Cambridge Gravity Encounters

Jan Venne, Claudia Smith, Emily James

Welcome to Cambridge Gravity Encounters, the podcast where we talk with leaders in the life sciences in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship about the journeys that shaped their paths. We delve into pivotal childhood moments, career-defining risks, groundbreaking innovations, and the lessons that have guided them along the way. From navigating transitions between sectors to driving transformative research, we uncover insights and advice for the next generation of life science innovators. Tune in to hear the stories that inspire and the ideas shaping the future of science. Website: https://www.gravity.cam.ac.uk/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-gravity/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cambridgegravity Instagram: encounters.cam

  1. Episode #17: Dr Mike Stubbington - CSO at CS Genetics

    18 JAN

    Episode #17: Dr Mike Stubbington - CSO at CS Genetics

    This week, we’re joined by Dr Mike Stubbington, whose work spans single-cell genomics across academia and industry. He was part of the founding team of the Human Cell Atlas at the Sanger Institute, before moving to 10x Genomics to work on large scale single-cell and spatial data. Now Chief Scientific Officer at CS Genetics, Mike is focused on building tools that make single-cell genomics more accessible. We talk about his path into science, how his time at Cambridge shaped him, the move from academia to industry, what it’s like to help scale a biotech company, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, risk, and building teams.

    47 min
  2. Episode #16: Tim Eisen - Professor of Medical Oncoloy at the University of Cambridge and Franchise Head of GU Oncology at Roche

    26/08/2025

    Episode #16: Tim Eisen - Professor of Medical Oncoloy at the University of Cambridge and Franchise Head of GU Oncology at Roche

    Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Tim Eisen to Gravity Encounters. As a Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Cambridge and Franchise Head of GU Oncology at Roche, Tim’s career spans academia, clinical practice, industry, and patient advocacy. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, including pioneering VEGF Receptor inhibitors and identifying genetic lung cancer risk factors, he’s had a profound impact on the field. Beyond his scientific achievements, Tim has been instrumental in shaping cancer care, leading one of the largest kidney cancer practices in the UK, and working closely with charities like Macmillan Cancer Support. Today, we’ll explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and inspirations that have defined his extraordinary career.

    52 min
  3. Episode #15: Professor Sarah Teichmann - Professor of Stem Cell Medicine at the University of Cambridge and Co-founder of the Human Cell Atlas

    02/06/2025

    Episode #15: Professor Sarah Teichmann - Professor of Stem Cell Medicine at the University of Cambridge and Co-founder of the Human Cell Atlas

    Today, we’re excited to welcome Sarah Teichmann to Gravity Encounters. As Professor of Stem Cell Biology at the University of Cambridge and Vice President for Translational Research at GSK, Sarah has had a profound impact on single-cell genomics, immunology, and translational medicine. Previously, she held positions at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the European Bioinformatics Institute, and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where she led large-scale single-cell projects that have transformed our understanding of human health and disease. Sarah has co-founded Transition Bio and EnsoCell Therapeutics, applying single-cell and spatial genomics technologies, AI, and machine learning to drive novel therapeutic discovery. In addition, she is co-founder and co-leader of the international Human Cell Atlas consortium, which aims to create comprehensive reference maps of every human cell type. Today, we’ll explore Sarah’s journey, from working on the fundamental principles of cell biology to leading global consortia and companies at the forefront of translational research. Hosts: Emily James and Claudia Smith

    47 min
  4. Episode #14: Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith - Professor of Genetics at the University of Cambridge

    21/05/2025

    Episode #14: Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith - Professor of Genetics at the University of Cambridge

    In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith. Anne is a globally recognised expert in mammalian genetics and epigenetics, and currently holds the Arthur Balfour Professorship of Genetics at Cambridge. Her research investigates how epigenetic mechanisms regulate genome function, with a focus on how genetic and environmental factors influence development, health, and disease. She is also the Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and International Partnerships at the University of Cambridge. In this conversation, Anne shares insights into her journey into science, the vital role of epigenetics in understanding complex biological systems, and her leadership path in research and policy. This episode was recorded a while ago, so some of the information may be out of date. Hosts: Laura Ryan and Laura Lungu Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsNAyfQHSYE

    35 min
  5. Episode #13: Dr. Alan Rigby - CEO Epitopea

    20/04/2025

    Episode #13: Dr. Alan Rigby - CEO Epitopea

    In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alan Rigby to Gravity Encounters. With a career spanning academia, biotech, and drug discovery, Alan has made a significant impact on cancer research and immunotherapy. From his time as an Assistant Professor at Harvard to leading multiple innovative companies, he has been at the forefront of tumor biology, computational drug discovery, and antibody therapeutics. Now the CEO of Epitopea, Alan continues to drive breakthroughs in the field, shaping the future of cancer immunotherapies and vaccines.

    52 min
  6. Episode #12: Professor Madeline Lancaster - Group Leader at the MRC LMB

    16/03/2025

    Episode #12: Professor Madeline Lancaster - Group Leader at the MRC LMB

    In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Madeline Lancaster, a leading expert in brain development and neuroscience. As a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Madeline has pioneered the development of brain organoids; 3D models that mimic early human brain development and provide critical insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and evolution. Her groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of how the human brain forms and functions, with implications for disease modelling and future therapeutics. In this interview, Madeline shares the story behind the discovery and development of brain organoids, the challenges and opportunities they present, and their potential to revolutionise our understanding of the human brain. Hosts: Laura Ryan and Laura Lungu Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcTTyafAflo

    39 min
  7. Episode #11: Professor Allan Bradley - Founder and CEO of T-Therapeutics

    02/03/2025

    Episode #11: Professor Allan Bradley - Founder and CEO of T-Therapeutics

    Today, we’re excited to welcome Allan Bradley to Gravity Encounters. As the Founder and CEO of T-Therapeutics, Allan has had a profound impact on the fields of genomics, monoclonal antibody discovery, and biotech entrepreneurship. Previously, as the Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Allan played a pivotal role in transforming its genome-sequencing infrastructure into a world-class research centre. His academic research laid the foundation for Kymab Ltd, a humanised antibody discovery company that led to the development of novel therapeutic antibodies, some of which have demonstrated clinical benefits. Beyond Kymab, Allan co-founded PetMedix, applying cutting-edge antibody technologies to animal health. Earlier in his career, he spun out Lexicon Genetics while at Baylor College of Medicine, which went on to a $1 billion NASDAQ debut within just five years. A Fellow of the Royal Society and an expert in mouse genetics, Allan has significantly shaped the biotech landscape. Today, we’ll explore Allan’s journey, from academia to building billion-dollar companies, and the scientific and entrepreneurial insights he’s gained along the way. Hosts: Emily James and Jan Venne

    43 min
  8. Episode #10: Dr Alex Teng - Partner at Fifty Years

    13/02/2025

    Episode #10: Dr Alex Teng - Partner at Fifty Years

    Warning: This podcast contains strong language. Today, we’re excited to welcome Alex Teng to Gravity Encounters. As a Partner at Fifty Years, Alex has forged a career at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship, backing founders who are leveraging cutting-edge innovation to tackle humanity's greatest challenges. From his academic foundations at UC Berkeley and Caltech to pioneering environmental research with NASA, his career spans diverse ventures, including building net-zero emission vehicles at Divergent 3D, developing in-nose air filters at AVA, and designing advanced scientific instrumentation to probe the complexities of atmospheric chemistry. With a unique blend of scientific expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Alex has consistently demonstrated the power of innovation to create meaningful change. Today, we’ll delve into the experiences, milestones, and insights that have shaped his remarkable path. Hosts: Emily James and Jan Venne

    44 min
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About

Welcome to Cambridge Gravity Encounters, the podcast where we talk with leaders in the life sciences in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship about the journeys that shaped their paths. We delve into pivotal childhood moments, career-defining risks, groundbreaking innovations, and the lessons that have guided them along the way. From navigating transitions between sectors to driving transformative research, we uncover insights and advice for the next generation of life science innovators. Tune in to hear the stories that inspire and the ideas shaping the future of science. Website: https://www.gravity.cam.ac.uk/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-gravity/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cambridgegravity Instagram: encounters.cam

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