Connecting Academia’s Brightest Minds with Industry’s Boldest Missions
Professional training for PhDs and postdocs. Partnership strategies for PIs. Funding models for university leadership. Simply put: Exactly what your institution needs to thrive.
Our Mission
Every year, Academia invests billions training our greatest minds. At TurningScience, we ensure that investment pays off by bridging the academia-industry gap at every level. Our programs help PhDs find their dream jobs, PIs secure complementary industry funding and grow their labs, and universities achieve a greater return on education.
About Us
We stand at the intersection of two worlds that desperately need each other but speak different languages. From graduate students to department heads, we transform how your entire institution connects with industry—because scientific expertise deserves recognition not just in academia, but everywhere.
Why Us
Much of current PhD career training comes from people who've never hired a single PhD scientist or worked in industry. TurningScience is different. We're built on 25 years of sitting on both sides of the interview table—seeing exactly why some PhDs get rejected, and others get accepted. Why some universities become innovation & tech hubs—and others, not.
Our Top-Rated Programs
90-Minute Workshops
Perfect for introducing critical industry concepts or developing specific skills. These focused sessions address immediate needs like interview preparation, research communication, or networking strategies. Ideal for departments looking to supplement existing career preparation or as a single advanced training experience before investing in more comprehensive training.
Intensive 1- or 2-Day Trainings
Our flagship programs transform how researchers approach industry opportunities. Through interactive exercises, real-world case studies, and personalized feedback, participants develop the practical skills to translate scientific expertise into business value. Universities consistently report stronger industry connections and improved job placement after implementation.
Bridging scientific excellence and business impact with proven leadership experience.
Transformative training programs consistently delivered at premier institutions across continents.
Empowering researchers to thrive in industry with practical career & leadership frameworks.
Trusted globally to bridge the academia-industry gap for measurable success.
What makes us different
Comprehensive Support
We serve your entire academic community—PhDs, postdocs, faculty, and PIs—with tailored approaches for each group's unique challenges.
We've Sat In The Hiring Chair
Dr. Giltner has personally hired and managed dozens of PhDs, and interviewed hundreds. He knows exactly why most applications succeed (or fail) before the interview even starts.
Both Worlds. One Approach.
Your researchers maintain their scientific identity while learning the unwritten rules of business and industry environments.
Proven In The Field
Over 2,500 scientists at 60+ institutions have used our approach. The proof is in the pudding.
The Game, Not The Formula
Scientists look for right answers. Business looks for valuable decisions. We teach the psychological shift that changes everything.
Multiple Entry Points
From keynotes to workshops to consulting. Programs that match your unique needs and timelines. Custom solutions available upon request.
What Our Students Say
Trusted by both scientists and university leadership for delivering beginner-to-advanced training programs for career-transforming outcomes.
Attending the 'How to Be More Employable in the Private Sector' workshop was an exceptional opportunity that provided me with a new perspective on my career and increased my confidence. I'm grateful for Dr. David Giltner's invaluable insights, feedback, and captivating stories that helped me gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the private sector.’
‘David delivered an engaging and thought-provoking keynote that brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our event, It was a delight to see the doctoral students in attendance with big smiles on their faces, clearly indicating their satisfaction. There are many people who give career development guidance, but David has the first-hand experience required to give a genuine view of what a private sector career is really like!’
Practical scientific applications transformed into valuable protected commercial technologies worldwide.
High-level, practical guides helping scientists navigate successful private sector transitions.
Global expertise serving diverse scientific communities across international research ecosystems.
Comprehensive training programs bridging every level and phase of the academia-industry gap.
Want to dive deeper? Read my books!
It's a Game, Not a Formula
The essential guide revealing why success in industry requires a fundamentally different approach than academia. Practical frameworks for environments with no single "right answer.".
Turning Science into Things People Need
A practical roadmap for bringing discoveries into the marketplace. Essential for researchers seeking to create tangible, real-world impact through industry connections.
Shaping the World
29 scientists interviewed. 29 different paths to impact. Real stories that prove you don't have to leave science behind to succeed in business.
Articles & News
Transform your scientists into industry leaders
Learn how our workshops help PhDs succeed in industry, PIs grow their labs and get more funding, and universities secure long-lasting industry partnerships.
