Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vital role in European competitiveness.
But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business.
To illustrate this, the 2019 European Inventor Award winner shares his journey as an INSERM researcher and successful biotech founder, discussing the pivotal role of technology transfer offices, what it takes to turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact and the evolving role of today's scientists. The conversation is accompanied by insights from the EPO Observatory's recent study on “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation.”
Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
Guests: Dr. Jérôme Galon, Cancer immunologist and research director, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM)
More information:
•
EPO study: “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation” (link.epo.org/web/publications/studies/en-the-role-of-european-public-research-in-patenting-and-innovation.pdf)
•
Profile of Dr. Jérôme Galon on the EPO website (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/jerome-galon)
In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vital role in European competitiveness.
But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business.
To illustrate this, the 2019 European Inventor Award winner shares his journey as an INSERM researcher and successful biotech founder, discussing the pivotal role of technology transfer offices, what it takes to turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact and the evolving role of today's scientists. The conversation is accompanied by insights from the EPO Observatory's recent study on “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation.”
Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
Guests: Dr. Jérôme Galon, Cancer immunologist and research director, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM)
More information:
•
EPO study: “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation” (link.epo.org/web/publications/studies/en-the-role-of-european-public-research-in-patenting-and-innovation.pdf)
•
Profile of Dr. Jérôme Galon on the EPO website (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/jerome-galon)
