From Lab to Market: Pioneering Biomedical Entrepreneurship

Where cutting edge science and entrepreneurship meet. A conversation with Professor Robert Langer and Professor Dame Molly Stevens.

two speakers sat in front of a audience giving a talk

To end Trinity Term, EnSpire were delighted to host an inspiring conversation between two of the most influential figures in biomedical science and entrepreneurship; Professor Robert Langer and Professor Dame Molly Stevens. The sold-out event set in the beautiful Holywell Music Room at Wadham College offered a rare glimpse into the minds and personal journeys of two pioneers who continue to shape the future of global health and innovation.

Science Meets Impact

Introduced by Professor Chas Bountra, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford, the discussion titled "From Lab to Market" explored the challenges and rewards of translating cutting-edge research into life-changing therapies. Both speakers brought a wealth of experience to the conversation - not just as scientists, but as serial entrepreneurs, mentors, and global leaders.

Professor Langer, Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-founder of Moderna, is one of the most prolific inventors in medical history. He holds over 1,500 patents and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the U.S. National Medal of Science, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. Widely regarded as a pioneer in drug delivery and tissue engineering, his work has transformed modern medicine and continues to inspire generations of researchers and entrepreneurs.

Professor Dame Molly Stevens is the John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford, Deputy Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, and head of the Stevens Research Group. Her research in biosensing and biomaterials has led to significant translational breakthroughs, and she is recognised internationally for her contributions to science and innovation. As the IDEA Academic Champion for women and diversity in entrepreneurship, she has received over 40 awards, including the 2023 Novo Nordisk Prize, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. Her leadership is marked not only by scientific excellence but also by a strong commitment to inclusivity and mentorship.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Speakers sat in front of an audience talking at an event

The conversation touched on many dimensions of scientific and entrepreneurial life, from the technical to the personal. Some of the core insights shared included:

  • Resilience is essential: Both speakers highlighted that success rarely comes from getting everything right the first time. What truly matters is the determination to persist through failure, and to keep going when things don’t work out.
  • Stay true to your values: Professor Stevens and Professor Langer spoke candidly about leadership and ambition, stressing the importance of integrity, humility, and purpose in a fast-moving scientific and business landscape.
  • Purpose fuels innovation: Whether working on regenerative medicine or vaccines, impactful solutions often come from those with a lived experience and deep personal connection to the problem they are trying to solve.
  • Mentorship matters: Professor Langer’s role as a mentor to Professor Stevens during her postdoctoral research at MIT was a running theme throughout the event, highlighting the value of guidance, support, and collaboration across generations.
  • Trusted working partnerships: A key takeaway was the value of building teams through personal networks and trusted referrals, rather than relying solely on CVs. Skills matter, but so do shared values, reputation, and trust.
  • Science with a human side: The atmosphere was vibrant and often humorous, showcasing both scientists not only as intellectual giants but as genuinely relatable people - noting that true success includes not just professional achievement, but the ability to stay connected to family, purpose, and personal values.

A Conversation to Remember

Speakers sat in front of an audience talking at an event

With the room filled with students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and curious minds, the event celebrated what’s possible when science meets passion, purpose, and entrepreneurship. The conversation served as a call to action for the next generation of biomedical innovators at the University of Oxford and reinforced the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of medicine.

EnSpire Oxford extends heartfelt thanks to Professors Langer and Professor Dame Stevens for sharing their time, stories, and wisdom. Their commitment to mentorship, innovation, and inclusive leadership continues to inspire us all.

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