Transcribed

Benchling
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Transcribed explores the human stories behind biotech breakthroughs. Benchling CEO Sajith Wickramasekara sits down with scientists, founders, and R&D leaders to talk candidly about the decisions shaping modern biotech. From career pivots to breakthroughs, setbacks, and lessons in leadership, these are real conversations with the people moving science forward.

Episodes

  1. Andrew Bellinger on contrarian bets — and pioneering gene editing at Verve

    OCT 22

    Andrew Bellinger on contrarian bets — and pioneering gene editing at Verve

    Andrew Bellinger discusses what it takes to build new drug modalities from scratch, the bold bets and tough calls that shaped Verve’s journey, and lessons in building new companies from first-in-class science. * Editor's note: The interview was recorded following the announcement of Verve's acquisition by Lilly, which has since been completed.

    49 min
  2. Jake Becraft on going all in on mRNA and proving skeptics wrong

    SEP 10

    Jake Becraft on going all in on mRNA and proving skeptics wrong

    Jake Becraft reflects on making bold bets in mRNA, the journey from lab bench to biotech founder, and the state of science today. (00:00) Introduction to Jake Becraft (00:39) Betting big on mRNA — before it was a proven modality (11:34) Getting your drugs to patients (25:47) The state of modern biomanufacturing (34:30) Medicine is the best investment — and we need policy that reflects that (45:22) Rising to the challenge, as CEO (49:09) Secrets to a healthy cofounder relationship (56:55) Parenting and advice for the next generation (43:13) New funding models in science (48:26) On starting college at 15 — and a lab at 22 (01:04:10) Lightning round

    1h 12m
  3. Karen Akinsanya on the future of computational drug discovery

    AUG 1

    Karen Akinsanya on the future of computational drug discovery

    Karen Akinsanya unpacks the rise of computational drug discovery, what it takes to prove impact of new technologies, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for AI. (00:00) Introduction to Karen Akinsanya (01:54) Pursuing big technological shifts (06:24) How computation is setting the new standard of speed (10:27) Why you can't develop technology in a vacuum (14:08) Breakthroughs take a lot of patience (and cat videos?) (18:28) The big responsibility with AI (20:41) Breaking down silos and bringing teams together (24:52) The biggest hurdles for AI-driven R&D

    28 min
  4. Sara Kenkare-Mitra on saving drug programs and following your curiosity

    AUG 1

    Sara Kenkare-Mitra on saving drug programs and following your curiosity

    Sara Kenkare-Mitra talks about resilience, risk, and the kind of leadership it takes to save failing drug programs — and make medicines that matter. (00:00) Introduction to Sara Kenkare-Mitra (00:36) Turning a (nearly) failed program into a bestselling drug (08:33) Learning from industry legends (22:59) Winning for patients, even if others take it across the finish line (27:30) Following your curiosity — and unmet need (37:40) A new era for neurotherapeutics (40:46) Transitioning from large to small companies (46:33) Experience matters in the long game (51:56) Navigating work/life responsibilities (55:36) The biggest pitfall for early career scientists? Impatience. (58:48) Being the only woman in the room (1:00:42) It all comes back to curiosity (1:02:24) Lightning round

    1h 4m
  5. Patrick Hsu on betting big: CRISPR, AI, and building science in the open

    AUG 1

    Patrick Hsu on betting big: CRISPR, AI, and building science in the open

    Patrick Hsu reflects on the early days of CRISPR, the power of mentorship, and how AI and open science will reshape the future of research. (00:00) Introduction to Patrick Hsu (01:06) Realizing how big CRISPR would become (06:20) Why Feng Zhang's lab is so high-impact (14:23) How to spot a breakthrough before it happens (18:18) Where the U.S. can't compete with China — and where it can (22:13) How will AI transform the industry — and what's still missing (29:41) Why everyone wins with open science (36:42) Building products that people actually want (43:13) New funding models in science (48:26) On starting college at 15 — and a lab at 22 (55:04) Lightning round

    58 min
  • 5 Episodes

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About

Transcribed explores the human stories behind biotech breakthroughs. Benchling CEO Sajith Wickramasekara sits down with scientists, founders, and R&D leaders to talk candidly about the decisions shaping modern biotech. From career pivots to breakthroughs, setbacks, and lessons in leadership, these are real conversations with the people moving science forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Benchling
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
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    Transcribed