast-track training in technology transfer.
20 August 2024
IP and Commercialisation manager Dr Anastassia Kostenko has been awarded a prestigious LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship.
The 12-month programme is for academic scientists with less than a year’s experience of technology transfer but who would like to advance a career in the field.
The Fellowship is awarded by LifeArc, a charity working to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient need. The scheme is supported by the US and European technology transfer organisations, AUTM Foundation and ASTP.
As part of the programme, Anastassia will attend international technology training and events in Croatia, the USA, and Lithuania. Mentoring and access to online materials are also available to support Anastassia in beginning the journey to achieving the international professional standard Registered Technology Transfer professional status (RTTP).
Driving economic growth and societal advancement
Speaking about the Fellowship award, Anastassia said: “Throughout my PhD I took every opportunity I could find to learn more about innovation and enterprise. At every step I learned more about the challenges and opportunities when moving academic research into real-world applications.”
“Technology transfer holds immense potential to drive innovation, economic growth and societal advancement.
“The combination of working with both world-leading research but also commercial impact is really exciting.”
Anastassia’s PhD research in cell and gene therapy included biobank development and working closely with Newcastle University spin-out company, Atelerix before joining the University’s Business Development and Enterprise team.
Technology transfer at the core of knowledge exchange
Newcastle University Business Development Manager Dr Matt Abbott RTTP said: “The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship is known internationally for being a high-quality programme that accelerates early-career colleagues wanting to work in technology transfer.
“Licensing technologies to public and private organisations is a key aspect of the Knowledge Exchange Framework, the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey and, in turn, the Higher Education Innovation Fund awards.
“At the heart of our success in those things is our team of specialist business development managers.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Anastassia grow in her role and sharing insights and experience with the wider team.”
Newcastle University holds almost 400 patents and has c.200 licensing agreements with businesses and non-commercial organisations. Notable licensing success stories include the ovarian cancer therapeutic Rubraca and working with P&G to improve laundry product performance.
