Justin Burns PhD

Justin Burns is an accomplished professional who leads the Georgia Research Alliance's program focused on transforming university inventions into successful products and companies.

With a background in life science investment and venture capital, Justin is adept at managing commercialization grants and loans, setting strategic objectives, and assisting university scientists in launching startups around their inventions.

Before joining GRA, Justin worked at Morningside, a renowned life science investment firm in Boston, where he evaluated early-stage companies, facilitated new financings, and offered guidance to startups, including those seeking to license technologies from universities.

Prior to his role at Morningside, Justin dedicated five years to the Office of Technology Transfer at Emory University, overseeing teams involved in bringing various technologies to market, including therapeutics, software, and diagnostics.

Justin's educational background includes a Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry, as well as a B.S. degree in applied biology from the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology. He also holds a Certificate in Adaptive Leadership from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Throughout his career, Justin has held roles such as Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Georgia Research Alliance, various board positions at startups like Resilience Lab, Emtherapro, Wellinks, and others, and served as an investment professional at Morningside Technology Advisory LLC.

His expertise spans areas like technology licensing, commercialization, venture capital, and strategic planning, making him a valuable asset in the realm of university-based startups and research commercialization.