Career Development
Kim Huynh-Ba, M.S., PMP, FAAPS (she/her/hers)
Managing Director
Pharmalytik
Newark, Delaware
Honglue (Holly) Shen, PhD
Scientific Sr. Director
Merck, Massachusetts
Scientific breakthroughs have the potential to drive innovation, but understanding the business landscape is key to turning research into impact. Many scientists excel in research but face challenges when navigating the business landscape. This session explores essential business concepts for scientists, including private equity, venture capital, and investor relations, as well as strategies for networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will gain insights into employment contracts, intellectual property protection, and the development of business plans. We’ll also discuss the challenges of scaling scientific innovations and the role of executive management in bridging science and business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, industry professional, or academic looking to navigate the business side of science, this session will provide valuable tools for success.
One major gap is understanding funding and investment, as scientists often lack experience in securing private equity, venture capital, or attracting investors for commercialization. Networking and interdisciplinary collaboration also present hurdles, with limited exposure to industry connections and cross-sector partnerships. Additionally, many struggle with business planning and commercialization, lacking the skills to develop business plans, assess market viability, and scale scientific innovations effectively. Intellectual property (IP) awareness is another critical gap, as researchers may not fully understand patents, licensing, or how to protect their discoveries. Employment contracts and executive management also pose challenges, with many scientists unfamiliar with negotiating contracts or transitioning into leadership roles. Finally, the ability to strategically grow and scale innovations is often missing, making it difficult to transform research projects into sustainable business ventures. Bridging these gaps is essential for scientists looking to integrate business strategy with scientific innovation.