Industry brings a unique perspective to basic research in university settings and provides insights that can help guide efforts to ensure students are career ready and faculty are submitting competitive proposals. However, due to unique barriers, the process for finding industry funding requires a distinct approach. The Innovation and Research Engagement Office (IREO) will host an online course for faculty interested in developing an industry partnership to add to their funding portfolio.
The four-session course called, "Working with Industry 101: Tools and tips for getting private sector funding," will take place on Zoom from 3-5 p.m. on May 13, 15, 19, and 21. Faculty are asked to bring a senior graduate student or postdoc for joint participation. Courses will be offered through Zoom.
"Working with industry yields many positive results for academics," said Brian Kraft, associate vice president for innovation and research engagement. "While typically industry funding only constitutes a small fraction of a lab's overall funding portfolio, the benefits to the faculty and students are multifaceted and often lead to higher overall funding and publication rates."
The course will provide participants with information on how to navigate industry. The classes include:
Class 1: Introduction to Working with Industry and Promoting of Your Research Expertise
- IREO staff will provide an overview of the short course and outline topics researchers will need to navigate while working to develop a partnership.
- Industry representatives will participate in a virtual panel to discuss how best to initiate a conversation, work toward developing a project, and where to be cautious.
