Introducing the 8th Cohort of Blavatnik Fellows: Driving Life Science Innovation Leadership at Yale
Brian Gibbs, PhD; Kenneth Skinner, PhD; Marty Spang, PhD; Koen Vanderschuren, PhD
Yale Ventures is pleased to welcome the eighth cohort of Blavatnik Fellows, a one-year program for high potential life science professionals with advanced technical expertise and entrepreneurial ambition. Fellows work at the intersection of science, business, and healthcare innovation, supporting the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale, a $65 million translational fund managed by Yale Ventures.
Designed for professionals with advanced degrees in the life sciences or related fields, fellows gain hands-on experience in the commercialization of scientific discoveries. Each Fellow works closely with Yale faculty, their startups, and many Fellows go on to join investment funds, serve as operators for early-stage startups, or launch ventures of their own, using the fellowship and the Yale innovation ecosystem as a springboard for the next stage of their careers.
“With this new cohort, we are reaffirming our commitment to nurturing scientific and entrepreneurial talent capable of translating Yale’s academic discoveries into impactful health solutions for patients around the world. We are deeply grateful to the Blavatnik Family Foundation for their continued support, which makes this transformative fellowship possible.”- Morag Grassie, PhD, Director of the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale.
Meet the 2025–2026 Blavatnik Fellows (8th Cohort)
Brian Gibbs, PhD - Dr. Gibbs brings a strong background in developmental biology and translational medicine, with a focus on therapeutic discovery. His work is expected to include faculty projects developing novel therapeutics in oncology and rare disease, uniquely positioning him to assess Yale innovations for venture potential.
Kenneth Skinner, PhD - Dr. Skinner develops chemical methods for drug development and post-genomic diagnostics. With R&D and business development experience in startups and public companies, he is translating Yale innovations into commercial opportunities
Marty Spang, PhD - Dr. Spang is an expert in bioengineering and biomaterials whose collaborative approach and background in medical device and biotech startup operations uniquely position him to assess Yale innovations for venture potential and clinical impact.
Koen Vanderschuren, PhD - Dr. Vanderschuren continues his position as an Extended Blavatnik Fellow after completing an operational role during his first five months. His continuity and leadership will be pivotal in onboarding the new Fellows and ensuring strategic progress across multiple Blavatnik Fund-supported projects spanning Digital Health, Diagnostics and Drug-Device combination products.
A Pipeline of Talent for Yale and Beyond
The Blavatnik Fellowship continues to cultivate leaders who act as catalysts for innovation across Yale and the New Haven life science community. Past Fellows have gone on to launch startups, raise venture capital, join biotech boards, and lead new R&D initiatives—all while remaining closely connected to Yale’s innovation ecosystem.
Apply Now to Join the Next Class of Life Science Innovators: Applications are now open for the FY26 Extended Fellow position, —a new track allowing a highly qualified candidate to take on an operational role and gain deeper experience in project management and contracting over an extended timeline.
To learn more about the program, explore testimonials from past Fellows, or apply to be part of this transformative initiative, visit the Blavatnik Fellowship website.