Box 1 Career paths in technology transfer

The initial phase of education for industry-academia liaisons (IALs) and technology-transfer managers (TTMs) often shares common points (both often have a PhD and relevant scientific profile). However, subsequent to their postgraduate work, TTMs frequently go straight to the technology-transfer office (although exceptions can be found), where they are trained to focus on intellectual property and legal issues. In contrast, IALs usually spend time working in the industry research environment, gaining direct experience of drug discovery, before transitioning into the liason role. Exceptions can be found for both, but these different career paths provide divergent experiences and expertise.