Episodes
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Jelena Aleksic, a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and director at SparkBio.
Jelena shares her fascinating journey from genetics researcher to founder and start-up builder, including the lessons she learned from creating seven businesses across life sciences, tech, and even live entertainment. She opens up about her transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the importance of testing ideas early with customers, and why stepping away from a company can sometimes be the right choice.
We also talk about embracing curiosity, building businesses that align with your passions and strengths, and how finding the right personal fit is key to both success and happiness.
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After nearly two decades in big pharma, Lars van der Veen made the leap to entrepreneurship, co-founding iOnctura, a clinical-stage Biotech developing low-disruption therapies that target the tumour-stroma crosstalk to improve patient outcomes in cancer.
In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Lars shares his journey from medicinal chemist to Biotech CSO, the lessons he learned building a company from scratch, and why taking the leap into Biotech offered him the chance to have real impact. He also talks about the science behind iOnctura’s approach, how focusing on quality of life - not just survival - is shaping the future of oncology, and why every founder needs a plan B.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Juozas Gordevicius, founder of VUGENE, a bioinformatics company making complex multi-omics data analysis accessible to scientists across academia and industry.
Juozas joined us to talk about his unconventional journey from computer science into the world of life sciences, how a chance meeting with an epigenetics professor changed his career path, and the story behind founding VUGENE.
We also discussed the transformative impact of AI and machine learning on omics data, the realities of building a company from scratch, and why hiring that first team member is one of the scariest - but most rewarding - moments for any founder.
This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, and building bridges between technology and biology.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Mirko Buchholz, Co-founder and Managing Director at PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals, a Biotech company on a mission to revolutionize oral health by tackling one of the most widespread and underestimated diseases in the world - periodontitis.
Mirko shares how a passion for chemistry and biology sparked his journey into drug discovery, and how his training in pharmacy gave him the unique ability to translate across scientific disciplines. He takes us through the ups and downs of building PerioTrap, from the science behind their microbiome-preserving approach to gum disease, to winning funding competitions, to a chance investor encounter that doubled their seed round.
We also talk about resilience in Biotech, the realities of raising money for an overlooked therapeutic area, and why Mirko believes patience, curiosity, and adaptability are the essential traits for any scientist considering the leap into entrepreneurship.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Tom meets with Annelise Vuidepot, Chief Technology Officer and UK Site Head at Immunocore, one of the UK’s most successful Biotech companies.
Annelise was there on day one in 2000, when Immunocore spun out from Oxford University, and she’s been at the heart of the company’s pioneering work in T-cell receptor-based therapies ever since. She shares her story of building a new technology from scratch, the long road to Immunocore’s first approved drug, and how the company continues to evolve and innovate across oncology, infectious disease, and now autoimmunity.
We explore what it takes to lead through 25 years of change, how Immunocore maintained a unified culture through hypergrowth, and why curiosity, resilience, and purpose are the keys to a fulfilling scientific career.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Robert Fletcher, co-founder and CEO of Nanolyx, a company developing sustainable antimicrobial technologies that could help solve one of the world’s biggest challenges: antimicrobial resistance.
Robert shares his unconventional path into Biotech - from working every entry-level job under the sun to returning to school in his thirties to study Biochemistry. Now leading a start-up while also working full-time in the lab at an early-stage Flagship Pioneering company, he reflects on the mindset needed to navigate entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and why curiosity is more important than technical skills.
We also dive into the science behind Nanolyx’s unique nanoparticle-based technology, why they pivoted from FDA to EPA approval, and how the company is aiming to tackle everything from hospital infections to sustainability in surface disinfection.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Søren Bregenholt, CEO of Alligator Bioscience, a company developing tumour-directed immunotherapies to treat aggressive cancers such as pancreatic cancer.
Søren shares his journey from academic immunologist to biotech CEO, including pivotal moments in his career - from his experiences at the Pasteur Institute, to building his Biotech education at Symphogen, to navigating the corporate world at Novo Nordisk. He reflects on lessons learned from leadership, fundraising, and decision-making at the top, and the importance of humility, structure, and courage in the face of uncertainty.
We also explore what it really means to be a CEO, why "solving problems is your job," and how to strike the balance between hierarchy and creativity in growing Biotech companies.
A compelling conversation about resilience, reinvention, and leading with clarity in an ever-evolving industry.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma meets with Chelsea Trengrove, CEO & co-founder of Neoclease, a start-up pioneering AI-designed, gene-specific editors that aim to overcome the safety, specificity, and scalability challenges of CRISPR-based therapies.
Chelsea shares how her lifelong fascination with the brain and a PhD in neuroscience evolved into a career at the intersection of deep tech, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. From clinical trials and digital health to strategic partnerships and building a company from the ground up, her journey is a masterclass in adaptability, curiosity, and courage.
She also opens up about the mindset shifts required to become a first-time CEO, the importance of saying yes (even when you’re scared), and why meditation, martial arts, and mentorship have all shaped her leadership style.
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From a childhood hospital bed to the founding of her own Biotech company, Ulrika Norin’s journey into drug discovery has been anything but conventional. In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we speak with the founder and CEO of Serendo Therapeutics about her mission to transform treatment for autoimmune disease - starting with a breakthrough she made during her PhD.
Ulrika shares how a long-standing fascination with the immune system led her to discover Endothelin A2 as a key regulator of autoimmunity, and how that science laid the foundation for Serendo. She talks openly about the leap from scientist to CEO, the pressures of leadership, and what it really means to build something from scratch.
We also explore her time at Karolinska and Omnio, the importance of mentorship and networks, and why the best advice is to follow your gut - even if the path isn’t linear.
If you're curious about what it takes to spin out an idea into a company, balance passion with pressure, and lead with authenticity, this is one for you.
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What happens when a scientist trained in immunology finds herself leading biology at a cutting-edge mRNA Biotech? In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we sit down with Manuela Zonca, VP of Biology at NeoVac, to find out.
Manuela shares her fascinating career journey across Europe - from academia in Spain and France to Biotech leadership in the UK - and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She talks about the importance of following your gut, learning through mistakes, and why adaptability, teamwork, and mentorship are central to scientific success.
We explore Manuela’s role at NeoVac, a clinical-stage company pioneering mRNA delivery for vaccines, autoimmune disease, and more, and how she’s helping expand the platform into new therapeutic areas.
Whether you're thinking about transitioning from academia to industry, building a leadership career in science, or just curious about where mRNA is headed next, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Jostein Dahle, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Wave Therapeutics.
Jostein has spent over two decades in radionuclide therapy, taking discoveries from the lab to patients. Now, he's developing a new treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and challenging brain cancers, using targeted radionuclide therapy derived from Norwegian seaweed.
We talk about his journey from academia to Biotech, the hard lessons of building and scaling a company, and why following the science, staying agile, and knowing when to walk away are critical in drug discovery.
Jostein also shares his experience of entrepreneurship in Biotech, the challenges of funding innovative treatments, and what’s next for Blue Wave as they move towards the clinic.
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This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Karin Conde-Knape, Senior Vice President of Global Drug Discovery at Novo Nordisk.
Karin’s career has taken her from a PhD in cardiovascular science to leadership roles in big pharma, business development, and drug discovery. Now, she oversees early-stage research, external innovation, and portfolio strategy at one of the world’s most successful pharmaceutical companies.
We discuss how Novo Nordisk has transformed over the past seven years, the importance of human-centric drug discovery, and why AI, external partnerships, and a more holistic approach to disease biology are shaping the future of the industry.
Tune in for brilliant insights on navigating an international career, the power of cross-disciplinary thinking, and why leadership in science requires both vision and adaptability.
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This week on Careers in Discovery, we welcome back Dave Hallett, now Chief Scientific Officer at Recursion, following the recent merger with Exscientia.
The last five years have been transformative for Dave, from leading AI-driven drug discovery at Exscientia to navigating one of Biotech’s biggest IPOs and stepping into the CEO role in a challenging market. Now, he’s focused on proving that AI-designed medicines can deliver real impact, with clinical results beginning to emerge.
We discuss the evolution of AI in drug discovery, the lessons Dave has learned leading a publicly listed company, and why the industry must focus on reducing drug development failure rates to make new medicines more accessible.
A fascinating conversation with a leader at the forefront of Biotech innovation.
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This week on Careers in Discovery, Emma sits down with Mikko Turunen, founder and CSO of RNatives, a company pioneering RNA activation for therapeutic use.
Mikko’s journey has taken him from academia to Biotech entrepreneurship, with more than 25 years in gene therapy. He shares the story behind RNatives, the challenges of launching a company in a tough funding climate, and the resilience required to keep going when setbacks arise.
Emma and Mikko talk about navigating the transition from scientist to entrepreneur, building a startup from the ground up, and the importance of networking, persistence, and adaptability in the Biotech world.
This episode offers a candid look at what it takes to turn breakthrough science into a thriving business.
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This week on Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Josef Christensen, Chief Operating Officer at ImmuneAGE Bio.
Josef started out in academia, completing a PhD at Harvard Stem Cell Institute, before moving into consulting, venture capital, pharma, and Biotech startups. Now, he’s leading efforts to rejuvenate the immune system and combat age-related disease.
He shares his journey from scientist to business leader, the challenges of fundraising in today’s climate, and why mentorship, sponsorship, and big pharma experience can be game changers for those looking to enter Biotech.
Josef’s insights are essential listening for scientists, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career transitions in drug discovery.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Tom sits down with Dominique Verhelle, Co-Founder, President and CEO of NextRNA Therapeutics, a company pioneering the use of long non-coding RNAs in drug discovery.
Dominique takes us through her unconventional journey - from aspiring flight attendant to Biotech entrepreneur - sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She talks about the challenges of leading a startup through uncertainty, balancing science and business as both CSO and CEO, and why strategic timing is key in career growth.
We also discuss the evolution of the dark genome field, NextRNA’s recent partnership with Bayer, and what’s next for this exciting company as it moves towards the clinic.
A fascinating conversation on leadership, resilience, and pushing the boundaries of biology.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Christian Schroeter, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Topas Therapeutics.
Christian’s work focuses on developing immune tolerance therapies for autoimmune diseases, using nanoparticle technology to retrain the immune system. With Topas recently completing a Phase 2a trial in coeliac disease, he shares the excitement of leading a Biotech at a critical stage and the challenges of securing funding to drive the next phase of development.
He also reflects on his career journey from academia to Big Pharma and now Biotech, the lessons he’s learned from global leadership roles, and why stepping outside your comfort zone - sometimes into the “crazy” - can lead to the most rewarding opportunities.
If you're interested in the science behind immune tolerance, the transition from pharma to Biotech, and what it takes to navigate a career in life sciences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Theonie Anastassiadis, Senior Principal at Flagship Pioneering and Founding President of Prologue Medicines.
Theonie’s work is all about uncovering ground-breaking biology and turning it into transformative Biotech companies. She shares her journey from academia to venture creation, her experience co-founding multiple Biotech start-ups, and how Prologue Medicines is harnessing viral proteins to develop innovative therapeutics.
She also dives into the importance of culture in scientific innovation, the role of mentorship in shaping careers, and why curiosity is the most powerful tool a scientist can have.
If you're interested in the intersection of cutting-edge science and entrepreneurship, the realities of Biotech leadership, and how to create an impact beyond the lab, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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On this episode of Careers in Discovery, we spoke with Riccardo Panella, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Resalis Therapeutics, and Associate Professor at the Center of RNA Medicine in Copenhagen.
Riccardo shared his journey from academia to Biotech entrepreneurship, discussing how a serendipitous discovery during his postdoctoral research at Harvard led him to explore the role of microRNAs in metabolism. He delved into the challenges and rewards of founding Resalis Therapeutics, highlighting the importance of resilience in securing funding and the differences between academic and commercial science.
We also explored his perspectives on leadership, the value of collaboration, and the advice he would give to early-career scientists.
A compelling conversation about adaptability, perseverance, and the pursuit of translational science.
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This week on Careers in Discovery, we spoke with Graham Dempsey, CSO of Quiver Bioscience, to talk about his journey from a passion for sports medicine to leading a company at the cutting edge of neuroscience drug discovery.
Graham shared how Quiver is combining stem cell models, optogenetics, and AI to study brain diseases at an unprecedented scale, and what he’s learned from spending over a decade growing within the same company, from Senior Scientist to CSO. We also explored the realities of Biotech growth, the challenges of translating research into real-world impact, and why persistence is key to success in this space.
A fascinating insight into the future of brain-targeted drug development.
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