KTUR PhD Talks
The PhD Talks are promoted by the KTUR project, which aims at strengthening cross-border knowledge and technology transfer in the Upper Rhine region. These monthly virtual meetings seek to instill and develop entrepreneurial thinking in PhDs, Postdocs and MA students. Participants will actively interact with research founders and international experts and learn how to transform cutting-edge research into innovative businesses.
Are you a Postdoc, Phd or Master Student in the Upper Rhine region?
Are you asking yourself what should be the next step in your career?
Join our monthly KTUR PhD Talk and explore how to turn your research ideas into a start-up adventure.
Research founders will tell you about their different entrepreneurial journeys while international experts will guide you through cross-border support opportunities.
Thursday, April 15th
1 – 2 pm
15.04/ 1 pm-2pm From science to startups / How to build a strong team.
Dr. Richard Bouaoun (Defymed) and Dr. Elena Gross (KetoSwiss)
Dr. Richard Bouaoun obtained a Phd in molecular and cellular Biology and a master in Business from Strasbourg University. He then joined the Alsacian incubator, Semia as a Project Manager were he accompanied several biotech/medtech startups at the creation. In 2011 he joined Defymed, a spinoff of the European Center for Diabetes Studies, which develops and markets implantable bio-artificial medical devices for diverse therapeutic applications. Currently COO of the company, he was from the very beginning closely implicated in Defymed’s strategic activities, such as the coordination of collaborative scientific programs, raising funds, leading the out-licensing strategy and monitoring the relations with institutional and industrial partners.
Dr. Elena Gross obtained a PhD in clinical research from the University of Basel. She is also an ex chronic migraine patient. Frustrated by the inefficient available treatment options for migraines, her research career has focused on better understanding this common and debilitating disease, with the ultimate goal on improving clinical care. Dr. Gross is particularly interested in the role of energy metabolism in migraine pathophysiology, as well as other neurological diseases and metabolic therapeutics, above all ketosis. In 2018, inspired by her own experience as patient and researcher, she founded KetoSwiss, a Swiss biotech startup that develops highly potent therapeutic ketones for neurological disease prevention.
The event will be held in English.