The new PraxisUnico Practical Guide "Confidentiality Agreements" is updated for 2015 and is available now, free of charge for members.
If you are not a member and wish to obtain a copy, please contact info@praxisunico.org.uk.
Nessa Carey, International Director at PraxisUnico recently met a number of delegations from Brazil at the request of the FCO and IPO.
In November 2014, the IPO hosted a delegation from Brazilian universities and research organisations, with the aim of exploring possibilities for joint working with UK research institutes and, where possible, facilitate transfer of technologies between the UK and Brazil.
The Government's "Plan for Growth: Science and Innovation Strategy" sets out to be a long-term strategy to make the UK "the best place in the world for science and business".
Praxis Unico welcomes the support for universities in developing partnerships and knowledge exchange through HEFCE’s Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF), and BIS’s commitment to support "a fully rounded approach to funding all forms of knowledge exchange, with all forms of partner, including recurrent funding for knowledge exchange through HEIF".
PraxisUnico board member and Director of Academic Liaison at GSK, Malcolm Skingle, describes his involvement in the REF assessment from his perspective as a user of university research outputs. Malcolm runs a team in the UK and the US that negotiate and expedite research collaboration agreements with universities around the world on behalf of GSK scientists. He has worked at the interface between academe and industry for 20 years.
PraxisUnico welcomes the report of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee and the recognition that the review gives to the UK R&D system. We reiterate the importance of protecting the underpinning research in universities that is such a strength of the UK and strongly endorse the recommendation that funding should not be diverted from the science budget in order to protect the UK’s reputation for basic research, and innovation consequent from it.
Innovate 2014 offered a fantastic opportunity for networking and gaining insights into the current state of UK innovation. PraxisUnico exhibited on both days and it was great to see so many members there!
It was also exciting to see the technologies of many young companies which developed out of university research, and to speak to many companies, from the UK and overseas, who are looking to work with British universities.
The PraxisUnico Conference is a principal vehicle for commercialisation professionals to meet and exchange views and experience. Themed ‘Excellence in Practice’, the 2014 edition in Cardiff sought to promote knowledge sharing, foster innovation and enable a better understanding of continual change within business and university environments, equipping delegates with practical suggestions that could be applied in their day-to-day work. We hope you find the conference report interesting and welcome any feedback.
Nessa brings a wealth of experience that will enable PraxisUnico to drive forward an ambitious programme of bringing acclaimed PraxisUnico training and events to overseas markets. We know there is a great need for PraxisUnico training, based on more than ten pilot courses held recently around the world. There will also be important benefits to PraxisUnico members in terms of better access to international markets and companies.
Steve Mould, science and TV presenter, announced the winners of PraxisUnico’s Impact Awards at a glittering ceremony in Cardiff last night.
These fledgling companies and collaborations range from solid state solar cells with the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, to a knowledge exchange programme in war-torn Nigeria. Also amongst the finalists are: a solution to controlling smoke in operating theatres utilising electrostatic precipitation; a spin-off embodying the findings of Humanities research into the creation of a physical product which facilitates engaging, creative and productive workshops; a flexible industrial research training partnership that has opened new joint research collaborations and enables