A second cohort of researchers from The University of Manchester has completed Research to Reality, a programme designed to help academics at the earliest stages of their journey, explore how their research can create impact beyond the University.
The vision of The University of Manchester Innovation Factory, Research to Reality was developed and delivered by FIS360 and sponsored by the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange (BEKE) team.
The Research to Reality programme gives researchers the time, skills and support to think differently about their work, from understanding commercial opportunities to exploring routes into industry collaboration, licensing and spinout creation. FIS360 designs and delivers bespoke innovation training and mentoring programmes, helping organisations build the commercial knowledge, confidence and skills needed to turn ideas into real-world impact.
Dr Dan Scotson, Doctoral Prize Fellow in Materials Engineering said:
“I really, enjoyed the programme. I thought it was excellent and it was really refreshing to be part of it.
“It was great to have FIS360 delivering the programme. They gave us a different perspective and enabled us to talk openly about our questions and challenges. It’s really important to see that different angle as otherwise it’s very easy just to stay in academic land.”
Dan Scotson, Janet Milne and Jose Ricardo Aguilar Cosme
Over the course of the programme, participants took part in workshops, mentoring sessions and practical activities designed to help them understand how to identify and build commercial opportunities for their research. The programme culminated in a final showcase event, where researchers pitched their ideas and commercial proposition to a panel of experts and invited audience, and shared how far their thinking had evolved throughout the programme.
This second cohort builds on the success of the programme’s launch in 2025, and reflects growing interest from researchers who want to explore new ways of creating impact through their work.
Dr Catherine Headley, Chief Executive Officer of The University of Manchester Innovation Factory, said:
“Research to Reality was created to help researchers take the first steps towards exploring the broader potential of their work, and it has been fantastic to see a second cohort embrace that opportunity. The goal is to help researchers better understand the pathways available to them and equip them with the skills to make informed decisions about impact, innovation and commercialisation.
“The continued success of Research to Reality demonstrates both the appetite for this type of support and the importance of creating opportunities for researchers to engage with innovation early in their journey.”
Dr Frank Allison, Chief Executive Officer of FIS360, said:
“The second cohort continued to demonstrate the depth of talent and creativity that exists across The University of Manchester’s research community.
“Our focus throughout the programme has been to provide practical tools, frameworks and mentoring that help researchers think differently about how their work could be applied in the real world. By combining commercial thinking with academic excellence, participants are able to explore new opportunities while maintaining the integrity and purpose of their research.
“It has been incredibly encouraging to see participants challenge themselves, develop new skills and build confidence in communicating the commercial value of their ideas.”
Mark Godber, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at The University of Manchester, said:
“Research to Reality plays an important role in strengthening the University’s innovation ecosystem by helping researchers develop the knowledge, networks and confidence needed to create impact beyond the University.
“The programme provides a supportive environment where researchers can explore new possibilities, learn from experts and connect with colleagues from different disciplines. Those interactions often spark new ideas, collaborations and opportunities that continue long after the programme has finished.”
Research to Reality forms part of a wider commitment across The University of Manchester to support innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange, helping ensure that world-leading research can create benefits for society, industry and communities.
If you are interested in participating in future Research to Reality cohorts, visit https://www.uominnovationfactory.com/research-to-reality/ to register your interest.
