Spotlight on Niki Robinson

Dr. Niki Robinson oversees all strategic planning for Fred Hutch and leads several administrative teams that support and accelerate our science.

As the head of Business Development & Strategy, Robinson oversees efforts to identify science that has commercial potential and works with Hutch faculty members and staff to translate their discoveries and innovations into tangible benefits for society. Her goal is to build the strongest possible bridge between the scientific discoveries at Fred Hutch and new or existing companies that can most quickly and efficiently bring new diagnostics, treatments and cures to patients.

By nurturing relationships between Fred Hutch and investors, health care executives, biotechnology leaders, entrepreneurs and public agencies, she helps to forge lasting partnerships that further research and development at the Hutch. Such partnerships provide important revenue that the Hutch can use to support new waves of research. Her work at the Hutch has led to a fivefold increase in invention disclosures and a
doubling of commercial licenses.

Robinson also leads several other administrative groups including Strategic Project Management for the Director’s Office as well as a new General Operational Services department composed of Meeting & Event Services; Security; Transportation & Parking; and Travel.

Prior to joining Fred Hutch in 2015, Robinson led business development at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She began her career in technology transfer at the University of Chicago, where she also received her Ph.D. in cell physiology.