My scientific background is in Biomedicine; During my master’s program, I developed a special interest in reproductive medicine and had the opportunity to conduct my thesis at the Laboratory of Molecular Genetic Reproductive Medicine in Malmö. My PhD research focuses on the genetic factors influencing gonadotropin receptors and their impact on assisted reproductive outcomes. I have also continued the development of the genotype-based technology from my thesis project, in which we aim to contribute to the field of precision medicine.
You are involved Dx4Life that partly spun out of ReproUnion. How are you balancing the commercial world with the science world?
The innovation behind Dx4Life was the beginning of my journey into reproductive medicine. I have had the privilege of following the process from the start, from product development and clinical studies through to patent application, and now into CE certification and regulatory compliance. It can be challenging to balance both sides sometimes. The commercial world moves quickly; everything happens simultaneously, and there are constantly new deadlines to meet. Research, in comparison, requires patience, planning, and time. Being involved in the commercial process has given me valuable insights into how academic findings can be translated into available tools for clinical use.
You also attended the recent ReproUnion/Smile e-Campus course about moving from research to implementation. What was your key takeaway?
I wanted to learn more about the entire process of going from research to real-world applications. I had realized how complex this journey could be, and the course proved this even more. My key takeaway is that innovation and commercialization are not a straight path. It requires a steady ground in science and collaborations across several fields. Funding appears to be the basis of what can be achieved, and the best way to secure it is to learn to communicate scientific findings in a language that funders and investors can understand. For me, this further confirmed the value of being involved in both science and innovation simultaneously, as it allows me to bridge the gap between these two worlds.
Do you have any advice to your peers on how to go about innovation driven research?
In my experience, the most important aspect is mindset and adapting to the situation. Collaborate from an early stage, try to pinpoint what you don’t know, and what competence you need. It is a step-by-step process; you learn by doing.
Are you involved in other initiatives related to ReproUnion?
I am involved in the ReproYoung network, which brings together early-career researchers in the field of reproductive medicine. To me, being a part of this community is a highly valuable and fun experience. I particularly enjoy the commitment and attitude of the group, as well as its drive to organize initiatives and advance the science of reproduction.