Science doesn’t end at the bench — and neither do research careers. LabMates: Beyond the Bench dives into the journeys of scientists building impact, startups, collaborations, and careers that go beyond the traditional academic path. If you’re curious about what’s next in science, you’re in the right place.
Beyond the Bench: Episode 13: Suse Reynolds, Angel Investor
Dive into the world of angel investing and startup ecosystems with Suse, a KiwiNet Commercialisation Icon Award winner, as she shares her journey from diplomacy to economic development. In this episode, Suse discusses the importance of empathy, connection, and the unique role New Zealand plays in global innovation. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of commercialising research, the power of storytelling in startups, and the critical role of connectivity in fostering innovation. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how New Zealand's values and practical approach are shaping the future of business and technology.
Connect with Suse:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suse-reynolds/
Narrative Muse: https://narrativemuse.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19746045534&gbraid=0AAAAABxjtumh1MLAgFqNulFw3Zlh_u0To&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0p7KBhCkARIsAE6XlalSDpEEIhv9N5NRowWA7TwzoBF7G-zNigagmM_ynh3kn-Lev1Zli7UaAvXiEALw_wcB
Join the LabMates platform:
https://labmates.net/
11 Dec 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 12: Dr Matt Webber, Director R&D tax incentive MBIE
In this episode of "LabMates Beyond the Bench," join Maddie as she sits down with Matt, a former chemist turned director at MBIE. Discover Matt's fascinating journey from academia to industry and now into government, exploring the transferable skills that have shaped his career. Learn how his experiences in chemistry and crop protection have influenced his current role in New Zealand's R&D Tax Incentive, and gain insights into the importance of soft skills and adaptability in today's job market. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of science, industry, and government.
Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjohnwebber/
Join the LabMates platform:
https://labmates.net/
1 Dec 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 11: Valentine Chan, Chief Scientific Officer
In this episode of "LabMates Beyond the Bench," host Maddie sits down with Valentine Chan to explore his fascinating career journey from a chemistry student to a Chief Scientific Officer. Valentine shares insights into his academic background, the pivotal internships that shaped his path, and the challenges he faced transitioning from academia to industry. Discover how Valentine navigated various roles, from R&D in paint technology to regulatory compliance in the wet wipes industry, and how his passion for innovation led him back to working with wool-based products. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring scientists eager to learn about the diverse career opportunities beyond the lab bench.
Connect with Valentine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinechan/
Join the LabMates platform:
https://labmates.net/
9 Oct 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 10: Dr Lee Booty, Venture Principal Scientist
In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Maddie interviews Lee Booty about his journey from academia to industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in drug discovery and commercialisation. Lee shares insights on bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation.
Keywords: drug discovery, academia, industry, collaboration, innovation
Join us on the LabMates platform, supporting initiatives that are closing the gap between academia and industry https://labmates.net/
Connect with Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-booty/
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2 Oct 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 9: Dr Giovanni Pedone, Commercialisation and Innovation Specialist
Gio shares his journey from academia to commercialisation and innovation specialist working in technology transfer. He talks about the skills he gained during his PhD and how they apply to his current work. He highlights the challenges faced in academia and the transition to a career in research commercialisation.
Keywords: academia, commercialisation, PhD skills, career transition, PhD to commercialisation
Topics:
The importance of aligning your passion with your PhD topic.
Recognising when a career path isn't right and making a change.
The value of a supportive network during career transitions.
How PhD skills can be applied in commercialisation roles.
The significance of being open to feedback and criticism.
Understanding the commercialisation process and its challenges.
The role of curiosity and continuous learning in career growth.
Balancing work-life priorities in career decisions.
The impact of networking and mentorship in career development.
Embracing new opportunities and being adaptable in your career.
Join LabMates for free and connect with your scientific community https://labmates.net/
Follow Gio on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-pedone-phd/
22 Sept 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 8: Dr Sankalita Ray Das, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
In this conversation, Sankalita shares her inspiring journey from India to New Zealand, detailing her academic path and the challenges she faced in pursuing a PhD. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the balance between research and personal life, and her aspirations to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the significance of resilience, adaptability, and the need for a supportive research community.
Join the LabMates community and be part of the future of research collaboration https://labmates.net/
Keywords: PhD journey, mentorship, research, academia, industry, immigrant experience, career development, New Zealand, biomedical science
10 Sept 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 7: Jess Chiang, Applied PhD & CSO at BioFab
After recently submitting her PhD thesis, Jess shares her career story from Bachelors to Honours to Master's to an applied PhD with the startup BioFab, while also working as their Chief Scientific Officer.
Jess shares her unique journey through academia, highlighting her transition from a master's program to an applied PhD that integrates industry collaboration. She discusses the importance of networking, the entrepreneurial mindset required for success in research, and the balance between academic and commercial goals. Jess reflects on the challenges faced during her PhD, the significance of community support, and her aspirations for the future, emphasising the evolving landscape of academia and the role of applied science.
Join us on LabMates - a free platform changing the way scientists connect and collaborate https://labmates.net/
Keywords: PhD, applied science, industry collaboration, networking, entrepreneurial mindset, research, academic journey, community support, startup, fundamental science
17 Aug 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 6: Dr Sheryl Tan, Venture Capital
Dr. Sheryl Tan's journey into venture capital is a testament to the power of adaptability and leveraging transferable skills. After completing her postdoc, she navigated the challenges of transitioning from neuroscience to venture capital, emphasising the importance of building networks and honing soft skills. Her story inspires scientists to embrace change and trust their instincts when exploring new career paths.
Join us on LabMates - a free platform changing the way scientists connect and collaborate https://labmates.net/
Keywords: transferable skills, communication, story telling, investment, PhD careers
5 Aug 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 5: Dr Rebeka Fekete, Translational Scientist
Keywords: neuroscience, long COVID, job market, personal branding, networking, mentorship, LinkedIn, career growth, AI in research, industry insights
Summary:
In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Maddie interviews Rebeka Fekete, a neuroscientist and translational strategy expert. They discuss Rebeka's journey from academia to industry, her experiences with long COVID research, and the challenges of navigating the job market. Rebeka shares insights on personal branding, the importance of networking, and how to leverage LinkedIn for career growth. The conversation highlights the need for mentorship and the value of creating opportunities in a competitive job landscape.
27 Jul 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 4: Dr Kathleen Lucere, Venture Capital
Keywords: science, research, venture capital, startups, academic career, commercialization, storytelling, PhD, medical school, entrepreneurship
In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Dr. Kathleen Lucere shares her journey from aspiring medical student to PhD in biochemistry and her eventual transition into the world of venture capital and startups. She discusses the importance of storytelling in science, the skills needed to navigate the startup landscape, and the myths surrounding leaving academia for industry. Kathleen emphasises the need for researchers to engage in commercialisation to drive global change and reflects on her identity as a scientist.
20 Jul 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 3. Dr Anupama Gulur Srinivas, Industry Chemist
Keywords: Academia, Industry, Mindset, Sustainability, Scaling, PhD, Innovation, Marketability, Transition
The conversation explores the significant differences between academic and industry mindsets, particularly in the context of innovation, scalability, and marketability. Anu shares her experiences transitioning from academia to industry, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a more practical and profit-driven approach.
Join the free LabMates online platform (https://labmates.net/) connecting scientists
23 Jun 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 2. Dr Thomas Grant, Investment Manager
Investment Manager Dr. Thomas Grant discusses his transition from academia to commercialization, highlighting the importance of networking and dispelling myths about the business world in this interview episode.
13 Jun 2025
Beyond the Bench: Episode 1. Dr Emily Mason, Commercialisation Manager
Commercialisation Manager Dr. Emily Mason discusses her career path from a Chemistry PhD to her current role at Wellington Univentures, in an interview, highlighting key steps and lessons learned.
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