The Privilege of Working in Technology Transfer with Dr. Alison Campbell, Director of KTI

Even before she expresses it outwardly, it is clear that Alison Campbell is deeply passionate about technology transfer and that working in this field brings her a lot of joy. In today’s episode I have the pleasure of speaking to a woman who was one of the first technology transfer managers at the Medical Research Council and is currently the Director of Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI). KTI is national office which aims to make it easier for companies to connect and engage with publicly funded research, and many countries are now looking to replicate the model which was created by Alison and her team. Alison’s outlook on life involves a combination of being open to serendipity and making one’s own luck. This refreshing perspective, combined with her wide range of experience, makes for a rich and inspirational discussion. Alison and I discuss some of the projects she has worked on in university settings, as a consultant, as part of the Expert Group appointed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, as chair of the board for a number of organizations, and of course, at KTI. She also shares what she believes to be the keys to success, and some of the reasons she feels so privileged to work in the technology transfer industry.  In This Episode:[03:11] Alison explains how she ended up as one of the first managers of technology transfer at the Medical Research Council, and some of the work she did there. [05:44] How Alison feels about her experience working at a university and as a consultant. [06:47] What drove Alison to pursue the position she currently holds at Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI).  [08:23] Some of the reasons that Alison feels so privileged to have been able to work in the technology transfer field.  [11:11] Alison explains why KTI exists, and how this national office fulfils its role.   [13:06] Resources which can be found on the KTI website, and how these make it easier for companies to collaborate with universities. [17:20] The evolution of research commercialization in Ireland. [19:02] One of the recommendations that came out of 2-years’ worth of working group meetings about technology transfer in Ireland. [20:19] Why Alison shaped KTI the way she did, and how she knows she did the right thing. [21:27] How Alison’s office is currently structured and the main pillars of work which she and her team focus on. [23:25] The survey which Alison’s team produces every year, and the reason they do this.  [25:57] Tasks that Alison was involved in as a member of the Expert Group appointed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre in 2019 and 2020. [27:31] Learnings that arose from the research done by the Expert Group. [29:32] Examples of the key knowledge transfer channels which the Expert Group came up with. [31:41] Environments where Alison has seen the greatest level of compliance in terms of collection of data and metrics.  [32:35] Answers you can expect from a publication that will be out by the end of the year.[33:55] Elements that Alison believes form the foundation for success in technology transfer. [36:42] Types of programs in Ireland which focus on enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. [39:47] How Alison became chair of the AUTM board, and her experience in this position.  [42:08] What Alison’s time as chair of the board of ATTP involved.  [43:54] Alison shares her what she worked on while she was chair of the PraxisAuril board.[46:29] Gratitude that Alison feels for her journey in the technology transfer field. [47:20] A major achievement that Alison is extremely proud of.   Find Alison:Email Knowledge Transfer Ireland WebsiteLinkedIn

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