Discovering new dimensions to research careers

Registrations are now open for UniQuest’s annual research commercialisation workshops – two days devoted to helping academics and postgraduate students discover how to protect intellectual property, commercialise their expertise, and leverage commercial research funding for publication opportunities.

Additional opportunities at the workshop include engaging with industry professionals and investors, networking with representatives from other research centres, and the option to gain credit towards a UQ Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation.

UniQuest is UQ’s main commercialisation company and one of Australia’s leading technology transfer organisations. Over the past eight years nearly 1,000 UQ researchers have attended the free workshops, where informative and insightful speakers’ presentations are complemented by creative group work sessions and pitching practice with experienced commercialisation professionals.

This year UniQuest is offering two workshops at the Radisson Resort on the Gold Coast, which both research staff and postgraduate students can attend. The first will be held on Thursday-Friday 7 – 8 April; while the second is scheduled for Thursday-Friday 21 – 22 July. This means that researchers with teaching commitments can also plan to attend a workshop.

“The workshops cover much more than how to take a scientific discovery and turn it into a commercial prospect,” said UniQuest Managing Director, David Henderson.

“The program includes a range of topics that academics and research students from all disciplines need to consider, whether or not they have a project they’re working on right now that could become a marketable product.

“All workshop participants – whether they are from Life Sciences, the Arts, or a multi-disciplinary team – gain valuable insights about what investors are looking for, why government and industry look to universities for expertise, and how engaging in commercial activities can enhance an academic research career.”

Workshop costs are covered by UniQuest, including transport and accommodation.

Applications for both workshops are currently being accepted online, with places for the April workshop closing on 11 March: www.uniquest.com.au/workshop.