OxTalks is Changing
During Michaelmas Term, OxTalks will be moving to a new platform (full details are available on the Staff Gateway).
For now, continue using the current page and event submission process (freeze period dates to be advised).
If you have any questions, please contact halo@digital.ox.ac.uk
Oxford Health Innovation Forum: From first sparks to first steps
Healthcare continues to undergo rapid transformation, driven by advances in technology, scientific discovery, and evolving system pressures. In this context, early-stage ideas and the environments that enable them to develop are increasingly important.
This panel discussion will explore how initial concepts gain traction, the role of early-stage funding, and the support structures that help researchers and founders progress towards innovations with genuine clinical impact. The panel will share perspectives from across science, investment, and entrepreneurship, offering practical insights into the earliest stages of the innovation pathway.
Speakers
Dr Danuta Jeziorska, Biotech executive, co-founder of Nucleome Therapeutics, and founder of Innovation Forum Oxford.
Dr Emilie Syed, Senior Investment Manager, Life Sciences and MedTech at Zinc VC.
Esther Richardot Reynal de Saint-Michel, founder of Thena Capital.
Moderator: Dr Christiaan de Koning – Associate Fellow at Green Templeton College and Chair of the Founders & Funders Foundation, a network supporting researchers & entrepreneurs at Oxford through mentorship, events, and venture collaboration.
About the Oxford Health Innovation Forum
The Oxford Health Innovation Forum is a university-wide initiative piloted at Green Templeton in 2025. It builds on the college’s strong legacy in medicine, medical sciences, business, and management. The forum exists to bring together students, alumni, researchers, clinicians, start-up representatives, investors, and industry professionals to explore the future of medical and life sciences innovation. It aims to serve as a platform through which the college fosters entrepreneurship and drives dialogue on innovation in medical research, healthcare delivery and global health.
More information
Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be served from 17:00 in the Stables Bar. The speaker event begins at 17:30. Drinks and nibbles will be served in the Stables Bar at 18:30.
Places are limited, so early registration is highly recommended.
As this Forum places particular emphasis on networking and informal discussion, the event will be held in person only.
Date:
8 December 2025, 17:00
Venue:
Green Templeton College, Woodstock Road OX2 6HG
Venue Details:
Lecture Theatre (access information: https://www.accessguide.ox.ac.uk/green-templeton )
Speakers:
Dr Danuta Jeziorska (Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford),
Emilie Syed,
Esther Richardot Reynal de Saint-Michel (Thena Capital),
Christiaan de Koning (Researcher at University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
academic.projects@gtc.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?:
Recommended
Booking url:
https://www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/news-and-events/event/from-first-sparks-to-first-steps/
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Ruth Scobie
