Academic Molecules for Industry

Dial-a-Molecule and ChemSInc
Academic Molecules for Industry

When: 3rd-4th Sept, 2019

Where:  Lancaster University

Overview: Most synthetic chemists believe that the methods they develop and the molecules they produce have potential utility in real-world applications, but far fewer are actively engaged in translating their work into industries that could help reach this goal. The main goal of this meeting is foster collaboration between academics engaged in the synthesis of organic molecules and industrialists whose companies make use of them.  A secondary goal is to help the academic delegates to better understand what industry really wants, enabling them to reconsider aspects of their research programs to prepare/design molecules with properties to better align with industry priorities. Numbers will be restricted to allow optimal engagement and for each delegate to receive one-to-one feedback on their ideas.

How to apply to attend:

Please send a 1-page summary of the type(s) of chemical matter that you can make and with which you envisage pursuing applications/collaborations/commercialization, to Susannah Coote (s.coote@lancaster.ac.uk) by Friday 9th August. From these applications, up to 12 academics will be selected to attend the meeting, and will be asked to register online (£70 registration fee to include accommodation and conference dinner) upon acceptance.

Day 1 (14.00 start, coffee/tea available from 13.30)

  • Two senior academic advisors ( Phil Parsonsof Imperial College and Prof. Joe Sweeneyof Lancaster University) will talk about their experiences in translating their research into applications
  • Academic delegates present their initial pitches (5 mins per person)
  • Academic delegates receive feedback on their initial pitches from the industrial advisors
  • Conference dinner

Day 2 (09.30-17.00)

  • James Otter(Royal Society Entrepreneur-in-Residence, University of Southampton) will discuss a number of issues relevant to commercialising research, followed by a Q&A session
  • Academic delegates work on refining their pitch (individually or together) with input from academic/industrial advisors (breakout space will be available)
  • Academic delegates present final pitches (5 mins per person)
  • Panel discussion with industrial advisors: what is industry really looking for?
  • Plenty of time to push forward new collaborations and get advice on opportunities available for commercialization/collaboration with industry