Did you ever wonder what the career path looks like for a scientist? The academic system can feel obscure to outsiders and not easy to get into. To scientists themselves, it can create uncertainty and is also fiercely competitive. In this conversation, we talk to Dr. Ian Cameron (@ian_gm_cameron). Ian works at the exciting interface between academia, entrepreneurship, industry and society. We discuss the ‘standard’ career path, transfer of knowledge to society, and the relationship of academia and industry.