08:45 Registration and Coffee

09:20 Welcome | Professor Chas Bountra, Professor of Translational Medicine

9:30 Launch of Medical and Life Sciences Translational Fund (MLSTF) 2025 Autumn |
Dr Deepak Kumar, Head of the Translational Research Office (TRO)

09:45-09.55 Cancer Research Horizons (CRUK) Innovation Fund | Dr Ruth Barrett
09:55-10:05 University Challenge Seed Fund | Ms Aaliyah Wallace
10:05-10:15 EPSRC IAA, MPLS Impact Office, Oxford | Mrs Hyea Matthews-Palmer

10:15 Refreshment Break

10:45 MLSTF Case for Support Form: What the Panel Are Looking for? |
Dr Kavita Subramaniam, Translational Research Office

11:00 How to showcase your AI and Digital Health Approach in Your Proposal? Considerations and Skill Building Masterclass |
Dr Oliver Harrison – Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Oxford; Koa Health
This talk will provide an overview of two initiatives aimed at strengthening the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health within health research and impact. The first half will introduce a newly implemented section in the MLSTF application form, designed for projects that involve significant use of AI. This change reflects the growing need within the University to support the responsible and impactful use of AI in health innovation. The second half of the talk will present the new Masterclass in AI and Digital Health, a curated learning series developed to support researchers across the University in building competencies in AI tools, data-driven approaches, and digital methodologies relevant to health.

11:20 Emerging Translational Innovators |
Mrs Vlada Yarosh, Translational Research Office

11:30 Have you discussed your IP strategy with Oxford University Innovation? |
Dr Matthew Carpenter (Deputy Head of Licensing & Ventures – Life Sciences at Oxford University Innovation (OUI)

11:50 MLSTF Successful Case Studies |
Moderator: Mrs Anna Camera, Translational Research Office

Talk 1: Navigating the early stages of translational research – an Early-Career Researcher’s journey with MLSTF |
Speaker: Dr Thomas Lanyon-Hogg (Department of Pharmacology)
An early-career researcher will share how MLSTF served as a crucial stepping stone in launching their translational programme. Having received multiple awards they will highlight how MLSTF helped to de-risk early ideas, build credibility, and open doors to new opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the early stages of translational research and how targeted support can catalyse meaningful progress.

Talk 2: From technology to clinical impact – a Senior Academic’s perspective |
Speaker: Prof Robert MacLaren (Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences)
A senior academic will discuss their experience translating research into real-world clinical outcomes, with a focus on how MLSTF played a pivotal role in securing major follow-on funding. Drawing from their path from discovery to implementation, they’ll outline lessons learned, strategies for long-term impact, and how MLSTF fits into broader translational planning.

12:20 Lunch and Networking

13:20 Fireside Chat 1: Mastering the Milestone Mindset | Moderator: Dr Nessa Carey (Carey IIT); Panel: Prof Stephan Sanders (Department of Paediatrics), Dr Adam Babbs (MRC), Dr Jasmina Kapetanovic (Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences), Dr Helen Fletcher (Johnson&Johnson)
You are expected to plan for a reasonable go/no-go milestone in your MLSTF proposal. This fireside chat will include discussions on how to strategically plan, execute, and present your project milestones effectively. Gain insights from funding panel members on what makes a manageable and realistic milestone and how cultivating a milestone-focused approach can enhance your grant proposals, increasing your chances of securing funding and advancing your research or project. A well-defined, realistic go/no-go milestone is a critical expectation in any MLSTF proposal. This session will explore how to strategically design, implement, and communicate milestones that demonstrate progress and de-risk future investment. The fireside chat will feature insights from funding panel members on what distinguishes a strong milestone from an unconvincing one. The session will help researchers adopt a milestone-driven mindset that strengthens funding applications and project delivery alike.

14:00 Fireside Chat 2: Regulatory Path Plans and Considerations for your Project | Moderator: Dr Toni Day (Regulatory Insights); Panel: Dr Oliver Harrison (Koa Health; Entrepreneur in Residence), Mr Daniel Voyce (Hillside Engineering Contractors), Dr Peter Bowness (GE HealthCare)
Join us for an insightful talk exploring how a robust regulatory strategy, coupled with strong in-house support, is crucial for successfully advancing your innovation projects. Discover how proactive regulatory planning can de-risk your ventures, accelerate time to market, and ensure your groundbreaking ideas not only comply with essential guidelines but also thrive in a competitive landscape.

14:40 Refreshment Break

15:10 Fireside Chat 3: The Translational Funding Landscape | Moderator: Dr Nessa Carey (Carey IIT); Panel: Dr Adam Babbs (MRC), Dr Lisa Klaourakis (NIHR), Mrs Ann Berger (Rosetrees)
Moving from proof-of-concept funding to securing substantial follow-on grants is a significant step in translational research. This session explores the evolving UK funding landscape, highlighting pathways and opportunities across preclinical to clinical stages. Designed for researchers aiming to move their findings closer to patient impact, the session will offer practical guidance on long-term and higher-scale translational funding schemes. It will also demonstrate how the sections covered in MLSTF proof-of-concept funding closely align with the structure and expectations of major translational grant applications.

15:50 Fireside Chat 4: Inside Industry: What Drives Investment in Translational Research? | Moderator: Dr Liz Covey-Crump (Business Partnerships Office); Panel: Dr Claire Brown (Oxford Science Enterprises), Dr Kay Penicud (Apollo), Dr Laura Ferguson (AstraZeneca), Prof Deborah Gill (Radcliffe Department of Medicine)
Gain an insider’s view into how biotech and pharma evaluate academic discoveries. From strategic boardroom decisions to real-world case studies, this session reveals how scientific, clinical, and market factors shape investment and partnership opportunities. Designed to equip Oxford researchers with insights to align their work with industry drivers and accelerate real-world impact.

16:30 Closing Remarks