Ffion Walters, who is currently studying her PhD at Swansea University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Centre for Nano Health, has been awarded a LifeArc-AUTM Technology Transfer Career Training Fellowship.
LifeArc have confirmed that Ffion is not only the first fellow from Swansea University, but also the first in Wales.
The one-year LifeArc-AUTM Fellows Programme 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. Past fellows have gone on to prominent technology transfer roles.
The fellowship programme was developed by and is delivered through a collaboration between LifeArc and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) Foundation.
To date, the programme has trained 29 fellows from 7 European countries, to become technology transfer professionals.
This year, the cohort consists of 11 fellows from 4 European countries.
Ffion Walters, said:
"This is a great opportunity to not only increase my knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of technology transfer, but also presents a rare opportunity to meet and learn from experienced technology transfer professionals both in the UK and abroad.
“This fellowship will be invaluable for me to build on my experience towards my long-term career goals in technology transfer and the commercialisation of innovative products in the life science and biotechnology spaces".
Prof Owen Guy – Head of Chemistry, Swansea University, said:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for Ffion, which will develop her skill set in technology transfer, commercialisation and as an innovator and feed into collaborative research – which Swansea University is renowned for”.
Dr Anji Miller – Senior Business Manager, Technology Transfer at LifeArc, said:
“The success of this programme is based on each fellow understanding the technology transfer sector and building on their skills and knowledge to address the sector needs. We are delighted to welcome Ffion to the LifeArc AUTM Technology Transfer Fellowship programme and look forward to working with her to enable her to reach her full potential in this field.”
Ffion Walters is also an Innovation Technologist at the Healthcare Technology Centre, which is based at Swansea University’s singleton campus.
The Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) is led by Swansea University Medical School as a proud partner of the £24 million pan-Wales Accelerate programme.
HTC supports the translation of promising ideas from the life science, health, and care sectors in Wales into new products, processes, and services, aiming to create long-lasting economic value alongside broader societal benefits.
