Early inspirations and exciting breakthroughs: a chat with UCLB’s Caitriona O'Rourke

Caitriona O’Rourke, Senior Business Manager, BioPharm, UCLB, shares her journey into science, beginning with a childhood fascination sparked by a microscope her father bought at a car boot sale.  

Caitriona is a specialist in neurology, working with academics to help translate research into cutting edge therapies. She oversees UCLB spinouts including Trace Neuroscience, Guilford Street Labs and EpilepsyGTX.
 

What got you interested in science? 

My dad played a big role, he bought me a microscope from a car boot sale when I was seven, and I loved playing with it. That early experience really primed me for a career in science and Science was always my favourite subject at school. 

 

How did that interest develop? 

I studied for my undergraduate degree at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and then completed a Master’s in neuropharmacology there as well, which I really enjoyed. After that, I worked in industry for a couple of years in medical devices, but I found I missed lab work.  

So, I decided to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. I found a PhD opportunity at The Open University that involved translating a research tool from the bench to large scale use in industry. The project really appealed to be as it bridged industry and academia. That’s how I ended up focusing on neuroscience. 

 

How did you learn about technology transfer? 

After my PhD, I did a couple of postdoctoral positions at UCL, many of which were translational, involving clinical studies or developing devices. During these, I frequently interacted with UCL Business (UCLB). Then, by chance, I met a Senior Business manager from UCLB at an event, and I thought the role seemed fascinating re-engaging my interest in tech transfer. I visited the UCLB website, saw an advertisement for an Associate Business Manager position, applied, and got it. It was quite serendipitous. 

 

What have been your highlights at UCLB? 

I’ve really enjoyed my time at UCLB. I’ve been fortunate to work with various departments, which has given me a broad understanding of biopharma research at UCL. The training and opportunities at UCLB have been excellent. In terms of projects, there is a lot of exciting research ongoing in the space of mitochondrial diseases and therapeutics for these disorders at the Institute of Neurology (ION) and it’s exciting to work on commercialising these therapies. There are also lot of AI research ongoing at UCL and understanding its use and potential applications is interesting. 

I work a lot with academics from Institute for Women’s Health, and it’s rewarding to see their research, secure funding, and develop innovations that improve outcomes for women and babies with various conditions. Every project is unique, some are more challenging, others more straightforward, but they all keep things interesting. 

 

Have there been any ‘aha’ moments? 

Following the progress of Dr. Pietro Fratta and the groundbreaking work of identifying UNC13’s role in motor neuron disease has been incredibly exciting. Therapeutic development for MND has been challenging and identification of UNC13 has opened new strategies for therapeutics. It is exciting to follow Trace Neuroscience, of which Pietro is a scientific founder, and its progress bringing some of these therapeutics to the clinic.  

Another highlight has been working with academics who are new to intellectual property and commercialisation, building those relationships, supporting their success, and grow alongside them, gaining experience from the complexity of their projects. 

 

Any hobbies or passions outside of work? 

I love going to the West End to see plays. I try to go at least once a month. I’m also a keen hiker and often leave London at weekends to explore places like the South Downs, Kent, or coastal areas. Additionally, I’m a big Ireland rugby fan, so I spend a lot of time watching and going to as many games as I can.