Dr Michael Roberts Trustee I founded a biotech company called Synpromics Ltd in 2010, which was acquired by Asklepios Biopharmaceuticals and now work as their Chief Technology Officer in Europe. I joined the Board of Trustees at Medical Research Scotland in 2018 and bring expertise in commercial aspects of life sciences research; particularly in areas of translational research and the development and application of intellectual property. Throughout my career, in both the academic and private sectors, I have been committed to helping junior colleagues develop and meet personal and professional objectives. Serving on the Board of MRS provides me with an excellent opportunity to expand on this commitment and to assist scientists at the beginning of their careers. I see an important aspect of my role in the charity to provide some guidance to early and returning researchers regarding the pitfalls and opportunities that exist when translating basic research into solutions that meet the needs of the broader community.