Dr Fiona Marston is to become LSTM’s Entrepreneur in Residence after being awarded a place on the Royal Society’s scheme for 2021.
As one of sixteen entrepreneurs, senior scientists and business leaders awarded a place for this year’s scheme, the appointment funds Fiona to work with LSTM to support training in commercial translation of innovative research, developing projects that build the entrepreneurial skills of staff and students, as well as their understanding of the scientific challenges being tackled in the innovation sector.
She said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this prestigious grant by the Royal Society and to be working again with LSTM in a new role. Innovation and translation are core aspects of LSTM’s strategic plan and as Entrepreneur in Residence I will support and add to initiatives to enhance entrepreneurial skills in order to achieve greater impact. This will include working closely with Professor Daniela Ferreira and her team in the Clinical Sciences Department and LSTM Accelerator Research Clinic.
Fiona was Director of CEIDR Innovations until November 2020, focusing on commercial translation of infectious diseases research for LSTM and the University of Liverpool, which positions her well for this new role. Through the scheme, Entrepreneurs in Residence are funded to spend one day a week with the partner institution. Since its inception in 2018, the scheme has funded 65 placements in 38 universities across the UK.
Professor Daniela Ferreira said: “We are really excited about being part of the Entrepreneur in Residence scheme and Fiona’s commercial expertise will provide knowledge and expertise that will add value alongside other established LSTM initiatives. Fiona will be able impart knowledge about how to interact with industry, assess if ideas are viable and provide alternative business strategies and ways of securing funding, with students and early career researchers particularly benefiting from her mentoring.”