When you start a biotech company, equity isn't just a line on a spreadsheet. It can literally determine who gets to keep pursuing their dream and who has to step aside. In this episode, we're digging into equity distribution, an aspect of launching a startup that's easy to overlook but critically important. It shapes whose ideas ultimately make it from the lab bench to the real world.

My guest today is Dr. Jahanara Ali, founder of Longitude Ventures Consulting. Dr. Ali has spent years working with universities, biotech startups, and investors, helping them transform research into successful businesses. Her recent three-part series, "Dividing the Equity Pie," explores how equity was distributed among founders and investors in biotech companies that went public from 2021 to 2023, and her insights reveal some fascinating trends.

We'll unpack those insights, explore the differences between companies launched by investors versus those started by founders, and talk honestly about the persistent gender gaps in equity stakes. Whether you're a researcher wondering how equity works, a tech transfer specialist representing inventors, or an entrepreneur setting up your own startup, you'll leave this conversation with practical tips and a clearer understanding of how to manage equity fairly and effectively.

In This Episode:

[02:08] We learn about how Dr Ali ended up in biotech and venture consulting. She was a scientist but she knew she wanted to move into the business side.

[03:14] She began working in Tech Transfer and joined an early stage biotech startup to learn about the business side.

[04:02] Through her various experiences she became an expert in equity, licensing, and early stage development.

[05:30] She dove deeper and deeper into how to divide equity for biotech companies.

[06:02] She discovered that equity was all over the place for academic founders.

[07:34] Academic founders usually do better with their equity shares if they negotiate for themselves.

[08:52] She discovered that founders who developed foundational IP or an inventor who took an operational role usually end up with more equity than inventors who stay in academia.

[09:27] It's important to educate faculty members and licensing offices on this data.

[11:12] Advice for academic inventors includes to partner with tech licensing offices but negotiate the equity component separately.

[12:05] Key differences between investor-launched and entrepreneur-launched biotech companies.

[13:43] Founding investors retained about 30% of equity at IPL. Founding entrepreneurs retained about 14% of equity.

[15:13] Companies launched by VCs raised over $100 million. This was a lot more than the entrepreneur launched companies.

[16:08] Lessons include understanding how difficult it is to succeed. Have experienced people around you who have done it before.

[17:18] Out of 243 founders, only about 51% were on the cap table at IPO. The other 50% just drops off for whatever reason.

[18:47] If you're going to raise money, dilution will happen.

[19:50] Gender disparities among founders. 

[20:15] About 85% of the founders were male. Women were 10%. Investors started 5% of the companies.

[21:51] Young women should include male mentors in their professional network. 

[23:19] There are Angel networks that do invest in women entrepreneurs.

[24:18] There is an opportunity to standardize academic equity.

[25:03] Key insights for academic inventors.

Resources: 

Dr. Jahanara Ali - LinkedIn

Longitude Ventures Consulting - LinkedIn

When cutting‑edge science collides with the realities of commercialization, tech transfer stops being paperwork and starts shaping the future of innovation. That intersection is exactly where European patent attorney and IPKat writer Rose Hughes has built her career, and today she’s here to break down what the latest headline decisions mean for anyone navigating patents on this side of the Atlantic. 

Dr. Hughes traces her journey from a PhD in infection‑immunity at University College London to training with Marks & Clerk, six years in‑house at AstraZeneca’s Cambridge R&D hub, and now a role at boutique firm Evolve, all while sharpening her public voice through IPKat’s mentored blogging model. In our conversation, Dr. Hughes unpacks the Enlarged Board’s looming opinion on reading claims in light of the description and why a Philip Morris case shows the hidden danger of boiler‑plate definitions. 

She explains G 2/21’s guidance on post‑field data using a polymorph dispute where vague promises of stability fell short, and she highlights how the UPC’s early Abbott v Sibio ruling suggests Europe’s new patent court is echoing EPO practice on functional language and added‑matter tests. We also dig into an Amgen peptide‑manufacturing opposition that weighs patent protection against trade secrets, and a recent Board decision where an AI‑driven cell‑analysis method collapsed for lack of technical character and data support.

Dr. Hughes offers practical takeaways for university Tech‑Transfer offices from timing filings to fast‑moving science and preparing for AI tools that may automate drudge work but not strategic thinking. Along with candid advice for newcomers on following the science you love and using AI to focus on high‑value patent strategy.

In This Episode:

[05:16]  Dr. Hughes explains how launching the IPKat blog let her break down complex patent cases, deepen her own understanding, and build a go‑to resource for the European IP community.

[08:22] We learn about some interesting cases that Dr Hughes has worked on recently. 

[09:33] The best IP is going to be grounded in the most exciting and innovative science.

[10:06] We discuss some Enlarged Board of Appeals decisions and opinions about descriptions including the Philip Morris tobacco case.

[13:05] Her advice is to be aware of boilerplate definitions. Also watch out for AI definitions.

[15:15]  A deep dive into the Polymorph Patents ruling. 

[16:18] The Board of Appeal applying G2/21 said that you can use post-published data, but you can't just base it on sweeping statements in your application. Connect your features with how they are solving a problem.

[17:43 ] Insights on the UPC’s Abbott  decision.The new court is likely to follow EPO precedent on added‑matter and claim interpretation.

[20:27]  Dr. Hughes talks about an Amgen peptide manufacturing‑method case. 

[23:47]  A recent Board ruling on AI‑enabled cell‑therapy which uses AI to analyze the cell. (T 0660/22, Cell analysis/NIKON)

[26:27]  There will be an increased use of AI tools and there will be challenges with how this is handled. 

[00:29:08] How tech transfer offices should approach European patent practice. There are significant differences between the two.

[30:19]  The gap in antibody claim scope between the US and Europe is widening. 

[32:07] Predictions for trends and changes that could impact European patent practice and tech transfer in the next few years.

[34:16] Advice for new patent attorneys and agents that are entering the field. Focus on the science that you are interested in. Gain as many different experiences as you can.

[35:47] AI isn't going to take our jobs away; there will still be a role for patent attorneys. It will  automate the tedious processes.

Resources: 

Dr. Rose Hughes - Blogger

Rose Hughes - LinkedIn

Evolve Pharmaceutical IP

The IPKat

This episode will illustrate how scientific research and tech commercialization can create a powerful impact. I'm excited to have Dr. Valwynne Faulkner on the show today. She is a postdoctoral researcher at the Francis Crick Institute and a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovations Fellow. Her fascinating work spans cutting-edge molecular biology research and technology transfer.

Val walked me through the work her team is doing with CRISPR to expose new ways of tackling tuberculosis, even the stubborn drug‑resistant strains. She also opened up about how the LifeArc fellowship is pulling her deeper into tech transfer, what she is learning about patents and partnerships, and why she thinks regulators need a seat at the table from day one.

Whether you spend your days at the bench or in an office turning ideas into products, Val’s story shows how a curious mind and a collaborative spirit can move discoveries out of the lab and into the world.

In This Episode:

[01:12] We learn about Dr. Faulkner's current research at the Francis Crick Institute studying mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

[01:50] At the systems chemical biology lab they are developing CRISPR-based molecular tools that we can use to precisely control and silence genes.

[02:13] This helps them understand the functional roles of genes in TB and response to antimicrobial drugs.

[03:05] The hope is that the research will uncover new drug targets and help combat antimicrobial drug resistance.

[03:46] Dr. Faulkner talks about the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovations Fellowship. It helps teach scientists how to transition into careers within tech transfer. They get formal training and all aspects.

[05:14] She learned about the program by chance. LifeArc was at the Francis Crick for a career event. 

[06:15] Her diverse experience across academia, industry and regulatory labs has given her a holistic perspective on research translation.

[07:38] AUTM is a partner with the fellowship and gives them access to all of the online tools and learning centers. Along with excellent mentors and experienced professionals.

[08:40] Insights gained from the AUTM 50th event. It's amazing how many stakeholders are involved.

[09:37] Bridging the gap between scientific research and commercialization. The AUTM  Annual meeting has been crucial in facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.

[10:49] A key challenge is navigating the complicated IP landscape. 

[11:57] Dr. Faulkner is excited about advancements in antimicrobial drug discovery.

[13:04] Advice includes reaching out and asking questions and seeking things like fellowships. Be open to interdisciplinary collaborations.

[13:53] The future of research innovation will be shaped by strong academic and commercial partnerships.

Resources: 

Dr. Valwynne Faulkner - Francis Crick Institute

LifeArc

Building inclusive workplaces is not just good ethics, it is a major catalyst for innovation, creativity, and long term success. In this episode we take a closer look at how tech transfer offices can harness the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent and why doing so could transform not just individual careers but entire organizations.

My guest is Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain Consulting a UK-based consultancy pioneering neurodiversity inclusion in workplaces worldwide. Andy has spent over a decade helping organizations rethink how they hire, train, and support neurodivergent individuals from private companies to public institutions. His work includes developing the UK Industry Standard Neurodiversity in Events Checklist and advising on strategies that make workplaces more welcoming and effective for all kinds of thinkers. 

Andy shares how TTOs can create hiring practices that break down barriers, design workspaces that support focus and creativity, and foster cultures where every mind is valued. He explains why adapting communication styles, offering small workplace adjustments, and tracking the right metrics can make a huge difference, and why the business case for neuro inclusion is just as strong as the moral one. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone serious about building innovation ecosystems leaving no talent behind.

In This Episode:

[02:07] Andy shares why he founded Welcome Brain and some services they provide.

[02:42] Andy talks about getting incredible results when tailoring learning for neurodivergent young people.

[03:52] They help organizations support neurodiverse individuals within that organization.

[04:25] They are currently working with the government with recruitment and hiring.

[05:10] As many children are getting diagnosed, so are their parents. There are many neurodivergent adults.

[07:37] Neurodiversity means thinking differently. This is what has made America great.

[08:53] TTOs are hubs for translating research into real world impact. There are certain skills inherent in neurodivergent people that can be really helpful with systems thinking and seeing things that others miss.

[10:23] Innovation is thinking differently. That's what neurodivergent people do. Incredible ideas and tremendous creativity.

[11:25] Neurodiverse teams can be more productive. Andy talks about roles that neurodivergent people would excel at.

[13:30] We talk about hiring and the recruitment process for neurodivergent people. The job description language, the screening process, and the interview process can filter out neurodivergent people.

[15:59] Interview skills aren't the same as the skills required for the job.

[16:24] Send interview questions in advance so people can prepare.

[18:10] Being neuro inclusive will make you more money. Retention rates are also higher.

[21:14] Office space and redesigning workspaces to increase focus. Things that can be done include creating acoustics around each zone.

[23:41] Fostering psychological safety for neurodivergent individuals to share their needs and avoid stigma. Seeing other neurodivergent people creates a sense of safety.

[27:28] Modeling inclusive behavior to shift team culture.

[28:17] Managers need to be involved and communication is key

[30:03] We learn about Welcome Brain's Certification Program. The initiatives need to be evaluated and measured.

[33:12] We discuss the Neurodiversity In Events Checklist.

[38:25] What TTOs should do to start creating neurodivergent inclusive environments.

Resources:

Welcome Brain Neurodiversity Consulting

Andy Williamson - Welcome Brain Neurodiversity Consulting

Welcome Brain - LinkedIn

Andy Williamson - LinkedIn

Neurodiversity In Events Checklist

Innovation isn’t just evolving—it’s accelerating, fragmenting, and reshaping everything in its path. In this episode, we dive into what that means for the world of technology transfer, where traditional systems are being pushed to adapt or risk falling behind. If you’ve ever wondered how Tech Transfer Offices can keep up with the chaos of rapid innovation, this conversation will give you both clarity and direction.

Our guest is Nick Webb, a bestselling author, futurist, and innovation strategist who has worked with some of the world’s top brands and holds more than 40 patents. He’s written influential books like The Innovation Mandate and What Customers Crave and leads consulting work that helps organizations future-proof their approach to innovation. In this episode, he brings that expertise to the challenges and opportunities facing universities and research institutions today.

Nick talks about how TTOs can streamline operations, embrace smart automation, and build internal communication strategies that actually work. He shares how commercialization can be both profitable and socially impactful, how to better engage inventors in the process, and why building strong industry partnerships is no longer optional. It’s a fast-paced, eye-opening discussion for anyone working at the intersection of research and real-world impact.

In This Episode:

[01:44] His book, Chaotic Change was a look back at his 44 years in the innovation space. Things we're slow and small. When the internet came out everything was connected and digitized. Things became fast and big.

[02:37] TTOs need to develop best practices and technologies to handle the amount and volume of a super complicated landscape.

[03:02] With the AI shift and the next wave of chaos we'll see rapid adoption of new best practices, technologies, and systems.

[03:41] One of the biggest inefficiencies is bureaucracy.

[04:24] The importance of communicating to leaders and selling value as TTOs. The technology to accelerate is also important.

[05:09] Commercialization is the ultimate force of impact. 

[06:06] Nick runs an AI lab and talks about the impact of AI Tech Transfer. We also need to keep our real intelligence in the process.

[08:30] Nick talks about protecting IP for commercial success. Great strategic partners are a big help.

[09:53] This would be a good time to reevaluate policies to see if it's a document that will increase technology licensing.

[10:49] The importance of internal communication strategies for TTO offices.

[11:34] Innovation Superstar Bootcamp has a master's and a startup program. It's about making the complexity of innovation management fun and understandable.

[14:02] Striking the right balance between licensing startups and open Innovation models.

[15:43] Collaborations and making the best partnerships work.

[18:02] Practical steps to optimize operations without sacrificing impact. It starts with having a strategic plan.

[19:26] Getting researchers interested in the commercialization process and thinking beyond their labs.

[20:52] Lessons from Innovation Mandate that can be applied to TTOs to modernize their operations.

[21:43] Taking a triage approach towards everything.

[22:35] Don't waste time on technologies that don't stand a chance. Fast track methodologies. Sell your value proposition to get permission to move.

[24:05] Monetizing non-traditional IP assets.

[25:48] Trends to pay attention to. The experience ecosystem, the creation of AI artifacts, and business model innovations.

[27:52] The Importance of being able to sell your value.

[30:10] ESN an Enterprise Social Network.

[31:05] Predictions for the future include automation, being hyper technical, and hyper human.

Resources: 

Nick Webb

Webb Logic

Nicholas Webb - LinkedIn

Nicholas J. Webb - Facebook

The Innovation Mandate

What Customers Crave

Other Books

LeaderLogic, LLC

Innovation Superstar Bootcamp

The Healthcare Cure

Could worms be the missing piece to treating allergies and autoimmune diseases? That’s the exciting idea that’s driving today’s guest, Dr. Andrea Choe, a scientist, doctor and biotech founder on a mission to change the way we think about human health.

Dr. Andrea Choe is the CEO and co-founder of Holoclara, a biotech company that’s changing how we treat allergies and autoimmune disorders. While working on her PhD at Caltech, Andrea discovered a unique pheromone language shared by roundworms which led to insights in evolutionary biology and immunology. Today her research is the foundation of Holoclara’s mission to help millions suffering from allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Today we’ll talk about how regions of the world where people live alongside worms have much lower rates of these conditions — and how Holoclara is working to tap into that evolutionary relationship in the form of safe, orally administered treatments. We’ll discuss the challenges of translating lab science into real world medicine, the regulatory hurdles of building a new class of drugs and why Andrea believes innovation should feel unconventional. And throughout it all she’s driven by one clear North Star: helping patients and families get relief.

In This Episode:

[01:52] Andrea shares how she made the roundworm discovery. Her thesis was on understanding the evolution of molecular

communication between worms. She ended up discovering the shared unique pheromone language.

[03:20] There were no allergies or autoimmune diseases before the 1900s.

[04:29] Holoclara reflects the idea of completeness. This is Andrea's driving philosophy in life.

[05:17] She believes that having a multidisciplinary approach to anything is always the best.

[06:23] We learn about some of the many challenges that Andrea and her company has gone through.

[09:43] They're trying to bring forward an entirely new class of medicine.

[13:06] We learn about Andrea's experience with tech transfer and collaboration between Caltech and industry.

[14:35] Approaching the regulatory path and listening to FDA guidance.

[17:14] We learn about the team at Holoclara from R&D to clinical development.

[18:25] The unconventional use of worms and innovation.

[20:33] The treatment possibilities are far reaching. 

[21:06] Andrea shares how she's always motivated. She's really interested in figuring out how to change lives and get rid of chronic debilitating diseases. 

Resources: 

Holoclara

Andrea Choe - Holoclara

Andrea Choe - LinkedIn

What if STEM education wasn’t just about formulas and lab reports—but about solving real problems, transforming lives, and reshaping entire communities?

In this episode, we’re talking about how hands-on, project-based STEM education is making that vision a reality through Project Lead The Way, a nonprofit that’s helping millions of students across the U.S. become tomorrow’s changemakers.

From building bionic arms to redesigning city infrastructure, PLTW students and educators are showing us what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.

We’re joined by four awesome guests:

Dr. David Dimmett is the President and CEO of Project Lead The Way. With a background in education leadership and a love of lifelong learning, David shares how PLTW is giving students not just technical knowledge but real-world skills in problem-solving, communication and ethics.

Dr. Albert Manero is a PLTW alumnus and co-founder of Limbitless Solutions, a company that designs and delivers expressive, low-cost bionic arms for kids. Albert talks about how his early exposure to engineering through PLTW led him to a career focused on social impact and innovation.

Jason Huber is a PLTW instructor at Woodstock High School in Illinois where he teaches multiple engineering courses and advises a thriving robotics club. Jason gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how STEM education is changing the classroom experience—and helping students realize they can be inventors of their own future.

Liam Hansen is a PLTW graduate and current mechanical engineering student at the University of Tennessee. Along with his classmates, Liam led a community-changing project to improve walkability in his hometown and won the first-ever PLTW Community Impact Award. He shares what it’s like to turn classroom learning into real-world action.

Together we talk about mentorship, project-based learning and the kind of education that doesn’t just prepare students for jobs—but prepares them for life.

In This Episode:

[03:12] Project Lead the Way is a 501(c)(3), we're a nonprofit started over 25 years ago by one teacher in one high school in upstate New York, now working with over two and a half million students all across the country. The goal is to help young people get excited about and prepare for great careers through project-based hands-on learning.

[04:10] The focus is primarily on engineering, biomedical science, and computer science.

[05:01] They work with companies and global leaders to ensure the curriculum prepares students for great careers and lives.

[06:21] David was a high school English teacher. He worked his way into school administration and then got involved in Project Lead the Way. He loved the power of bringing relevance to the classroom.

[07:50] It's so powerful to see students get excited about learning.

[09:03] Albert has taken his Project Lead the Way experience and built something extraordinary with Limbitless Solutions.

[09:58] Why Albert chose to focus on prosthetics.

[12:13] Students with engineering backgrounds and Project Lead the Way experience have early exposure to 3D design, 3D modeling, and critical thinking skills.

[13:03] How Project Lead The Way helps prepare students for a collaborative environment.

[14:00] Jason and his class won the Project Lead The Way inaugural community impact award.

[14:51] Jason talks about the Walkability Project and why it was a real eye-opener for the kids. The students dedicated a whole year working on this capstone project.

[17:58] They faced many challenges and had to figure out how to recover and what to do. 

[18:26] It was also a challenge for the students to balance the demands of the project with their personal commitments.

[19:37] They had to investigate where the crosswalks and sidewalks were in the city and they made their own maps.

[20:09] The project also drew the attention of the International Design Shop.

[21:11] Jason was nervous during the presentation. He reminded the students that they were the experts in the room.

[23:04] The most rewarding part about teaching for Jason is the "aha" moments when he sees the lights go on for the kids.

[24:24] Liam shares his experience and how the Walkability Project became one of his top priorities.

[25:38] How projects like Project Lead The Way help students see a connection between their studies and real world applications. The students use real world technology. It's a hands-on project.

[27:36] Liam talks about the impact this program has had on his life. Now he's studying mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee.

[29:04] Project Lead The Way helps take some of the mysteriousness out of things like engineering.

[30:37] How Project Lead The Way was able to make STEM more accessible and exciting for students. It makes learning fun and revolves around the process.

[32:03] Learning is the focus of growth. It's okay to fail.

[34:36] The teachers are working together to create a challenging and engaging experience for young people in their communities.

[35:46] Advice includes staying curious about how projects come together.

[36:10] Enjoy the unique hands-on aspect of the class.

[36:44] They focus on STEM, but there's also elements of art and design in the work. 

[37:47] There's no shortage of challenges for students to address.

[38:07] Technology is changing so fast that education needs to stay on top of it.

[38:59] Liam wants STEM education to be at the forefront so other kids can have the experience he had.

Resources: 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Limbitless Solutions

David L. Dimmett - LinkedIn

Dr. Albert Manero - LinkedIn

Jason Huber - Woodstock High School team wins national PLTW Award

Liam Hanson - LinkedIn

I'm thrilled to welcome Kathi Vidal to the show today. Kathi has been at the forefront of IP policy, working to expand patent accessibility, and tackle some of innovation’s most pressing issues. As the former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Kathi has spearheaded significant changes that reshaped how America approaches innovation. 

At the USPTO, she opened up patent accessibility by expanding the patent bar to include a broader and more diverse range of professionals. She also launched the Council for Inclusive Innovation and fundamentally transformed how the Patent Office interacts with inventors, making the system more approachable for everyone.

Now, as a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, Kathi continues to influence intellectual property law and technology policy. With her deep background in electrical engineering, AI innovation, and leadership of IP practices at top law firms, she brings a unique and valuable perspective. 

In today’s episode, Kathi and I discuss how Tech Transfer professionals can navigate shifts in policy, leverage recent changes in patent law, and position their institutions to succeed in an increasingly competitive IP landscape. She’s one of the most influential voices in innovation and the perfect guest to join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month.

In This Episode:

[02:06] We learn about Kathi's background and how she was only one of three women in her engineering class. She was also inventing in the AI space in the 1990s.

[03:42] She was an inventor and saw the struggles of inventors. She drew on her own experience and other people's broader experiences. 

[05:34] She went into law to do the analytical work that she loved. It was all about the strategy and the technology for her.

[07:12]  At the USPTO, she wanted to harness the potential of the US government to help innovators and entrepreneurs.

[08:17]  At the law firm, she's working on some major AI projects with top AI engineers in the country.

[09:43]  Over the last 4 years at the USPTO, they protected US innovation.

[10:34] It was a top priority to make universities and tech transfer offices more accessible. 

[12:24] They changed the communication for inventors when applying for a US patent. They would welcome them to the ecosystem and let them know that they could use patent pending, along with resources and support for their journey.

[13:41] How tech transfer professionals can take advantage of changes such as expanding the patent bar to include more professionals from diverse backgrounds.

[14:49] Fake barriers were removed. 

[15:57] The approach Kathi took in private practice helped with their efforts at the USPTO. She was always looking at the whole ecosystem and how to improve it and make it better.\

[19:09] She launched the Council for Inclusive Innovation, also known as CI2, to help address gaps in innovation participation. They created the first ever national inclusion strategy.

[22:33] The role of university Tech Transfer offices in supporting women and underrepresented inventors is about making IP relatable to everyone.

[23:42] IP is the key to dispersing ideas and getting them to market. It protects your ideas so you can get it out to the public and get investments.

[25:18] How tech transfer offices should be thinking about protecting and licensing AI inventions. Anything AI should be protected. There needs to be human contribution documented. 

[28:25] What to watch out for in the IP landscape.

[30:57] Kathi is now here to help in a broader way. She is still thinking about policy and getting involved. 

[32:15] Advice is to continue to have a voice in the government and think about all your lovers when it comes to strategy and working together.

[33:29] Current trends relate to what's going on in government right now. Changes in funding and how investments in AI are going to be spent. Kathi is taking a close look making sure everyone is collaborating together.

[35:33] We learn about what's next for Kathi.

Resources: 

Kathi Vidal - Winston & Strawn LLP

Kathi Vidal - LinkedIn

Kathi Vidal - USPTO

Inventing Tomorrow: Unraveling the Impact of AI on IP with Kathi Vidal

There aren’t many people in the world who can say they’ve changed the way we understand time itself, but today’s guest is one of them.

In this episode, I'm honored to welcome Dr. Anne L’Huillier, professor of atomic physics at Lund University and recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics. She’s one of only five women in history to receive the Nobel in this category, and her groundbreaking work in attosecond physics is reshaping what’s possible in the study of electron dynamics.

But what makes Dr. L'Huillier truly remarkable isn’t just her scientific brilliance. It’s the way she leads with humility, dedication to teaching, and a deep passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists. When the Nobel committee called to deliver the news, she was in the middle of teaching a class, and she finished the lesson before calling them back.

In this conversation, we talk about the persistence it took to get where she is, what it means to be a woman in science today, and how her research is unlocking new frontiers in physics. Dr. L'Huillier is a trailblazer, a teacher, and a force of curiosity, and we’re so lucky to have her on the show.

In This Episode:

[01:02] An attosecond is a billionth of a billionth of a second. There are more attoseconds in a second than there are seconds in the age of the entire universe which is 13.8 billion years old.

[01:51] Dr. L'Huillier always wanted to be a scientist and follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. She had great teachers in atomic physics and quantum mechanics who kind of pushed her towards atomic physics and interactions between light and matter.

[03:09] She won the Nobel Prize for attosecond physics. She finished the class she was teaching before talking to the Royal Academy of Sciences when she was notified that she won.

[05:36] Teaching is a huge part of her work. She is now getting involved in more Nobel related activities.

[06:47] We talk about attracting more women to physics by getting rid of the idea and stigma that girls aren't interested in physics, engineering, or math.

[07:53] Students and young girls need to be encouraged to look at careers in science.

[08:22] She is working on using attosecond pulses and trying to use them to look at electron motion and electronic transition.

[09:20] They are researching quantum optics and using electrons as quantum objects and looking at complex systems like molecules, biomolecules, or condensed matter.

[10:22] We learn how Dr. L'Huillier had two other co-laureates who measured attosecond pulses.

[12:42] This work took 14 years. It's really important to be persistent, because research has ups and downs.

[13:59] We learn about what the future holds for Dr. L'Huillier. There may be a book on the horizon. 

[15:31] We talk about decompressing, having fun, the joys of family, and playing tennis!

Resources: 

Dr. Anne L'Huillier - Lund University 

Dr. Anne L'Huillier - Nobel Prize in Physics 2023

Anne L'Huillier, Nobel Prize in Physics 2023: Official Interview

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.