Monika Chhetry joined Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP as (Science Collaboration Manager) in (April 2024).
- What does your role involve?
My role provides an essential interface aiding collaboration between the academic researchers of Norwich Research Park and wider business community and supporting the delivery of the vision for Norwich Research Park. The foundation of this role is to work with relevant cross park representatives to optimise science collaboration across the campus and with industry partners. I am involved in strategic planning and delivering specific research and business events and opportunities to build new business activity with research organisations on the park as well as attract new tenants.
- What is your favourite thing about your role?
The most fascinating aspect of being a Science Collaboration Manager is the opportunity to serve as a bridge between diverse stakeholders—scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers. This role allows you to translate ground-breaking research into real-world applications, fostering innovation and driving impactful change. It is about creating synergies, unlocking potential, and witnessing first-hand how collaborative efforts can address some of the most pressing global challenges, from improving agricultural sustainability to advancing medical technologies. The dynamic nature of connecting ideas, people, and resources makes every day uniquely rewarding.
- What is challenging about your role?
My primary challenge lies in staying abreast of the rapid pace of innovation across various sectors. The constant emergence of new advancements requires vigilance to remain informed and responsive which sometimes becomes quite challenging. Norwich Research Park offers extensive opportunities across diverse fields, including Agri-Biotech, Food Tech, Med Tech, and Industrial Biotech, making it essential to remain proactive in identifying and leveraging these developments.
- Where have you worked before?
I worked as a researcher for nearly 12 years in Department of Crop Genetics at John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park. My specialisation was wheat genetics, brassica genetics and crop transformation technology and gene editing in potato, brassica and nicotiana.
- An interesting fact about yourself?
I have never given much thought to identifying an interesting fact about myself. However, what immediately comes to mind is that I can speak three languages fluently and have a good understanding of two others. I find the brain fascinating, especially how multilingual individuals can switch between languages in an instant—it is an incredible display of cognitive ability.
- What do you like to do outside of work?
Work keeps me very busy. But if I get time, I like to go for HIIT training, occasional running, gardening and if I am stuck inside, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles.
