The business of science

Shared lab spaces provide a streamlined launchpad, offering benches as well as a diverse network of industry mentors.

Entrepreneurial researchers can find solutions for Indian problems, but the lack of a spin-off culture means the country loses out.

Medicinal chemist Susan Winks shares how she keeps money flowing at the drug-discovery centre she helps to manage.

Chemist Basant Giri designs inexpensive assays to test for contaminants and other health hazards in low-income countries.

Ana Pineda left academia after teaching a yoga and writing course unleashed her entrepreneurial passion.

Mathieu Lefebvre discusses his innovative company and what it is like to work in Grenoble, France.

Despite its small size, the French city’s long history of science and business means it punches above its weight in scientific output.

Oliver Müller’s brief tenure at the technology giant taught him that many skills acquired in academia are highly valued.

No other country produces more nuclear power per capita. But climate change, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and French politics could change that.

President Emmanuel Macron wants France to become a ‘start-up nation’, fuelled by industry–academia collaborations. How is it faring?

Nervous about advising junior lab colleagues who want to switch sectors? Don’t be, say scientists who have made the move.

Researchers and intellectual-property specialists offer their tips for deciding which discoveries are worth patenting, and how to do the homework needed for success.

Tao Chen’s university spin-off was short-lived, but he’s still buzzing with business ideas as he prepares to return to academia.

Inventor teams with women represent 16% of filed patents, yet are more likely than male teams to create women’s health products.

Be ready for queries that reflect stereotypes about academia and that probe why you’re switching sectors, says Tina Persson.

Volunteering with an organization can improve communication and help you adapt to the unexpected, say Sarah Groover and Ruth Gotian.

In the first of a three-part series on science start-ups, Nature Careers explores how scientists with a sound business idea can thrive as entrepreneurs, and why leaving academia isn’t required.

Ty Tang was told that any move out of academia was likely to be permanent. But after two years working, he has now returned to research.

At first glance, academic training can seem ill-suited to careers in industry. However, there are plenty of ways in which researchers can improve their lot.

Ipshita Mandal-Johnson teamed up with other graduate students to set up an annual forum to develop tomorrow’s biotechnology leaders. This is what she learnt.

Innovators are finding better ways to produce, store and use energy, on Earth and beyond.

In the second part of a three-part series on science start-ups, Nature Careers explores how founders can learn from their failures in business to try again.

Scientist fans of ‘agile’ and ‘Scrum’ claim that they can help labs to prioritize tasks and cut meeting times — but some research groups are more sceptical.

Neuroscientist Blaine Roberts explains how partnering with companies, or a consortium of companies, can bring significant benefits to researchers — from funding and training to expanding professional networks.

Desiree Dickerson discusses learning to control the voice in her head that insisted she wasn’t good enough.

Science PhD programmes cater almost exclusively to students bound for academia, but they don’t have to, says Sarah Anderson.

The country has been slow to welcome start-up science culture, but the scene looks set to take off.

Evolution of a company that uses spectroscopy techniques shines a light on business development in Taiwan.

How porous is the metaphorical membrane between academia and industry? Julie Gould finds out.

Eindhoven University of Technology was set up to partner with local companies. Mutual trust and a respect for academic freedom are key, Julie Gould discovers.

How do you convince an academic employer that you’re a safe bet, despite having no experience in the sector? Julie Gould finds out.

The sector is broad, ranging from tiny start-ups to huge multinationals. Choose wisely.

Some researchers run both academic labs and companies, challenging the idea that the two sectors operate in silos.

If academic research isn’t for you, when is the best time to switch sectors? Industry insiders offer their advice.

Many researcher entrepreneurs forge successful portfolio careers across the two sectors.

Cash-flow challenges and team tensions are just two of the issues a fledgling business can face. Learn from them and move on, say seasoned entrepreneurs.

A successful entrepreneur needs to quickly develop a strategy to scale up their company, transfer skills to colleagues and shape a team.

Meet the people who advise researcher entrepreneurs on patents, licensing, business plans and commercial partnerships.

Scientist-turned-lawyer Tamsen Valoir outlines a key step on the road to commercializing your research.

Seasoned science entrepreneurs tell Adam Levy how to take the daunting first steps to commercializing your research.