Translational Research 101

Follow this link to the recording of the translation and innovation process session (access restricted to UoL staff).

Dr Graeme Howling, Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd., introduces the aspects that all researchers should be aware of when involved in translational research.  From identifying an unmet need to making impact outside of academia, Graeme shows you the steps involved and topics to consider.

About Graeme: Graeme has worked in medtech innovation and development for over 20 years. He is currently Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd, a healthcare innovation hub which works with NHS trusts, academia and industry to support innovators to accelerate the development of impactful healthcare innovations that address real unmet needs. Previously he worked in the EPSRC Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds. In the IKC, Graeme was responsible for identifying new technology opportunities and providing support in order to advance development and commercial investment readiness. Prior to the IKC he worked for almost 10 years in a number of research and innovation roles at Smith & Nephew, an international medical devices company. Graeme has a PhD in cell biology and tissue engineering and has an excellent understanding of the medical device industry and its challenges, as well as a background in scientific project management and innovation management.

Follow this link to the recording of the economic evaluation session (access restricted to UoL staff).

Dr David Meads, Associate Professor in Health Economics, University of Leeds introduces you to the topic of Economic Evaluation.  The presentation covers topics such as resource allocation in health; types of economic evaluation; the role of economic evaluation in innovation and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

About David: Dr David Meads is Associate Professor in Health Economics in the Academic Unit of Health Economics at the University of Leeds. He is the health economics lead for the National Institute for Health and care Research (NIHR) Surgical MedTech Co-operative at the University of Leeds; health economist methodologist on an NIHR funding panel; and a NICE technology appraisal committee member. He is primarily interested in decision modelling applied to surgical and oncology settings and early in the innovation pathway to inform investment, research and reimbursement decisions.

Follow this link to the recording of the IP session (access restricted to UoL staff).

Dr Amy Contreras, Commercialisation Manager and Dr Jeff Eaves, Interim Head of Opportunity Development (Commercialisation Team, Research and Innovation Service, University of Leeds) introduce you to Intellectual Property and Commercialisation.  The presentation answers the following questions:

• What is IP and what is commercialisation?
• Who are the Commercialisation Team and what do they do?
• How could commercialisation be relevant for my research?
• What are the benefits of commercialising my research?
• How do I get in touch with the Commercialisation Team?

About Amy: Amy was awarded a PhD in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine from the University of Leeds before joining the commercialisation team in 2019.  She is now a Commercialisation Manager specialising in, but not limited to, Medical Technologies.

About Jeff: Jeff is the interim Head of Opportunity Development in the Commercialisation Team at the University of Leeds.  His role includes working with colleagues such as Amy to liaise with academics to source, assess and develop, ideas, discoveries and inventions into outcomes that can be commercialised.

Follow this link to the recording of the contracts session (access restricted to UoL staff).

Frances Cameron, Senior Contracts Manager (Contracts Team, Research and Innovation Service, University of Leeds)  introduces you to the University of Leeds Contracts Process.  The presentation covers the following:

• Introduction to the RIS Contracts Team and what we do (a quick canter through the processes)
• What is a contract, why do you need one, and what might you need to consider
• Cost versus price
• What key teams, across the University, are available to help support your research journey

About Fran: Fran is a Senior Contracts Manager, responsible for, amongst other things, uniformity of practice and setting of standards, in the overall administration and negotiation of contracts covering the breadth of activity across Research and Innovation at the University. Fran has held a leading role in research and innovation-related contracting in the Research and Innovation Service (RIS) for the last 28 years.

Follow this link to the recording of the KTP session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Blessing Mukonoweshuro, Knowledge Transfer Manager (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Office, Research and Innovation Service, University of Leeds) introduces you to the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Scheme.  The presentation covers the following:

• KTP funding overview
• How KTP fits in the R&I landscape
• Working with industry: perception vs reality
• Tips on effective engagement with industry - challenges and opportunities

About Blessing: Blessing is a highly experienced practitioner in developing and supporting academic-industry collaborations with previous roles in IP & commercialisation, business development and innovation. He is currently the Knowledge Transfer Manager, leading KTP@Leeds, the university’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Office, which manages a portfolio of 20+ live projects (c£5 million) spread across a wide range of disciplines and industry sectors. With a 4-year 100% success rate, KTP@Leeds is ranked 9^th out of 100+ knowledge bases in the UK. Previously, Blessing was a Research Fellow in the Biomaterials Discovery Group (University of Nottingham) and the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) at the University of Leeds, where he completed his Ph.D. investigating the potential clinical utility of stems cells in regenerative medicine therapies. He has a PGCert in Professional Innovation Management form LUBS, where he is currently enrolled on the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship Programme, as part of a masters in senior leadership degree. Blessing has excellent knowledge and practical experience of the challenges and opportunities of collaborative translation of research into real-world solutions.

Follow this link to the recording of the RRI session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Dr Emily Goodall, Academic Development Consultant (Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL), University of Leeds), introduces you to the key concepts of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and research integrity.

The presentation covers the following:

• An introduction to RRI and how it relates to The Concordat to Support Research Integrity
• Guidance on the UKRI Funding Service ethics and RRI core question
• Insights into applying the UKRI AREA framework for RRI
• An overview of the EU Six Pillars of RRI

About Emily: Emily is a member of the Researcher Development and Culture team in OD&PL, leading on provision of responsible research and innovation (RRI), open research, and research integrity professional development activities.  Her role involves working with colleagues across the University to foster a positive and inclusive research culture.

Follow this link to the recording of the Trusted Research session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Jorgelina Trueba, Trusted Research Environment Manager (Research and Innovation Service (RIS), University of Leeds), introduces you to the area of Trusted Research.    

International research collaborations are susceptible to mistreatment by organisations and institutions who function in nations where their democratic and ethical values contrast from our own.  Joint research with hostile institutions and states has the potential to allow individuals access to expertise in fields of cutting-edge research and innovation.  It can provide those with hostile intent access to know-how, IT networks and research.  It is everyone’s responsibility to reflect on their work and partnerships, including collaborators and funders, and to identify and mitigate the risks of hostile interference.  

The Trusted Research advice presented in this webinar will help our community: 

• Identify the potential risks and make informed decisions, 
• conduct international collaborations confidently and 
• protect intellectual property, sensitive research and personal information. 

 About Jorgelina: Jorgelina joined the University of Leeds Research and Innovation Service in April 2022 and since then has been raising awareness on the different risks that international collaborations might pose to our University.  Jorgelina’s team supports academics with the regulatory requirements from the government’s Trusted Research agenda, UK and US Export Controls and National Security and Investment Act.  The team reviews research proposals, international partnership agreements and helps with the screening of visitors to ensure that, when required, the correct UK government’s authorisations are in place. 

Follow this link to the recording of the unmet needs and understanding the market session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Dr Graeme Howling, Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd., presents a session which covers the topics of unmet needs and understanding the market.

The session covers:

• A recap of the innovation process
• Understanding unmet needs and how to identify them
• Articulating the scale of needs and how to develop unmet needs into potential solutions
• What is market research and why is it important?
• How can market research assist in developing solutions to unmet needs?
• Defining market opportunity and building your business case

About Graeme: Graeme has worked in medtech innovation and development for over 20 years. He is currently Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd, a healthcare innovation hub which works with NHS trusts, academia and industry to support innovators to accelerate the development of impactful healthcare innovations that address real unmet needs. Previously he worked in the EPSRC Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds. In the IKC, Graeme was responsible for identifying new technology opportunities and providing support in order to advance development and commercial investment readiness. Prior to the IKC he worked for almost 10 years in a number of research and innovation roles at Smith & Nephew, an international medical devices company. Graeme has a PhD in cell biology and tissue engineering and has an excellent understanding of the medical device industry and its challenges, as well as a background in scientific project management and innovation management.

Follow this link to the recording of the collaboration session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Dr Graeme Howling, Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd., presents a session which will give insight into what helps make successful collaborations between academics, industry and healthcare partners.

Session content:

• Why is collaboration and partnership important in translation and innovation?
• Collaborating with industry – benefits and challenges and how to identify industry experts to work with.
• Working with clinicians and academics – benefits and challenges.
• Practical considerations for successful collaboration – confidentiality, IP, agreements and funding.

About Graeme: Graeme has worked in medtech innovation and development for over 20 years. He is currently Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd, a healthcare innovation hub which works with NHS trusts, academia and industry to support innovators to accelerate the development of impactful healthcare innovations that address real unmet needs. Previously he worked in the EPSRC Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds. In the IKC, Graeme was responsible for identifying new technology opportunities and providing support in order to advance development and commercial investment readiness. Prior to the IKC he worked for almost 10 years in a number of research and innovation roles at Smith & Nephew, an international medical devices company. Graeme has a PhD in cell biology and tissue engineering and has an excellent understanding of the medical device industry and its challenges, as well as a background in scientific project management and innovation management.

Follow this link to the recording of the patient and public involvement session.(access restricted to UoL staff)

This session was delivered by Adele Bunch, Head of Portfolio, and Graham Prestwich, Public and Patient Engagement Lead from Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber.

Session content:

• The importance and value of authentically involving patients and the public in health-related research;
• What good (and bad) public and patient involvement is;
• How to achieve good involvement and what approaches can be best applied to suit different situations;
• Practicalities and potential enablers and barriers to success;
• Activities that add the greatest value to a patient and public involvement workstream;
• Q and A session

Follow this link to the recording of the Avoiding the Pitfalls of Innovation session.(access restricted to UoL staff)

Dr Graeme Howling, Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd., presents a session which is aimed at helping you avoid the pitfalls of innovation.

Session content:

• A reminder of the innovation and translation process.
• Some of the common pitfalls and barriers along the innovation pathway.
• Why ideas can fail.
• Tips on how to avoid pitfalls and navigate barriers.
• Understanding where you can get support for your innovation and translation ideas.

About Graeme: Graeme has worked in medtech innovation and development for over 20 years. He is currently Head of Innovation at Medipex Ltd, a healthcare innovation hub which works with NHS trusts, academia and industry to support innovators to accelerate the development of impactful healthcare innovations that address real unmet needs. Previously he worked in the EPSRC Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds. In the IKC, Graeme was responsible for identifying new technology opportunities and providing support in order to advance development and commercial investment readiness. Prior to the IKC he worked for almost 10 years in a number of research and innovation roles at Smith & Nephew, an international medical devices company. Graeme has a PhD in cell biology and tissue engineering and has an excellent understanding of the medical device industry and its challenges, as well as a background in scientific project management and innovation management.

Follow this link to the recording of the Collaborating with the Public session (access restricted to UoL staff)

Dr Sarah McLusky (Sarah McLusky Research-adjacent consultancy, training and facilitation), delivers a session on collaborating with professionals and partner organisations.

Do you want your research to make a difference in the real world?  If so, it’s unlikely that you can do that alone.  Working with businesses, charities, policymakers, NGOs and other organisations can help ensure that your research is needed in the world and that it gets to those who can actually use it.  This workshop will explore building formal and informal partnerships with both individual professionals and organisations.

Session content:

• Getting the right expertise at the right time
• How to identify and build relationships with potential partners
• Deciding on the right type of collaboration
• Navigating common challenges

About Sarah: Sarah McLusky is a freelance consultant, trainer and facilitator specialising in research communications, engagement and professional development. Sarah has been ‘research-adjacent’ for over 20 years. She has worked for universities and research projects, science centres and museums, learned societies and education providers. The common thread running throughout her career is making research more accessible and helping other people to do the same. Sarah’s academic background is in plant pathology/biochemistry, but she has worked across a huge range of disciplines including all the sciences plus the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Sarah also hosts the Research Adjacent podcast.

Future TR101 webinars:

5th December 2024: Research communication, Sarah McLusky

5th February 2025: Commercialisation and IP, UoL Commercialisation team