From the diaries of a translational scientist (Conference Presentation)

Since my early days as a scientist, I've been passionate about translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications to enhance healthcare and wellbeing. My journey began with the development of an optical fiber for mid-infrared radiation transmission, which was licensed to several medical lasers and optics companies and is still in use today. This invention led to the creation of a thermal imaging bundle for minimally invasive surgery. I noticed a "loss in translation" problem when transferring technology from university research to industry. To address this, I decided to translate technologies developed in my lab into commercial clinical products myself. One such product was a device for identifying bacteria in clinical settings using mid-infrared spectroscopy. My interest goes beyond the technology itself to include crucial aspects of technology development, such as ethically aligned design, team science, and the science of translation. Currently, we are working on a new project involving a method and system to image pupil movements under closed eyelids. I will discuss the progress and path of various projects, outlining my journey through the translation stages.