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First Principles for Scientists: Enterprise & Innovation (in-person)

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 to Thursday, 28 May 2026

If you are interested in or curious about turning your research into impact via translation or commercialisation then this course will provide you with some essential concepts and lay foundations for future activity.

This course will take place in-person, in two parts:

Part 1: Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th April

  • 10am - 4pm, with a break for lunch from 12.30 - 1.30 (lunch not provided)

Part 2: Thursdays - May 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th

  • 2.30pm - 5pm

This is a foundation programme for STEM researchers to enable you to build these 1st principles into every project and build stronger collaborations.

The course will cover the core concepts of idea validation: desirability, feasibility & viability, along with self-awareness and communication fundamentals.

Explore your research through the lens of core enterprise and innovation concepts. Learn how to spot ideas that could lay the foundations for impactful deliverables.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Part 1: (Desirability, feasibility, viability, Design Thinking - available as a CDT option)

By the end of this part, participants will be able to:

  • Implement the core concepts of Design Thinking and idea validation: desirability, feasibility and viability.
  • Understand your entrepreneurial competencies (EntreComp) and use greater self-awareness to build those competencies.

Part 2: (Communication, market validation, concept development)

By the end of this part, participants will be able to:

  • Utilise these concepts to improve communication strategies with various stakeholders and potential collaborators.
  • Incorporate these concepts into your research strategies to identify opportunities for impact through commercialisation.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Book your place here.

Deadline for applications is Monday 13th April 2026 at noon.

INTENDED FOR

DPhil and Researchers in STEM fields. Part 1 is being offered as a CDT option in TT26.

DATE / TIME 

Part 1:

  • Wednesday 29th April (morning 10am - 12.30) (afternoon 1.30 - 4pm)
  • Thursday 30th April (morning 10am - 12.30) (afternoon 1.30 - 4pm)

Part 2: Thursday afternoons 2.30 - 5pm (7th May, 14th May, 21st May, 28th May).

Additional information

chat with our MPLS Enterprise and Innovation specialist Sally Charles

Sally Charles - Enterprise Programme Manager

Are you curious about Enterprise & Innovation but don’t know where to start? Do you have an idea that you’d like to pursue but not sure how to test it?


Then get in touch with Sally Charles, MPLS’s Enterprise Programme Manager, for an informal chat and some guidance on taking your idea to the next stage and where to go for further help.

Email: sally.charles@mpls.ox.ac.uk

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

When registering for this course, please check our Terms and Conditions.