News and Events

​Why do so many promising academic discoveries fail to become medicines?

This talk explores the translation gap, both as the scientific journey from bench to bedside and as the challenge of translating between the stakeholders who ultimately determine success: investors, regulators, payers, physicians, and patients.  It also provides a practical overview of the Northwestern programs and resources offered through the Querrey InQbation Lab that help bridge the gap between academic innovation and real-world impact.

​Who should attend: Who should attend: Faculty and Clinicians, postdocs, graduate students (PhD, MD, MBA)

Speaker:
Elan Ness-Cohn, PhD is the Senior Manager of Life Science Ventures at the Querrey InQbation Lab, where he leads venture development and commercialization programming to help Northwestern faculty and students turn research discoveries into investable startups.

This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups). Please register using your university or startup email address.

Contracting Basics
Protect your company by understanding the contracts that protect you.

Contracts form the backbone of every startup’s relationships—with co-founders, employees, contractors, and investors. Yet too often, founders rely on others to handle the details—only to discover too late what they’ve signed away. This session will help you build the confidence and knowledge to review, negotiate, and manage your own agreements effectively.

Lunch will be provided.

Please register by June 11 to help us plan appropriately for catering.

This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups).  Please register using your university or startup email address.

About the Speakers

Jay Reilly
Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Jay Reilly is a seasoned transactional and corporate advisor with deep experience serving clients across the life sciences and high-tech industries. He represents biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies—as well as universities and nonprofits—in complex strategic transactions, licensing and collaboration agreements, venture financing and mergers and acquisitions. His work spans both domestic and international markets.

Ben Vaughan, PhD
Associate & Registered Patent Attorney, Foley Hoag LLP

Dr. Benjamin Vaughan is a registered Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. His patent practice focuses on chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, and he has specialized knowledge related to industrial process chemistry and alternative energy technologies.

Patent Strategy Pitfalls
Safeguard your innovation by avoiding the missteps that can cost you.

Patents are a cornerstone of protecting breakthrough technologies and building long‑term value. Yet too often, founders and researchers overlook critical details—missing filing deadlines, disclosing too much too soon, or failing to align IP protection with business goals. This session will help you anticipate and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your patent strategy strengthens rather than undermines your venture.

Lunch will be provided.

Please register by September 10 to help us plan appropriately for catering.

This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups).  Please register using your university or startup email address.

About the Speakers

Jay Reilly
Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Jay Reilly is a seasoned transactional and corporate advisor with deep experience serving clients across the life sciences and high-tech industries. He represents biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies—as well as universities and nonprofits—in complex strategic transactions, licensing and collaboration agreements, venture financing and mergers and acquisitions. His work spans both domestic and international markets.

Jay regularly advises C-suite executives, boards of directors, and general counsels on governance, fiduciary duties, risk mitigation, and enterprise-wide legal strategy. He frequently serves as a trusted senior advisor to leadership teams and as outside general counsel to companies with lean in-house legal departments.

Ben Vaughan, PhD
Associate & Registered Patent Attorney, Foley Hoag LLP

Dr. Benjamin Vaughan is a registered Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. His patent practice focuses on chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, and he has specialized knowledge related to industrial process chemistry and alternative energy technologies.