Transitioning from Academia to Industry: My Experience with the SCI FI Program
- Joao Victor Cabral, MD Ph.D.
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Are you a scientist considering a transition from academia to industry? If so, you’re not alone! In 2023, I participated in the SCI FI – From Scientists to Innovators for Industry program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between research and business. This three-month blended learning program provided me with valuable industry insights, hands-on experience, and a stronger career direction in pharma, medtech, and biotech.
Here’s how SCI FI 2023 helped me—and why you should consider it too if you’re looking for a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device sectors.
What Is the SCI FI Program?
SCI FI (From Scientists to Innovators for Industry) is a career transition program that equips scientists with essential business, innovation, and industry-specific skills. Sponsored by EIT Health, this program is ideal for PhDs, postdocs, and researchers seeking careers outside academia.
SCI FI Program 2023 at a Glance:
✔ Organized by: EIT Health
✔ Duration: September – December 2023
✔ Hybrid format: Online modules + in-person events
✔ Industries covered: Pharma, biotech, medical devices
✔ Key skills: Communication, project management, market access, regulatory affairs
🔗 Learn more: EIT Health SCI FI Program
My Journey: From Scientist to Industry Professional
1. Kickstarting the Program in Barcelona
The SCI FI program began with an online introduction, followed by a two-day in-person event at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona on September 18-19, 2023.
During these sessions, I had the chance to:
✔ Meet mentors, industry experts, and fellow scientists.
✔ Learn about career paths beyond academia.
✔ Gain insights into business, medical innovation, and market access.
This networking opportunity was invaluable—it expanded my professional circle and helped me understand how my skills fit into the industry.
2. Online Learning: Business & Industry Skills
The next phase involved online training across seven core modules, covering:
✔ Soft Skills & Communication – Effective collaboration and teamwork.
✔ Understanding the Customer – How to apply scientific knowledge to industry needs.
✔ Strategic & Project Management – Developing leadership skills.
✔ Market Access & Regulation – Navigating compliance and approvals.
Additionally, I explored five industry-specific modules related to:
🔹 Medical Device Regulation (MDR & CE marking).
🔹 Digital Transformation & AI in Healthcare.
🔹 Clinical Trials & Patient Engagement.
🔹 GDPR & Data Privacy in HealthTech.
These lessons provided real-world applications for my academic background, making me more confident about entering the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
3. Hands-On Industry Experience: Working on a Real Case Study
One of the most valuable aspects of SCI FI was the team project, where we worked on real-life business challenges from industry partners.
✔ Interdisciplinary collaboration: Our team combined expertise from biotechnology, medicine, and business.
✔ Problem-solving: We developed an innovative strategy based on market research and business insights.
✔ Final Presentation: We showcased our findings at the SCI FI Final Event in Erlangen, Germany (December 11-12, 2023).
Our efforts paid off—our project was recognized as one of the best product presentations of the program! 🎉
How SCI FI 2023 Helped My Career
💡 Bridged the gap between academia & industry – I learned how to apply scientific knowledge in business contexts.
💡 Expanded my career options – I discovered roles in market access, regulatory affairs, and business development.
💡 Developed key skills for pharma & medtech – Project management, communication, and strategic thinking.
💡 Built an international network – Connecting with industry leaders and innovators.
Final Thoughts: Should You Join SCI FI?
If you’re a PhD, postdoc, or scientist looking to enter pharma, medtech, or biotech, I highly recommend SCI FI. This program gave me the confidence and tools to transition into industry successfully.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments! I’d love to share more about my experience. 🚀
Explore More About My Experience:
Check out these interviews where I share insights from my journey in the SCI FI program:
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