Innovation at the Sanger Institute

Deciding on the best approach

The guiding principle we use in deciding on a course action for translating a project is considering first how the healthcare benefits of that particular science can be maximized. The course of action open to us varies from early public releases of information or data to the protection and commercialisation of IP.

Our methods encompass several not-for-profit and for-profit modes of translation:

  • Open release of data & publication of scientific discoveries
  • Licensing of intellectual property (IP) in an exclusive or non-exclusive manner
  • Collaboration with industrial partners
  • Formation of spin out not-for-profit activities
  • Formation of spin out for-profit companies
  • Direct commercialisation of our science

Our Translation Team regularly engages with all core members of Sanger’s Faculty in order to help them identify and nurture promising opportunities at an early stage. Members of the Sanger Institute’s Faculty are therefore encouraged to consider all possibilities but are not expected to carry out translational activities. For those of them who do engage in translation, the potential impact on their scientific productivity is carefully considered and arrangements are made to manage conflicts of interest. The importance of establishing industrial networks is also recognised and our Translation Team networks extensively with corporations and commercial entities outside of academia to help develop a robust ecosystem that is able to support new business development opportunities.

Sanger's Technology Translation Team

  • Emmanuelle Astoul, PhD, Head of Business Development and Technology Transfer
  • Gary P. Dillon, PhD Senior Business Development Manager
  • Mariya Chhatriwala, PhD, Business Development Manager
  • Agnieszka Wabik, PhD, Business Development Associate