Careers in Discovery

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.

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.

This week on Careers in Discovery, we sat down with Kathryn Penkus Corzo, President & COO of bit.bio, to talk about her journey from clinical pharmacy to leading a company at the forefront of cell therapy and drug discovery.

Kathryn shared how bit.bio is using machine learning and cell coding to create scalable, precision-engineered human cells - both for research and as potential therapies. She also reflected on her career path, from cold calling her way into Roche in Switzerland to leadership roles at Lilly, Sanofi, and Takeda, and why taking risks, embracing change, and working internationally shaped her success.

We also talked about culture, mentorship, and knowing when to push yourself - and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to real growth.

A great conversation with a leader who’s driving the future of cell therapy.

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.

This week on Careers in Discovery, we sat down with Marco Schmidt, CSO of biotx.ai, to talk about AI, Biotech, and the future of drug discovery.

Marco’s career has taken him from Biochemistry to Biotech start-ups, where he’s using causal inference to reshape clinical trials and drug development. We explored the evolution of AI in science, the rise of tech-bio companies, and why he believes this is the best time in history to be a scientist.

We also got into the mindset shift needed for scientists moving into business - and why failure isn’t just inevitable, but essential.

Join us for a really thought-provoking episode.

This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Tommi Kainu, Chairman of GlyProVac, a Biotech developing bacterial vaccines with the potential to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Tommi’s career has taken him from medicine and research to consulting at BCG and leadership roles in Biotech. He shared insights on GlyProVac’s work, why commercial thinking is key in drug development, and lessons from his time at Bavarian Nordic - including the unexpected rise of the MPOX vaccine.

His advice for scientists moving into industry? Start with the end in mind.

A great conversation on science, strategy, and the business of Biotech.

This week, Emma spoke with Martijn Van De Bunt, Chief Scientific Officer at Cytoki Pharma, a pioneering Biotech in Denmark developing IL-22-based therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Martijn shared insights from his journey from medicine and academia to leading a lean, globally connected Biotech team advancing transformative therapies.

Martijn discussed the pivotal moments in his career, from a PhD at Oxford that sparked his passion for impactful science, to his tenure at Novo Nordisk, and ultimately to joining Cytoki Pharma. Along the way, he emphasised the importance of adaptability, the nuances of transitioning between academia and industry, and the role of networks and teamwork in achieving success.

With Cytoki Pharma approaching critical milestones in their clinical studies, Martijn also reflected on the challenges and excitement of developing ground-breaking treatments in a dynamic Biotech environment. Tune in for a conversation packed with advice on career growth, the evolution of drug discovery, and the human side of building innovative Biotech companies.

This week, we welcomed Jordi Carreras-Puigvert, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of Phenaros, a Swedish company revolutionising drug discovery at the intersection of artificial intelligence and life sciences. Jordi shared his journey from personal tragedy inspiring a career in science, to leading a cutting-edge platform combining high-content microscopy and AI to accelerate therapeutic development, especially in rare diseases.

Jordi delved into his unconventional career path, including his foundational work in phenotypic drug discovery, insights on transitioning from academia to biotech, and the critical role of mentorship and networking in shaping his success. He also explored the transformative potential of AI in drug development, emphasising the importance of generating high-quality data to drive innovation.

Listen in for a brilliant conversation about leveraging technology to address unmet medical needs, and the power of adaptability in forging a meaningful career in science.

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma sits down with Henri Huttunen, Chief Scientific Officer at Herantis Pharma, a Finnish biotech developing ground-breaking therapies for Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Henri shares the exciting progress on their next-generation molecule that crosses the blood-brain barrier and their innovative approach to tackling the challenges of clinical trials in this field.

Henri reflects on his journey, from his early days in academic research to founding start-ups and leading Herantis’ mission to develop disease-modifying treatments. He talks about the importance of balancing scientific rigour with innovation, navigating the risks of challenging established dogmas, and the role personal passion plays in driving success.

This episode is packed with insights into the cutting edge of neurodegenerative research, the lessons learned from taking bold career steps, and the inspiration behind Henri’s dedication to improving patients’ lives. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Arvid Söderhall, the first employee and project lead at Empros Pharma, as he shares his unique journey from physicist to biotech innovator. Arvid unveils the vision behind Empros Pharma’s pioneering work to combat obesity with a pharmaceutical approach to gastric bypass surgery.

Emma and Arvid’s conversation delves into the evolution of Empros Pharma, the challenges of developing innovative treatments in a competitive field, and the critical importance of adapting to an ever-changing market landscape. Arvid also reflects on his career trajectory, discovering his leadership potential, and the value of seizing unexpected opportunities along the way.

A must-listen episode for biotech enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about making an impact in the life sciences industry.