My RTTP Journey: Izaskun Muruzábal Lecumberri

As a Business Developer at the Validé Technology Transfer Office in Norway, Izaskun Muruzábal Lecumberri works with researchers to transform innovative ideas into solutions that benefit society. She manages the commercialisation of research-based innovations from several research centres and academic institutions across Rogaland county, drawing on her scientific background and expertise in intellectual property, innovation management and translational funding.

For Izaskun, however, knowledge transfer is about much more than commercialising research.

"Knowledge transfer is not only creating a business opportunity from research assets, but creating an innovation mindset among academics and researchers, and that's the most important for me."

Recognising experience

Knowledge transfer is a profession that attracts people from many different disciplines, each bringing their own expertise and perspective.

For Izaskun, one of the strengths of RTTP is that it recognises the practical experience professionals develop throughout their careers.

"Colleagues working with knowledge transfer come from nay different disciplines, and once we involve ourselves in the job, we almost all need to learn it from scratch. There are no academic titles or studies that prepare you for knowledge transfer; it is about experience. I think it is a good achievement to be able to demonstrate that experience."

Her own career reflects that journey. Starting with little knowledge of the profession, she gradually progressed to managing her own projects and taking responsibility for the patent portfolio of her organisation's research centres.

Looking back, she sees that growth as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Learning through ASTP

Continuous professional development has been an important part of Izaskun's journey.

One of the first ASTP courses she attended was Knowledge Transfer Fundamentals, which provided a strong foundation in the principles of knowledge transfer and commercialisation.

"The Knowledge Transfer Fundamentals course helped me understand how we evaluate and select ideas, and what is important to have in place to fulfill milestones along the way."

She also found the Software Specific Challenges in KT course particularly valuable, especially as software-based research continues to grow and presents new intellectual property challenges.

"I could take that course again and again as new challenges arise."

Beyond the learning itself, ASTP helped Izaskun develop something equally important: a professional network.

Attending face-to-face courses introduced her to knowledge transfer professionals from different organisations and backgrounds, all facing similar opportunities and challenges.

"The physical courses I attened helped build my network, and in my latest course I realised how much I shared with those professionals, even though we came from different backgrounds and had different functions in our organisations. That made me feel involved and motivated me to wating to say, 'Hei! I'm one of you."

A milestone in a professional journey

For Izaskun, achieving RTTP recognition is much more than receiving a professional designation.

"Receiving the RTTP recognition is a meaningful milestone in my professional journey. To me, it reflects the importance of fostering an innovation mindser within academia and empowering researchers to translate great science into innovations that create real value for society. It also motivates me to continue growing within the knowledge transfer community."

She also found the application process itself surprisingly valuable.

Rather than simply documenting achievements, it encouraged her to reflect on how much she had accomplished over the years.

"The application is a good recap of what you have done, and it forces you to look back and makes you notice that you have actually done much more than you remember or were aware of at that moment."

Advice for future RTTP applicants

Izaskun encourages other ASTP members not to wait until they feel completely prepared before beginning their RTTP application.

"Even if you think you are not ready, start preparing your application. You will see that you actually have many skills that you maybe didn't know; and if something is missing to complete your application, try to work on that skills. It will be a boost to your career and daily activities."

She also believes that making the most of ASTP's community is just as important as attending courses.

"I'd recommend taking every opportunity to meet professionals in other organisations, share experiences and enjoy the social occasions. Those connections are incredibly valuable."

Whether through training, networking or professional recognition, Izaskun's journey demonstrates how continuous learning and engagement with the knowledge transfer community can help professionals grow in confidence, build expertise and create greater impact.

Start your own RTTP journey

RTTP is the internationally recognised professional designation for knowledge transfer professionals. ASTP supports its members through high-quality training, conferences, webinars and networking opportunities that help build the knowledge, experience and Continuing Education (CE) points needed for RTTP recognition.

If you're considering applying, there's no better time to begin your own RTTP journey.