PGR Careers & Enterprise Durham University

Are you a Star Wars fan? Have look here
https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=27746&service=Careers%20Centre

Hi

We are running a couple of more online Discovery Sessions for Venture Lab accelerator and thought you may be interested

The Discovery Events (next Tuesday and Thursday) links below.

Applications are closing soon!

Don't miss your chance to apply to the The Venture Lab Accelerator. An immersive eight-week, in-person program designed for early-stage startups.

This is an exclusive opportunity to be part of a highly-talented cohort of individuals, developing innovative solutions to significant problems, and includes:

· A stipend to cover living costs throughout the program duration.

· Engaging workshops aimed at refining entrepreneurial skills and advancing the development of new ventures.

· Mentoring and interactive guest talks featuring successful alumni entrepreneurs and investors.

· Comprehensive support from the Venture Lab team to accelerate your progress.



The program runs from 15 July to 6 September 2024.

Applications close on 19 April 2024.

We invite both individuals and teams of Durham students and graduates leading early-stage ventures with scalability potential to apply.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and have the chance to ask questions, the Venture Lab Team invites you to participate in our Discovery Sessions held online on Tuesday, April 9 at 12:30pm and Thursday, April 11 at 12:30 pm.

Sign up for Tuesday’s session here
https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=29194&service=Careers%20Centre
Sign up for Thursday’s session here
https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=29196&service=Careers%20Centre

Venture Lab Accelerator Discovery Session - Q&A

Tue 09 Apr 2024, 12:30 - 13:30

Venture Lab Accelerator Discovery Session - Q&A

Thu 11 Apr 2024, 12:30 - 13:30

Steve Bowden

Enterprise Manager

🚀 Discover EDAPT: Empower Your Academic and Career Journey (Live version) 🚀
Register here https://tinyurl.com/EDAPT0324

Join us for our final EDAPT session of 2024, designed exclusively for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs). This free two-day program on March 13th and 14th promises to foster innovative thinking and empower you for success in academia and beyond.
Why should you join EDAPT? 🔓 Unlock Your Potential:
• Develop a growth mindset to enhance your research, teaching, and career.
• Gain valuable skills based on groundbreaking research by Sarasvathy.
🌟 Endless Possibilities:
• Equip yourself with tools for success in academia, corporate world, SMEs, solo ventures, or charitable organisations.
Register now: here or here.
What You'll Gain:
• Effective communication skills
• Crafting innovative solutions
• Efficient resource utilisation
• Embracing calculated risks
• Project nurturing and pitching
• Reflecting on cross-disciplinary interactions
• Evidence for the Durham Researcher Development Award (DRDA)
Who's Welcome: MRes students, Doctoral students, Post-doctoral researchers, Early career researcher staff members, Self-funded candidates, Part & full-time candidates
The EDAPT Experience: Join us live on March 13th and 14th for two engaging days of exploration and learning.

Register here https://tinyurl.com/EDAPT24

DEADLINE EXTENSION and new Online Discovery Session: Applications for Conception X Cohort 7 will now close on the 3rd of February. https://www.conceptionx.org/programme It takes around 20 minutes to submit your application for this 9-month programme, which helps PhD students to explore the commercial potential of research ideas and launch and accelerate research-led ventures. You can connect with industry experts and investors, become eligible for innovation grants, awards and venture capital funding, and access coaching as well as a wide range of networking opportunities as you explore entrepreneurship.



Please join us online this Wednesday to hear more about the programme all the details can be found here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-deeptech-hub-conception-x-cohort-7-discovery-session-tickets-808955456547

To note: We are part of the 'northern hub' of this fully funded programme. https://www.conceptionx.org/portfolio

To date, about 360 PhD teams have joined Conception X and its portfolio startups have raised £71+ million in venture capital funding and grants. Learn more and submit your application before XX: https://bit.ly/3uqTDO7

We are hosting Conception Xtech here on site at Durham in the Venture Lab 06/12 over lunch time for a short discovery session

Conception X helps PhD students become Venture Scientists – PhD founders who bridge the gap between academia and industry. Whether you’re already working on a startup or you’re interested in learning how to translate and commercialise your research, our programme supports you to accelerate your understanding of entrepreneurship.

Join this session to learn about becoming part of Conception X Cohort 7. The programme offers training sessions created specifically for STEM PhD students, access to a nationwide network of experts and funding opportunities, and the opportunity to meet fellow researchers who are exploring career pathways post-PhD.

Durham University: Conception X Cohort 7 Discovery Session Conception X Cohort 7 Discovery Session - for prospective PhD students from Durham University

As passionate researchers, we invite you to our Enterprise Team open day. Join us anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 to explore our support offerings, enjoy pastries and coffee, and learn from engaging guest speakers from our PhD community. This informal event aims to enhance your understanding of:
1. Harnessing creativity and innovative thinking
2. Unleashing your own creative potential
3. Exploring novel applications for your skill set and knowledge base
4. Generating ground-breaking ideas
5. Discovering available support and resources tailored to your needs.
Join our invited guests from UKRI, Emily Thomas from The Brilliant Club, an award-winning university access charity, will be present to share their experiences and PGRs who have benefited from the Venture Lab support will all be there to share their stories and insights.

Mark your calendars and be part of this enriching experience. See you at the open day! Book here https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=27480&service=Careers%20Centre

One-Day Entrepreneurship Conference: From Dream to Reality: Launching Your Own Solo Business
Saturday, 4th November | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Join us for a transformative conference where you'll learn the essential steps to turn your business ideas into thriving ventures, Its ideal for you if you want to use your talents to work freelance or become self-employed, or set up a lifestyle business alongside studies.


Starting your own (Small?) business can be an exciting journey, but it's crucial to understand the initial processes and requirements. Join us for an inspiring day of entrepreneurship where you'll explore the journey from dream to reality.



Throughout the day, engage in thought-provoking sessions, including "Small Business Ecommerce: How to Go Digital in a Big Market," "Walk the Talk: A Round Table Discussion with Experienced Freelancers and Sole Traders," "Navigating Your First Sales: What Are You Selling and Who To?" and "Removing the Scary in Start-up Bureaucracy."



On this program, you will explore your unique offerings, learn to register your business and manage tax responsibilities with ease, discover strategies to attract new customers, and hear insights from successful freelancers and sole traders.



Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and pave the way for your entrepreneurial success. The conference aims to empower you with actionable steps, providing guidance for building thriving solo businesses, side hustles, consulting careers, and more.



Secure your spot now and take the first step towards achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=27494&service=Careers%20Centre

On behalf of Library & Collections, would like to invite you to the launch party of this year’s university-wide Student Art Prize.

At this event you will find out more about the prize and this year’s theme of PARADISE.

Please do RSVP at the link below if you are able to attend,

Please sign up via Eventbrite, tickets are limited https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/student-art-prize-launch-party-tickets-731064021167?aff=oddtdtcreator

Postgraduate Research Students,
On Wednesday 25th October between 1:30pm and 3:30pm DCAD will be hosting the PGR Development Fair in room CLC407 (Kingsley Barrett room) in the Calman Learning Centre.

The fair will start with the launch of the Durham Researcher Development Award and lights refreshments will be provided. Then you will have an opportunity to visit a range of stalls where you can discover the different development opportunities on offer at Durham University. There will also be some fabulous (well Durham University merchandise) prizes to be won!

There will be representatives from a number of university services such as Academic Development, Educational Development, Digital Learning, Library and Collections, Advanced Research Computing, EDI, and the Counselling and Mental Health Service.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CONCEPTION X PROGRAMME

Are you a PhD student looking to create real-world impact with your research? Sign up here to discover Conception X.

Conception X’s free nine-month programme helps PhD students to explore entrepreneurship and launch deeptech startups based on their research. You take part in entrepreneurship training designed for scientists and engineers, meet fellow entrepreneurial students from around the country, connect with industry experts and become eligible for innovation grants, awards and venture capital funding.

The programme runs alongside your PhD, so you don’t need to make any immediate, life-altering decisions when you join. Its two-track approach supports you whether you’re starting to think about how to commercialise your research and your career post-PhD, or if you’re ready to launch or accelerate your startup.

Our partnership with XTX Ventures supports 6-12 new companies per cohort – focusing on AI, quantum computing, robotics, biotech and other transformative areas of deep technology – with a typical cheque size of £100,000.

You can learn more about the Conception Xtech programme and if it is a good fit for your ambitions by joining a Discovery Session. The first online session is on Tuesday 31 October– register here!

Applications for Cohort 7 will open mid November, but we are taking early registrations of interest here. More about the programme here. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Turn a bright idea into a great new venture with Blueprint Startup Challenge

Brought to you by Durham University’s Venture Lab team, the Blueprint Startup Challenge is back with its greatest package of support yet, with over £50,000 in equity-free prize money to be won.



Through Blueprint, Durham University students and graduates have access to:

1:1 startup coaching sessions
Workshop programmes
Competitions and funding
Startup Social events
Co-working space at the Hazan Venture Lab


Support is available to all students and graduates with an interest in startups, no matter what your idea or stage of development.

The Launch Event

Join us for the Blueprint Startup Challenge Launch Event, a social occasion for those interested in startups, where you'll find out about the Blueprint Startup Challenge.


When: Wednesday 11th October, 6-8pm

Where: Hazan Venture Lab, ground floor of the Mathematical Sciences & Computer Science Building, Upper Mountjoy

Sign up: Via the Careers Connect Portal https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=27588&service=Careers%20Centre

Everybody is welcome, we hope to see you there.

Best wishes,

The Brilliant Club – PhD and ECR opportunities – 2023-24

The Brilliant Club is an award-winning university access charity. They recruit and train PhD students and ECRs to support disadvantaged school pupils access the most competitive universities and succeed when they get there.

The Brilliant Club provides PhDs and ECRs training in widening participation, research communication, and teaching. Researchers are then paid to deliver academically rigorous programmes to small groups of pupils in state schools across the UK.

How does it work?
On The Scholars Programme, tutors are trained to create a course based on their own academic research pitched at pupils in Key Stage 4 or 5. Tutors also have the opportunity to deliver a pre-designed programme to younger pupils aged 8-10. They deliver this course in university-style tutorials to groups of 7.

To help fit alongside their other commitments, tutors indicate their availability on a termly basis. Placements are paid from £550 per placement, with an additional £121 for designing a Scholars Programme course (plus London weighting). Travel expenses are also paid.

To apply, fill in the application form here https://tinyurl.com/8ri11iant

The Bright Ideas competition, partly sponsored by Engineers in Business Fellowship, allowed us to provide well-deserved grants to three winners, fueling their innovative projects. We received a remarkable number of high-quality applications from diverse segments of our population, resulting in the selection of three deserving winners. The awards, named Emerald, Ruby, and Topaz, celebrated their individual achievements. Throughout the competition, 19 talented participants showcased their innovative ideas.

Yunzhan Zhou, the Ruby Award winner and a PhD candidate in Computer Science, is working on developing a new typing method for mixed reality (MR) headsets. His goal is to enhance the user's information input experience by replicating the sensation of using a physical keyboard. He is working on the premise that MR headsets will eventually replace cell phones and laptops as the next generation of digital assistants, but innovative information input techniques are necessary for this revolution.

The Bright Ideas competition was, partly sponsored by Engineers in Business Fellowship and we are grateful for EIB's generous contribution, which helped us to provide well-deserved grants to three winners, fuelling their innovative projects. The competition received a remarkable number of high-quality applications from diverse segments of our population, resulting in the selection of three deserving winners. In celebration of their individual achievements, we named the awards Emerald, Ruby, and Topaz. Throughout the competition, 19 talented participants engaged and showcased their innovative ideas.
Dr.Cian Rynne, Topaz award winner, founded GelomX in January 2023 to address unsustainable practices in commercial horticulture. The company offers innovative gel-based media solutions for plant growth and other industries.

Conception X,(www.conceptionx.org/programme) the UK’s leading PhD venture programme, is offering a limited number of fully funded places to students from Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria and Teesside Universities. We are looking for students interested in exploring ways to create real-world impact with their research and build up their entrepreneurship skills, with the option of launching a deep technology startup by the end of the programme.To date, Conception X has supported 400+ PhD students from more than 40 universities to commercialise their research and build new ventures innovating across climate, health, energy, AI and more.This initiative is part of the Northern Deeptech Hub, launched in 2022 by Conception X in partnership with the four North Eastern universities to provide training, mentoring, networking and access to funding to STEM PhD students in the region.Learn more about the programme here and apply via this link https://tinyurl.com/1DUCX by 12 May to join Conception X Cohort 6. Please feel free to get in touch us or the Conception X team with questions

We had a great 2 day session with 26 of our PGR population this week as they took part in our EDAPT agile thinking programme for PGRs, our best attendance numbers to date. We had a great mix of disciplines Anthropology, Archaeology, Computer Science, Economics & Finance, Education, Engineering, English Studies, History, Management and Marketing, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology &Sociology, which the attendees reported they got huge value out of
Feedback has been great but a couple of headlines
· Thank you very much for these fruitful two days of working on our agile thinking! I enjoyed working in a team and expanded my networking as well as learned new skills that I will implement in my PhD research!
· Sarasvathy’s discipline very good but as important was recognising and pooling the skills and experience of a 'new' work group As important was using skills, experience and knowledge which PhD specialisation (hyperspecialisation?) has tended to sideline
· Loved the space given to be innovative and creative. really enjoyed the multidisciplinary groups and perspectives. Helped me think about my research in new ways
The pictures say it all
If you or any other PGRS think you might enjoy EDAPT you can register interest here, feel free to share https://forms.office.com/e/eHqRJdtXxT

Illuminate – PGR Startup Pitch Competition


Illuminate is our new startup pitch competition exclusively for Durham University Postgraduate Researchers.

Apply to present your startup idea and you could win up to £5,000!

Access 1:1 startup coaching from Venture Lab to help you develop your idea and enhance your pitching skills, giving you the best chance of success.

For more information, sign up for our Illuminate Launch event on Monday March 13th 2023 here https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=26971&service=Careers%20Centre

Visit the Venture Lab webpage https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/careers-employability-enterprise/our-services/start-new-ventures/
Application deadline: 5pm on Monday 27th March 2023

If you have any questions, please email Paul Stafford, Enterprise Manager

Application Form https://tinyurl.com/1lluminate

The Conception X Programme

Conception X is looking for PhD students interested in creating real-world impact with their research. Now on Cohort 6, the 9-month programme has helped 300+ students from more than 40 UK universities to commercialise their research and launch deep tech startups. The programme is free and designed to fit around the commitments of PhD students.



The programme is designed to fit around PhD students’ commitments and has a two-track approach to support as many researchers as possible – those ready to launch a startup and those looking to build their entrepreneurship skills while exploring potential pathways to research commercialisation.



Sign up for this Discovery Session specifically dedicated to students from Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Teesside universities if you’d like to meet the Conception X team, hear from other PhD students who have successfully completed the programme last year, and learn more about how it could benefit you.



Discovery Session:

Tuesday 7 February, 4pm
Armstrong Building, Newcastle University (more info here)

Conception X: Cohort 6 Discovery Session Conception X Cohort 6 Online Discovery Session - for prospective PhD students

EDAPT Innovation and agile thinking training for doctoral students
Harness a growth mindset to benefit your current research, teaching and future career with the EDAPT programme.
This free programme for doctoral students is based on Sarasvathy’s research on the benefits for researchers of developing your entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and mindset.
Whether your future career lies in academia, working for an organisation, SMEs, solo or charitable sectors the EDAPT programme can help prepare you.

Who it’s for
The EDAPT programme is for doctoral students and early career researchers irrespective of discipline
What you’ll learn
By developing your entrepreneurial mindset, you’ll be better able to:
• take calculated risks to impact and add value to society
• use your knowledge, time and money effectively to reach your goals
• create innovative solutions to impact, funding, reach
• Grow and pitch a project from idea to fruition
• learn from your experiences and reflect on cross disciplinary interactions
• communicate your vision to a wide range of audiences
It’s open to:
• MRes students
• doctoral students
• post-doctoral researchers
• early career researcher staff members
The programme
The programme takes place over 2 days with lunch provided. 14th and 15th March 2023
Day one
EDAPT introduction: The Bird-in-Hand: create solutions with your resources available.
EDAPT Part 1: Pilot the Plane, Develop your knowledge, skills and mindset
EDAPT Part 2: Crazy Quilt: New collaborations can bring the project new funds and new directions.
Day Two
EDAPT 3: Lemonade principle: Mistakes and surprises are inevitable and can be used to look for new opportunities.
EDAPT 4: Showcase your creativity in a light touch academic poster

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=26781&service=Careers%20Centre

This is an in person programme this time at the Hazan Venture Lab, Mathematical Sciences & Computer Science Building, Upper Mountjoy. Can’t make this one or would prefer an online version fill in the form and we will be in touch with new dates. https://forms.office.com/e/eHqRJdtXxT

What PGRS said about EDAPT
• Thank you again guiding us through this insightful program. From Day 1, it got me thinking in ways that are outside of my ‘normal’ and taught me new ways of approaching my PhD.
• The EDAPT agile thinking programme opens up new perspectives to the day-to-day work. I learnt that the techniques discussed could be effectively used in the research, learning and teaching environments, besides business and entrepreneurship.
• EDAPT taught us to use what we already have to think in an entrepreneurial manner.
• I liked the way Paul allowed us to interact as a group. These moment of sharing are very helpful during the brainstorming process since we can profit from the experiences of other participants.
• What I find the most fascinating about this programme … to cooperate with peers who are from other disciplines. I can learn about their ways of working/researching, and I am also influenced by their research attitudes. The resource packs provided are really helpful.
• I enjoyed every part of the EDAPT experience.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes. 3MT® is an academic competition developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. Its success has led to the establishment of local and national competitions in several countries.

At Durham the 3MT has become an important annual event in our PGR calendar. We start recruiting potential 3MT presenters in January and hold a series of heats in March before choosing our winner and runners up at our grand final in May. Our events are hybrid to allow part time and distance learners the opportunity to compete virtually.



10 Reasons to take part in the 3MT
1. Receive intensive presentation training and improve your public speaking impact
2. Build confidence to help you rehearse your pronunciation and clarity
3. Meet other supportive doctoral students and join a growing 3MT community
4. Promote your research across the university and beyond
5. Develop storytelling techniques to aid your communication and outreach
6. Consider your research framing from a new perspective
7. Focus on your proposed contribution to knowledge in great detail
8. Think about the real-world application and meaning of your research
9. Gain exposure to a variety of fascinating research from outside your department
10. Compete for cash prizes at each level

Our Durham winner and runners up go on to represent the university in regional, national and international competitions. To register your interest contact Peter Whitton DACD Or add your name to the registration form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=i9hQcmhLKUW-RNWaLYpvlMrnK3m24HNGl_W3L02FIkpUNUtYQzVVSUdQV0NJUkVLMkgwTzRNSEFKRSQlQCN0PWcu



Prizes

Heat winner £150

Heat runners up £75



Final winner £400

Final runner up £150

People’s choice vote £150







“… go for it. I think it's a fantastic experience. There's lots of support. It's a really positive environment. So, you know there's nothing to be to be scared of, it's … a lot of fun. You know you'll hear some interesting talks from other people” You'll get a lot of help in terms of crafting your actual presentation” Max, PhD History