Perhaps you have a bold idea, some exciting data, or a prototype to optimise and license - and you want to engage with industry. To translate your research to knowledge, practice, policy or product, you need to know how to pitch the benefits and impact of your research clearly to a wide range of audiences, and what it is exactly potential industry partners need to know. Our speakers will share key advice on developing strategies to increase engagement and collaborations between industry and academia.

As part of the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) you can connect with some dynamic individuals at this event – Engaging with Industry.

Our Keynote Speaker, Professor Robert McLaughlin, will share key strategies and advice for successul academia-industry collaborations. Dr McLaughlin is Chair of Biophotonics at the University of Adelaide. He will share his challenges and successes in research and innovation during his international research career.

Dr Judy Halliday will then lead our esteemed panellists in a discussion about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Dr Halliday is the Director of Science, Technology and Commercialisation with the Department of Innovation and Skills in the South Australian Government. Discussion will focus on how, when and why to engage with industry, the importance of understanding commercialisation, milestones, timelines and budgets, developing strong professional connections beyond academia, as well as how developing an entrepreneurial mindset can facilitate resilience and success in any setting. Dr Halliday will also ask the panel how we can foster stronger collaborations between industry and academia and what is the best strategy for success.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet outstanding STEM professionals and industry leaders.

• 7:30am Registration (coffee/tea and light breakfast available)

• 8:00am Proceedings begin

• 9:30am Event close

This event is for all mentors and mentees participating in the IMNIS programs in South Australia. Other STEM students, early-career researchers and industry professionals are also welcome to attend. Registration is essential.

IMNIS is a national initiative of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. The Academy is grateful to IMNIS Partners - MTPConnect, METS Ignited, NERA, AusBiotech and Mentorloop - and Sponsors BHP, KPMG and CSL, for their ongoing support of this flagship initiative.

Industry professionals who mentor with IMNIS generously donate their time, energy and expertise to the development of Australia's future leaders in STEM. Universities and Institutes support their PhD students to participate. The Academy gratefully acknowledges their visionary leadership and investment in the future STEM workforce.

This event will be held at Flinders University, Victoria Square. We thank Flinders University for generously sponsoring this event.