Training Suite – Module 7 Deep Dive
- Date: 1 October 2026
- Time: 11:00-12:00 CEST
- Level: Intermediate Tier
Format: Interactive Fireside Chat + Q&A Session
This IAM4RE Deep Dive builds on Module 7 of the Training Suite: Business Development – Operationalising Valorisation, taking participants beyond theory to explore the practical realities of translating research and innovation results into societal and economic impact. Rather than a traditional lecture, this session will take the form of an interactive fireside chat with Anji Miller from LifeArc, offering participants the opportunity to hear first-hand how business development and knowledge valorisation are approached in practice.
Drawing on her extensive background in translating academic research into societal and patient benefit across the life sciences sector, the conversation will centre on practical approaches to learning and gaining the necessary translational skills. Through a conversation grounded in real-world experience, the session will explore how research outputs are assessed, positioned and matched with appropriate commercialisation pathways. It will also specifically examine the training, mentorship, and fellowship support mechanisms that enable professionals to build their translational capabilities and move promising results beyond the laboratory.
The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to discuss their own challenges and engage directly with the speaker.
What will be discussed?
The fireside chat will explore topics including:
- Practical approaches to acquiring the skills and knowledge required to operationalise knowledge valorisation and business development.
- How organisations such as LifeArc support the translation of intellectual assets into societal and economic impact through structured training, skills development, and translational fellowship programmes.
- Mentorship strategies and where researchers, innovators and technology transfer professionals can access support across the innovation ecosystem.
- Practical considerations when navigating commercialisation decisions, stakeholder engagement and partnership development, particularly regarding intellectual property strategy, licensing, and business development.
- The importance of negotiation, systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration in successful valorisation.
- Real-world lessons learned from supporting research translation and innovation uptake across the life sciences and healthcare technologies sectors.
Who should attend
- Researchers and innovators
- Technology transfer and knowledge valorisation professionals
- Business development and exploitation managers
- Research support and innovation offices
- Start-ups and spin-offs originating from research projects
- EU project coordinators and partners
- Anyone interested in the practical implementation of research valorisation strategies
Anji Miller
MSc, PhD, CLP, RTTP (She/Her) Associate Director, Academic Engagement & Programme Director, Translational Fellowships, LifeArc, UK
Anji Miller is an accomplished innovation leader with more than 20 years of experience translating academic research into societal and patient benefit across the life sciences sector. She has extensive expertise in intellectual property strategy and transactions, licensing, business development, strategic partnerships, translational funding, and the commercialisation of healthcare technologies.
As Associate Director of Academic Engagement at LifeArc, Anji leads strategic initiatives that strengthen translational capability across the research ecosystem. She is responsible for LifeArc's translational skills and fellowship programmes, building international partnerships that support the development of future innovation leaders and accelerate the translation of biomedical research. She also provides leadership across key elements of LifeArc's translational portfolio and contributes to organisational policy engagement and sector-wide skills development initiatives.
Passionate about professional development within knowledge exchange and technology transfer, Anji draws upon her experience in translational research, intellectual property management, licensing, company creation, and innovation leadership to support and mentor emerging innovation professionals worldwide. She is Programme Director of LifeArc's Translational Fellowship programmes and leads initiatives advancing innovation and skills development within the advanced therapies and gene therapy sectors. A strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Anji is co-founder of Global Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Technology Transfer (GEDITT), an international initiative dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusive practice across the innovation ecosystem. She works closely with industry, academia, funding organisations, and professional associations to advance EDI strategies, strengthen innovation capability, and support a more inclusive research and commercialisation environment.
Anji holds an MSc in Human Molecular Genetics and a PhD in Cancer Genetics from Imperial College London, together with an MSc and Certificate in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary University of London. She is a PRINCE2-certified project manager, a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), and a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP). An internationally recognised leader in knowledge exchange and technology transfer, Anji serves in numerous advisory and governance roles across the public and private sectors. She is Chair of the Licensing Executive Society International (LESI) Life Sciences Committee, Secretary of the Board of the Certified Licensing Professionals, a member of the BioIndustry Association Cell & Gene Therapy Advisory Committee, and actively contributes to initiatives that shape the future of innovation, translational research, and professional development globally.