My RTTP Journey: Relika Williams

As a Knowledge Transfer Expert, Relika Williams designs and delivers training on knowledge transfer and knowledge valorisation, with a particular focus on intellectual property strategy and its role in research impact. Through the Estonian knowledge transfer community, she actively promotes professional development and encourages knowledge transfer professionals to engage with ASTP and RTTP.

For Relika, achieving RTTP recognition represents both professional validation and a commitment to advancing high standards within the knowledge transfer profession.

''Receiving RTTP recognition affirms my commitment to translating research into real-world impact and advancing professional standards in knowledge transfer. It is both an honour and a motivation to continue building effective bridges between science and society."

Working to international standards

Reaching RTTP accreditation has been a long but rewarding journey.

For Relika, one of the greatest values of RTTP is that it provides an internationally recognised benchmark for the profession. Working to global standards not only facilitates collaboration with knowledge transfer professionals around the world but also reinforces confidence that her work aligns with internationally recognised best practices.

''Achieving RTTP recognition means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally. It gives me confidence that I am operating at the same high standard as my peers worldwide and demonstrates the value of aligning our work in knowledge transfer with internationally recognised best practices."

Learning with ASTP

Professional development has been central to Relika's career, and ASTP's learning opportunities have played an important role in building her expertise.

Among the experiences she found most valuable are the Software Specific Challenges in Knowledge Transfer training course and the Train the Trainer programme.

The Special Interest Groups continue to provide practical insights that directly support her day-to-day work, while the Annual Conference remains an invaluable opportunity to learn, exchange knowledge and develop new partnerships.

''That's where everybody meets, learns, exchanges knowledge, asks questions and develops partnerships."

Looking back, one ASTP event stands out as particularly influential.

Relika's first ASTP event—the Thematic Event held in Leiden in 2019—proved to be a defining moment in her professional journey.

''I learned a great deal, found lasting friends and partners, and was especially inspired by the closing session where Allison Campbell, Christophe Haunold and the then ASTP President shared their visions for the future of knowledge transfer and technology transfer professionals and the evolution of our field."

Championing RTTP

Since attending her first ASTP event, Relika has become a strong advocate for both ASTP and RTTP within Estonia, actively encouraging fellow professionals to engage with the international knowledge transfer community.

She has seen interest in both ASTP and RTTP steadily grow and believes that professional recognition helps strengthen the profession while creating opportunities for greater international collaboration.

Advice for future RTTP applicants

For anyone considering RTTP, Relika's advice is simple:

''Go for it! RTTP is not just a title – the process reflects real experience in knowledge transfer."

She encourages applicants to focus on building genuine experience by leading processes from beginning to end, mastering the principles of knowledge transfer, and developing a thorough understanding of collaborations, deals and knowledge valorisation in practice.

''The requirements are demanding in a good way; they ensure that, by the time you apply, you have truly led and experienced the full KT cycle and grown into a more complete KT professional."

For Relika, RTTP is more than a professional designation—it is a recognition of experience, continuous learning and a shared commitment to excellence across the global knowledge transfer community.