The Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiR) scheme (funded by the Royal Society) enables highly experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to spend one day a week at a university (for 2-3 years) developing a bespoke project. This is with the aim of increasing knowledge and awareness in UK universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research and innovation, encouraging greater academic engagement with industry, including opportunities for commercialising academic research.
Dr Becky Sage, currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Bath Innovation Centre, has been awarded a Royal Society EiR. She says:
Having had the pleasure of working with many academics and students from across the University of Bath, I’m feeling motivated to use the Royal Society EIR position to make it easier for everyone to make more impact with their research. My role will involve four key strands: commercial, communication and leadership training; augmenting the commercialisation processes using AI expertise from across the university; including a wider range of people through inclusive design of systems and processes and; promoting best practice and success stories through a range of communication channels. My goal is to create a more connected ecosystem to accelerate ethical, responsible innovation and increase the skills, confidence, and visibility of individuals across the university. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to discuss this further.
Also awarded a Royal Society EiR is Dr Roberto Desimone, Director for Commercialisation of Quantum Technology at Plantagenet Systems Ltd and University of Bath alumni, who graduated with a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He says:
It is a great pleasure to be awarded the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence award at the University of Bath (my alma mater). My plans are to help the University enhance its engagement with industry and Bath alumni, through seeking long-term strategic relationships with Industry, expanding the numbers of alumni who engage on a regular basis and growing credible commercialisation opportunities. I will also explore the development of entrepreneurship modules for integrated Masters programmes across the university. As a former student here, it is important for me to feel that I'm paying back, and the engagement with the Royal Society (and their other 140+ Entrepreneurs at 50+ universities) is also extremely beneficial to my career.
Dr Jon Hunt, Executive Director of Innovation and Enterprise at the University, has been championing the EiRs. He says:
At Bath, we are building a more connected, outward facing innovation ecosystem, one that forges long term innovation partnerships for real world impact. We see significant opportunities to deepen collaboration across sectors, streamline how we present our capabilities, and strengthen the networks that support enterprise, including our global alumni community. “By operationalising these ambitions through new pathways, we aim to create lasting ways that accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful value for partners, students and society. Our two Royal Society Entrepreneurs in Residence, Becky and Roberto, are very welcome and I look forward to working with them.