PhD student becomes first Exeter recipient of prestigious innovation fellowship

A University of Exeter PhD student has received a prestigious fellowship that will help him turn promising biosciences research into real-world solutions that benefit patients and society.

Michael Schrauben, who is about to complete his PhD in neuroscience and epigenetics, applied for the LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship after becoming interested in a career in ‘technology transfer’ – working with both academics and industry professionals to develop promising scientific discoveries into life-changing medical treatments.

The prestigious fellowship is delivered in partnership between self-funded charitable medical research organisation LifeArc and AUTM, an association of over 3100 technology transfer professionals.

Michael is passionate about helping science make a positive impact on society, having previously volunteered as a Science Communicator for Alzheimer’s UK and, in May this year, helped to organise and speak at the UK’s Pint of Science festival.

The fellowship provides a fantastic opportunity for Michael to take this passion a step further, with training and industry connections set to kickstart his career in a profession where clear-cut paths are currently hard to find, despite the demand for new talent.

During his 12-month fellowship, Michael will attend several training programmes – including an Essentials Course in Kansas City, Missouri – and develop key skills in drug development, intellectual property, and relationship management. He will also benefit from access to international conferences, a global network of industry professionals, and experienced mentors who will support his career development.

Speaking about his aspirations, Michael said: “I aim to steer innovative research towards tangible patient benefits, with a focus on life science and biotechnology. The fellowship will help me establish my career in the technology transfer sector and give me the essential tools to identify promising scientific discoveries, foster external collaboration and protect the intellectual properties of researchers.”

He continued: “I am grateful to receive such an extensive introduction to the industry, through which I hope to foster a network of experienced technology transfer professionals in the UK and abroad.

Michael Schrauben is one of seventeen recipients of the LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship this year. He joins the ranks of previous LifeArc-AUTM fellows who have gone on to work in Innovation roles at Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Healthcare Research, UCL, the UK government, Roche and Horizon Discovery.

Anji Miller, Programme Director, LifeArc, said: “I am delighted to welcome Michael to the 2023-4 LifeArc AUTM Fellowship Programme. Never has there been a greater need for informed, trained and capable Innovation professionals. Through this fellowship programme we are developing a pipeline of future technology transfer leaders, who will ensure today’s research is tomorrow’s breakthrough.”

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Learn More

More information about the LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship can be found here.

LifeArc is a self-financing charitable medical research organisation, whose ambition is to create life-changing advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

AUTM is a non-profit association of over 3100 technology transfer professionals. They educate, promote and inspire professionals to support the development of academic research that changes the world and drives innovation forward.

The University of Exeter is a world-class research institution, ranking in the Top 150 of the THE and QS World University Rankings. Each year, we deliver over 2000 projects with our partners in government and industry and our researchers have an excellent track record in making valuable contributions to society, economy and the environment.