My RTTP Journey: Růžena Štemberková

For Růžena Štemberková, achieving Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) recognition was an opportunity to look back at years of professional development and have that experience recognised against international standards.

“Receiving RTTP recognition is a meaningful acknowledgement of my professional experience, continuous learning and commitment to knowledge transfer. It gives me confidence that my work meets internationally recognised standards and motivates me to continue contributing to the development of the field.”

From supporting researchers to building partnerships

Růžena’s career in knowledge transfer began with supporting research projects and working closely with researchers. As her experience grew, so did the scope of her work.

Over time, she became increasingly involved in knowledge transfer, intellectual property protection and collaboration with industry, as well as the development of strategic partnerships.

It was this accumulated experience that eventually motivated her to pursue RTTP recognition.

“I wanted to formally validate my experience and expertise in knowledge transfer and assess my professional development against international standards.”

For Růžena, achieving RTTP represents recognition of that long-term professional growth. It has also strengthened her confidence in the quality of her work within an international context.

Learning from the community

Continuous learning has been an important part of Růžena’s professional journey, and her engagement with ASTP has taken different forms over the years.

She highlights courses focused on knowledge transfer, intellectual property protection and commercialisation as particularly valuable, alongside webinars and Special Interest Groups. These activities helped her broaden her knowledge, exchange experiences with other professionals and collect Continuing Education (CE) points towards her RTTP application.

But some of the most valuable learning did not happen in a classroom.

For Růžena, the personal contacts and exchange of experiences at ASTP Annual Conferences had a particularly important influence on her development.

The opportunity to meet other knowledge transfer professionals, hear about their experiences and learn from different approaches provided both inspiration and the confidence to take the next step and apply for RTTP.

This combination is also what she recommends to others working towards the designation: practical courses to deepen professional knowledge alongside conferences, webinars and Special Interest Groups that create opportunities to learn directly from peers and share real-life experiences.

Looking back to move forward

The RTTP application itself brought an unexpected opportunity for reflection.

“I was surprised by how important it was to reflect specifically on my own experience and the impact of my work.”

Rather than simply documenting activities, the process encouraged Růžena to look systematically at her professional journey and consider how her experience and achievements had developed over time.

That reflection is something she believes future applicants can prepare for well in advance.

Her advice to other ASTP members considering RTTP is practical: keep track of your professional activities, achievements and learning as you go, rather than waiting until you are ready to submit an application.

“Do not hesitate to apply if you have sufficient professional experience. Keep a record of your activities, achievements and learning, and do not leave the preparation of your application until the last minute.”

For Růžena, RTTP recognition confirms what years of professional experience and continuous learning have built. At the same time, it provides motivation to keep developing, exchanging knowledge with peers and contributing to the knowledge transfer profession.