Robert Al, TTO Erasmus MC Rotterdam:
"Training is an important activity within the Valorisation Network, but finding suitable courses for professionals in technology transfer is not straightforward. A good starting point is to look at the major conferences, where often courses are organised on different themes.
In 2008, a 3-day advanced course on biobusiness development was coupled to the annual BioEurope meeting in Heidelberg. We suggested taking part with network members, NGI offered to pay the course fee and we got fifteen members to sign up. It was a big success. The majority of the other participants were business developers from the biotech and pharmaceutical industry and they made interesting sparring partners. It was a very intensive course and we all learned a lot, both about valorisation and about each other. Spending three days together is a very good way to develop a team feeling. We plan to participate in such a course at least once a year, although we have not yet decided for 2009. The course in Heidelberg focused on starting companies and negotiation strategies.
For TTOs, focusing on an earlier stage would be useful as well. For example, how to turn an idea into something applicable and patentable? We will see what's on offer for this year. It really is a big support that NGI not only has the resources to fund these activities, but also actively puts them to use. This support enables more people to participate, which increases the overall professional level of the network."