Early career researchers (ECRs) are the present and future of innovation.
Based on the successful delivery of the Wellcome Institutional Translation Partnership Award (iTPA), the same team is now providing support as part of Edinburgh Innovations and in the form of a new EI ECR Team.
The team provides translational, commercialisation, and real-world impact support to ECRs across all Colleges working across the remits of Future Health and Care, Climate and Environment, and Data, Digital and AI.
We define an ECR as any staff researcher who does not have a permanent/tenured position.
The team will regularly advertise internal funding calls for ECRs. Stay up to date by joining the Translational Community.
Bespoke approach
The team provides bespoke support, tailored to the project's stage and needs. This includes:
Commercial and translational planning
Roadmap development
Identifying funding opportunities and assisting with preparation for calls
Scoping market opportunities, mapping competitors and identifying industrial partners
Understanding your intellectual property (IP) and how to maximise your competitive edge
In addition to this support, the team's Entrepreneurs-in-Residence can provide additional support to accelerate selected projects with a high potential for commercial impact.
Do you have an idea?
Are you interested in understanding the impact or commercial potential of your idea and how to develop it? No idea is too early.
We have built a 1500+ member strong online community where we share content and opportunities for ECRs. Become a member and access regular funding opportunities, training, and support.
By joining the Translational Community, you will take the first step to develop the real-world application potential of your research. You will also receive our monthly newsletter, tailored to your needs and gain access to support and resources to develop the translational aspects of your research, gain skills, meet collaborators and accelerate your career.
Amelia has a background in operational roles at the interface of university research and its application in practice. She is experienced in translational fund management, external stakeholder engagement, and analysis & reporting. However, what ultimately motivates her is the opportunity to support people.
Dr Lysimachos Zografos has a background in AI/ML and computational systems biology. He has commercialised research in drug discovery, developed digital health products and been involved in organisations promoting policy changes.
Dr Jeff Wright has been a co-founder or Executive Leader of several early-stage consumer electronics, industrial and medical sensing and energy efficiency technology companies over the last two decades, leading them through raising investment, an IPO and securing £4 million in sales.
Dr Andrew McBride is a translational research enthusiast with a biomedical science background. He has worked in both industry and academia, with translational experience in drug development and most recently as a Translator-in-Residence at the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine.
Joe Murphy is the friendly face of the team, focusing on first contact and engagement with ECRs. Joe joins us from the University of Manchester Innovation Factory where he helped to design and implement streamlined processes for the Operations group, and coordinated the commercialisation of a variety of cutting-edge research. His background is in Neuroscience and Mental Health Psychology, which he has supported in research and commercial contexts.
Max Reiter comes from an industry, travel tech and startup incubation background. He has extensive experience engaging communities, developing platforms and running events in all of these settings.