Researchers from the five Scottish universities with EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs) gathered in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 4 September 2024 to explore ways of creating impact from their research and connect with like-minded academics and organisations offering funding and skills development to support the process. Attendees were also the first to hear about a new cross-institutional funding opportunity.
Keynote speaker: Roma Agrawal MBE
This year’s keynote speaker was Roma Agrawal MBE, an award-winning structural engineer, author and physicist renowned for designing bridges, skyscrapers, and sculptures. She discussed the profound impact of inventions on our workplaces throughout history and highlighted the barriers faced by marginalized groups. As an example, she shared the inspiring story of Emily Roeblin, a pioneering female engineer who took over the project management of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband fell ill.
Exhibitors
During the breaks, attending academics had the opportunity to meet representatives from organisations that support researchers on their impact journey. The exhibitors were Interface, SPRE, Innovate UK iCURe, the Scottish Enterprise High-Growth Spinout Programme, and the West of Scotland KTP Centre. These organisations offer services such as helping academics find industry partners, engage with policymakers, or launch their own business, as well as providing training and funding opportunities.
Networking
In the afternoon, Skillfluence facilitated networking sessions where delegates from the different universities could get to know each other. They broke the ice through interactive exercises and brainstormed potential impact projects.
Institutional speakers
Impact leaders from each of the organising universities spoke about their experiences.
Dr Tania Wallis from the University of Glasgow emphasised the need for collaboration and joint efforts in improving the cybersecurity of Critical National Infrastructure through their supply chains. She used IAA funding to develop a code of practice and convene a Supply Chain Expert Group.
At Heriot-Watt University, Dr Michael Crichton is focused on understanding how disease alters the material behaviour of biological tissues and how these changes can be harnessed for innovative medical technologies. “Impact Acceleration Account funding came around at the right time,” he said. His work in wound healing sensors is now being spun out, supported by his University’s IAA and the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Programme.
Dr Fiona Sillars of the University of Strathclyde works on the asset management of renewables in the wind industry. Previously, turbine parts often ended up in landfills, and supply chains were relatively slow. Thanks to her efforts in promoting reuse, parts are now more readily available, and new jobs have been created.
“It’s incredibly rewarding”, said Professor Eli Zysman-Colman of the University of St Andrews about his university spin-outs. He used cross-institutional IAA funding to create a joint venture with researchers at the University of Edinburgh: EaSt Imaging, which commercialises next-generation fluorescence emitters for bioimaging applications.
Dr Mark Naylor of the University of Edinburgh focused on the underwater sounds from rivers. He explained that machine learning can analyse these sounds to provide insights into sediment movements, which can inform river management. “The Impact Accelerator’s been great” in enabling his team to engage with stakeholders.
Place-Based IAAs
Two new, Place-Based IAAs will create impact opportunities through their funding calls. Their managers introduced the projects.
Tay Health Tech is a collaborative initiative to transform healthcare delivery in the Tayside region by bringing advanced, community-centred healthcare solutions closer to the people who need them most. A collaborative fund is opening later this 2024.
The goal of the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator (PQA) is to triple the turnover of the photonics industry in Scotland between now and 2030, according to its project manager Dr Richard Mosses. He has funding available for commercial and public engagement initiatives.
New cross-institutional funding call
The final order of business was the launch of a new cross-institutional funding call. Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews and Strathclyde were invited to pitch collaborative impact projects. Up to £50k was available per institution per project. The application deadline was set for 14 November 2024.
