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How can research expertise evolve into various roles in companies or entrepreneurship? Many scientists at some point ask themselves whether their work could – or should – travel beyond academia. What does it take to move from publishing results to productizing scientific know-how into customer value propositions.  From contributing to a research group to leading a company?

This panel brings concrete examples of how that transition can happen. We will hear how companies have emerged from research environments — from Aalto-rooted success story Relex Solutions, co-founded by Dr Johanna Småros, to quantum technology venture SemiQon, led by Dr Himadri Majumdar and spun out from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. These stories illustrate how scientists become founders, how research is translated into scalable value propositions, and how leadership skills evolve along the way.

In addition, Dr Ulla-Maija Uusitalo from Aalto University Executive Education will share perspectives on how scientists can engage with companies and develop new professional pathways through executive education and collaboration.

In this panel themed “Turning Research Know-How into Value” we'll discuss further  the following topics which are relevant during and after studies in Aalto:

• How can researchers identify opportunities to turn their expertise into offerings, services, or tools?
• What does it take to move a research idea from the lab to society or markets?
• How can researchers promote novel complex ideas so that decision-makers, funders, and the public can understand and act on them?
• When does entrepreneurship become a relevant path for research—and when does it not?
• Which transferable skills help researchers turn expertise into impact and career options?

Timetable

15:30  Welcome to the panel with interactive Q&A

16:45  What's coming next with Doc+ activities

17:00  Snacks and social networking

This event is designed for all Aalto doctoral researchers and postdocs as well as doctoral alumni with the aim of connecting scholars and practitioners from multiple fields and research traditions. You are warmly welcome to listen, question, and reflect with peers who are navigating similar uncertainties and ambitions.

What is Doc+?

Doc+ is Aalto University’s new initiative for strengthening the doctoral and postdoctoral community through shared learning, peer connection, and professional growth. It brings together researchers from all disciplines to engaging and enjoyable panel discussions, new courses and co-innovated social events. The initiative has wide support from Aalto faculties, Aallonhuiput Doctoral Researcher Association and Aalto Career Design Lab. 

Further information below. 

/en/doctoral-education/what-is-doc 

/en/doctoral-education/doc-dialogues 

Welcome!

Sonja Hilavuo & Doc+ Team