It is increasingly important for researchers to be entrepreneurial \u2013 not just in order to start a business or a spin-out company, but so that they can \u2018think outside the box\u2019 and take advantage of opportunities to exploit the impact of their research in creative ways. EPSRC IAA funding was used to conduct a short project to better understand the barriers to enterprise training for doctoral students and early career researchers in the Engineering and Physical sciences at the University of Oxford. The project led directly to the IAA-funded development of the Enterprising Oxford digital portal, which became EnSpire Oxford in 2023.
\n \n\n \n \nThe Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) holds a world leading position in research on all aspects of land-based autonomous vehicles. The transition from research demonstration to early industrial take up needs substantial professional engineering, which cannot be undertaken by research engineers alone. Professor Paul Newman, from Oxford University\u2019s Department of Engineering Science, used EPSRC IAA funding to smooth that transition.
\n \n\n \n \nAntibodies are the key molecules in human immune responses. Currently, the process of engineering antibodies for use in therapeutic drugs involves steps that are costly in time and resources. Professor Charlotte Deane\u2019s group at the University of Oxford\u2019s Department of Statistics have developed a computational platform that can streamline the process.
\n \n\n \n \nNational infrastructure systems (energy, transport, water, waste water and solid waste) form the basis of societies\u2019 economic and social wellbeing, requiring significant human and capital investments. Building infrastructure is a long-term commitment that is difficult to reverse and thus has major implications for sustainability, mitigation of carbon emissions and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. Researchers at the University of Oxford have been working closely with UK government bodies to use models to help inform the government\u2019s investment decisions.
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