Dr. Kornelia Mikuła, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, has been one of the seventeen scientists honoured with the prestigious LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship.
The award, given for the first time to a fellow from a Polish institute, is provided by LifeArc – a self-funded, non-profit medical research organization dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into practical solutions. “Over the next year (2024/2025), in collaboration with LifeArc’s partners including AUTM, ASTP, these fellows will be guided, trained, challenged and mentored as they progress and become future innovation leaders,” says Dr. Anji Miller, the Programme Director.
What is the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation?
LifeArc is a self-funded, not-for-profit medical research charity organization dedicated to transforming scientific concepts into impactful medical advancements. The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship supports the development of individuals involved in technology transfer offering funding, research support, and specialised knowledge. Since it commenced in 2017, the fellowship has supported more than 72 individuals from 11 European countries in enhancing their skills and knowledge in the innovation sector.
Each year 17 individuals gain access to valuable resources, such as webinars organised by two renowned associations – the American AUTM and the European ASTP. Fellows are welcome to participate in numerous in-person events, creating a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and establish valuable professional connections.
Additionally, each participant receives support from two mentors: one of them is a program alumnus who shares experiences, advice, and helps maximise the opportunities provided by the fellowship; the other one is an expert in technology transfer, often someone who runs a large Technology Transfer Office at an American university. Mentors challenge, motivate, and push fellows beyond their comfort zones, fostering their professional and personal development.
What does it mean for Dr Mikuła?
Dr. Mikuła, who has been running the Technology Transfer Office since April 2024, admits: ”I am truly honoured to be awarded the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship. It is a great opportunity to receive formal training by the best in the technology and knowledge transfer field including AUTM, ASTP and LifeArc experts. The most important parts for me are the mentoring and networking, as these are crucial for establishing a strong foundation for a successful research valorisation. I am sure that the fellowship and all that it brings will be a major stepping stone not only in my career, but also in IIMCB’s journey to bring great scientific solutions to benefit the whole society”.
The reason why Dr. Mikuła applied for LifeArc Fellowship was to gain knowledge and expertise from experienced, world-renowned specialists. She also wanted to establish international contacts through the process of creating and valorising inventions, mutual assistance, and joint work in projects.
Dr. Mikuła hopes that her representing the Polish institute will help place the Technology Transfer Office on the international map of institutes dealing with the commercialisation of science. She is eager to share the knowledge she has gained not only in her Institute, but also beyond its walls. In 2025 she is planning to launch a course in the field of technology transfer, which will be aimed at people considering a career change, so the knowledge and experience gained through the LifeArc Fellowship will come in handy.
Dr. Kornelia Mikuła, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw
More:
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anji-miller-ph-d-clp-rttp-4671991_technologytransfer-stemcareers-knowledgetransfer-activity-7229861828862873600-4O5a?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/news-press-office/2444-kornelia-mikula-awarded-the-lifearc-knowledge-transfer-innovation-fellowship
- https://www.lifearc.org/careers/early-careers/knowledge-transfer-innovation-fellowship/
- https://kobieta.rp.pl/nauka/art41326891-dr-kornelia-mikula-z-prestizowym-stypendium-lifearc-tworze-cos-naprawde-potrzebnego
- lifearc.org
- https://www.lifearc.org/careers/early-careers/knowledge-transfer-innovation-fellowship/
