Careers in Discovery

Dave Hallett, Recursion

This week on Careers in Discovery, we welcome back Dave Hallett, now Chief Scientific Officer at Recursion, following the recent merger with Exscientia.

The last five years have been transformative for Dave, from leading AI-driven drug discovery at Exscientia to navigating one of Biotech’s biggest IPOs and stepping into the CEO role in a challenging market. Now, he’s focused on proving that AI-designed medicines can deliver real impact, with clinical results beginning to emerge.

We discuss the evolution of AI in drug discovery, the lessons Dave has learned leading a publicly listed company, and why the industry must focus on reducing drug development failure rates to make new medicines more accessible.

A fascinating conversation with a leader at the forefront of Biotech innovation.

 

Mikko Turunen, RNatives

This week on Careers in Discovery, Emma sits down with Mikko Turunen, founder and CSO of RNatives, a company pioneering RNA activation for therapeutic use.

Mikko’s journey has taken him from academia to Biotech entrepreneurship, with more than 25 years in gene therapy. He shares the story behind RNatives, the challenges of launching a company in a tough funding climate, and the resilience required to keep going when setbacks arise.

Emma and Mikko talk about navigating the transition from scientist to entrepreneur, building a startup from the ground up, and the importance of networking, persistence, and adaptability in the Biotech world.

This episode offers a candid look at what it takes to turn breakthrough science into a thriving business.

Josef Christensen, ImmuneAGE Bio

This week on Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Josef Christensen, Chief Operating Officer at ImmuneAGE Bio.

Josef started out in academia, completing a PhD at Harvard Stem Cell Institute, before moving into consulting, venture capital, pharma, and Biotech startups. Now, he’s leading efforts to rejuvenate the immune system and combat age-related disease.

He shares his journey from scientist to business leader, the challenges of fundraising in today’s climate, and why mentorship, sponsorship, and big pharma experience can be game changers for those looking to enter Biotech.

Josef’s insights are essential listening for scientists, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career transitions in drug discovery.

 

Dominique Verhelle, NextRNA Therapeutics

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Tom sits down with Dominique Verhelle, Co-Founder, President and CEO of NextRNA Therapeutics, a company pioneering the use of long non-coding RNAs in drug discovery.

Dominique takes us through her unconventional journey - from aspiring flight attendant to Biotech entrepreneur - sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She talks about the challenges of leading a startup through uncertainty, balancing science and business as both CSO and CEO, and why strategic timing is key in career growth.

We also discuss the evolution of the dark genome field, NextRNA’s recent partnership with Bayer, and what’s next for this exciting company as it moves towards the clinic.

A fascinating conversation on leadership, resilience, and pushing the boundaries of biology.

 

Christian Schroeter, Topas Therapeutics

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Christian Schroeter, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Topas Therapeutics.

Christian’s work focuses on developing immune tolerance therapies for autoimmune diseases, using nanoparticle technology to retrain the immune system. With Topas recently completing a Phase 2a trial in coeliac disease, he shares the excitement of leading a Biotech at a critical stage and the challenges of securing funding to drive the next phase of development.

He also reflects on his career journey from academia to Big Pharma and now Biotech, the lessons he’s learned from global leadership roles, and why stepping outside your comfort zone - sometimes into the “crazy” - can lead to the most rewarding opportunities.

If you're interested in the science behind immune tolerance, the transition from pharma to Biotech, and what it takes to navigate a career in life sciences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Theonie Anastassiadis, Prologue Medicines

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma is joined by Theonie Anastassiadis, Senior Principal at Flagship Pioneering and Founding President of Prologue Medicines.

Theonie’s work is all about uncovering ground-breaking biology and turning it into transformative Biotech companies. She shares her journey from academia to venture creation, her experience co-founding multiple Biotech start-ups, and how Prologue Medicines is harnessing viral proteins to develop innovative therapeutics.

She also dives into the importance of culture in scientific innovation, the role of mentorship in shaping careers, and why curiosity is the most powerful tool a scientist can have.

If you're interested in the intersection of cutting-edge science and entrepreneurship, the realities of Biotech leadership, and how to create an impact beyond the lab, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Riccardo Panella, Resalis Therapeutics

On this episode of Careers in Discovery, we spoke with Riccardo Panella, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Resalis Therapeutics, and Associate Professor at the Center of RNA Medicine in Copenhagen.

Riccardo shared his journey from academia to Biotech entrepreneurship, discussing how a serendipitous discovery during his postdoctoral research at Harvard led him to explore the role of microRNAs in metabolism. He delved into the challenges and rewards of founding Resalis Therapeutics, highlighting the importance of resilience in securing funding and the differences between academic and commercial science.

We also explored his perspectives on leadership, the value of collaboration, and the advice he would give to early-career scientists.

A compelling conversation about adaptability, perseverance, and the pursuit of translational science.

Kathryn Penkus Corzo, bit.bio

This week on Careers in Discovery, we sat down with Kathryn Penkus Corzo, President & COO of bit.bio, to talk about her journey from clinical pharmacy to leading a company at the forefront of cell therapy and drug discovery.

Kathryn shared how bit.bio is using machine learning and cell coding to create scalable, precision-engineered human cells - both for research and as potential therapies. She also reflected on her career path, from cold calling her way into Roche in Switzerland to leadership roles at Lilly, Sanofi, and Takeda, and why taking risks, embracing change, and working internationally shaped her success.

We also talked about culture, mentorship, and knowing when to push yourself - and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to real growth.

A great conversation with a leader who’s driving the future of cell therapy.