TECH TRANSFER

To establish solid structures for knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is a key step towards translating microbiome research into practical applications for society, quality of life and the environment. The NCCR Microbiomes will undertake a number of measures to foster exchange with potential stakeholders and partners.

Knowledge transfer will be promoted within the NCCR and with external partners, as well as with the general public. The NCCR Microbiomes will organize an International Microbiomes Conference annually, with presentations from internal and high-profile invited speakers. Within the conference, long poster sessions will encourage participation by all members of the NCCR and foster discussion, with the goal of further enhancing collaboration and integration.

Measures to promote technology transfer will include:

• identifying and discussing opportunities resulting from each of the partners’ research within the NCCR Microbiomes
• promoting spin-off activities by NCCR students and collaborators through NCCR grants
• identifying and helping third-party interests and the private sector to associate with NCCR developments
• building strong links with companies and startups with interests in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or microbiome products
• identifying and managing intellectual property
• holding regular meetings with stakeholders
• fostering managerial soft-skills among NCCR members

Workshops or meetings will be organized for specific stakeholder groups such as cantonal authorities or laboratories, advisors, farmers, clinicians, industry. These meetings will enable the presentation, discussion and transmission of relevant information and concepts of the NCCR to the stakeholders. The NCCR Microbiomes will invite international experts for short-term research stays, and will fund similar sabbaticals for NCCR members in external research groups.

Finally, the NCCR Educational Programmes  will organize educational activities outside the NCCR in order to promote microbiome literacy among the public. This will take the form of, for example, activities at schools, joint workshops with public laboratories such as L’éprouvette (at the University of Lausanne) or Scientifica (at ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), or specific exhibitions at partner museums.