By Jonathan Andrade, 08 OCT 2024.
Working in academia for an extended period has profoundly shaped my approach to critical thinking and problem-solving. In the academic world, failure is not just an outcome; it’s a crucial part of the research process. Through repeated failures, you learn to refine hypotheses, tweak methodologies, and ultimately uncover solutions that were not initially apparent. This iterative process has honed my ability to find innovative solutions, a skill that is invaluable in the industry.
During my PhD research, I encountered a significant setback in less than 2 years, before completing my comprehensive exams. My initial hypothesis was that a specific emulsifier in my beverage-like delivery system would impair the delivery of the bioactives loaded into it during in vitro digestion. However, after extensive experimentation, I found that there was no noticeable effect at all. This was a major disappointment, not only for me but for the entire project. The results did not align with the expectations we had set, and it felt like a failure.
This experience, though disheartening at the time, reminded me of the true value of persistence and critical thinking, that for many years I have been facing in my academic experiences. Instead of accepting defeat, I took several weeks to deeply reflect on the results and what they might mean. It was during this period of introspection that I realized the supposed failure was actually a hidden success. The lack of change indicated that the emulsifier did not interfere with the delivery of bioactives, which could be seen as a positive outcome for the delivery system, specially if applied to pharmaceuticals instead food, due to the food regulations at the time.
This insight led me to pivot my research approach. I began to explore food-structuring approaches to control the release of bioactives (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) simultaneously loaded in the double emulsion system. Through this new direction, I not only achieved ways to control release, but also uncovered much more about the interaction of components within the emulsion system. This experience reinforced the idea that failure is not the end but often a stepping stone to greater discoveries. It also demonstrated the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving-skills that have been invaluable in both my academic and industry roles.
Most of my research experiences were in academic environments, as graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, and lecturer. Each of these roles had taught me the intricacies of navigating a highly competitive and politically charged environment. Academia, with its focus on deep exploration and theoretical advancements, allows for the luxury of time to thoroughly investigate a single project, while also mentoring others and engaging in critical discussions about data. This environment fosters a profound understanding of the nuances behind results and their potential real-world applications.
However, an industry role demanded a different mindset. The industry can be even more competitive but is driven by investment, results, profits and very tight deadlines. Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each fitting into a larger puzzle that directly impacts people’s lives, requires a focus on practical solutions. The industry prioritizes quick, actionable outcomes, understanding that the first version of a product may not be perfect, but improvements will follow in subsequent iterations.
I had the privilege to work in a project of a partnership between academia and industry, before shifting completely into the industry. This was my first contact with both worlds. As 90% of all research attempts, the outcomes were not the ones initially expected (should be seen as “failures”?), but what I always remember during this transitioning time, was the challenge of dealing with sensitive information that the company couldn’t share with me, despite our signed NDAs. This was a surprising revelation, as I realized that company secrets are highly valuable and closely guarded. Although this limitation posed challenges for my project, it became clear that there were critical pieces of information they couldn’t disclose, leading me to navigate the project with incomplete data. I learned that sometimes industry partners expect you to uncover certain points independently, even if it involves additional cost or effort for them. It may bring new insights for a long unsolved problem, a different set of eyes to a new innovative idea. In addition, as a post doctorate researcher, it’s easy to overlook the broader context and objectives driving the industry’s decisions. In the end, while the results did not translate into a new patent, the industry gained clarity on the direction to pursue beyond the initial hypothesis. Meanwhile, on the academic side, we were able to gain experience with a real industrial problem and publish the interesting findings. The “failure” was turned into success, to both partners. The three years of this industry-academia partnership underscored the importance of balancing expectations and deadlines and understanding each partner’s needs to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial collaboration.
After transitioning to the industry, designing a natural drug-product for clinical trials on psychedelic assisted therapy was no different. With tight budget, a small but brilliant team and intense pressure, the “failures” observed in the first 3 weeks of the project led to significant improvements in the processing chain of the raw material that ultimately resulted in a stable drug-product, delivering the correct dosage of the natural psychoactive. A successful project completed in record time for the company. I cannot describe how exciting it was to think about the impact each dose of this product could bring to people in need.
What I want to convey is that the pressures and expectations of industry and the failures inherent in research should not be viewed as obstacles but as integral parts of the process. We must take ownership of the outcomes, understanding that every result serves a purpose. If our expectations are not met, it may be because something better is on the horizon. An industry-academia partnership can bridge gaps by leveraging the industry’s eagerness for practical solutions and academia’s scientific expertise. In both academia and industry, research presents its own unique challenges, with different pressures in each environment. Academia has equipped me with the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle complex problems, while industry has taught me to see the bigger picture, manage resources and expectations efficiently, and deliver results under pressure.
At Salix Sciences, we are committed to uniting the two worlds, fully aware of the demands of both academia and industry. We excel in integrating the strengths of each to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions. At Salix Sciences, we are ready to unite these two worlds, finding the right academic partner to bring your new idea to life or make your label claim a reality.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salix Sciences, its affiliates, or any other organization, agency, employer, or company. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. Salix Sciences will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
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