Research

Dragons' Den without the fire

Published 29 June 2010

Early career researchers at the University of Brighton can pitch their ideas to "Dragons' Den" experts at a one-day conference.

All early career researchers are being invited to the "The Future's Bright" in the new Huxley Building, Moulsecoomb, on 21 September.

Speakers will include Professor Bruce Brown, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (research) who will talk about the next Research Excellence Framework (REF), and Dr Ross English of Vitae which champions the personal, professional and career development of researchers.

Participants can take part in breakout sessions presented by senior researchers at the university. Sessions include: Writing for publication (arts, humanities and social science), writing for publication (science), grant writing (arts, humanities and social science), grant writing (science), and working with industry, business, the NHS, charities and other non-HEI partners.

There will also be a session similar to the TV programme Dragons' Den in which entrepreneurs and inventors pitch ideas to investors. The university's version will be interactive. The researchers pitch their ideas to an experienced panel of senior researchers and get feedback and suggestions.

In addition, there will be sessions on networking and disseminating research to the public and media, and making effective conference presentations.

The conference will end with a wine and canapés networking event where participants will have the opportunity to talk with other researchers across the university.

The conference is open to all early career researchers including those at the start of their academic careers, contract researchers, former lecturers, those with or without doctorates, and final year research students.

Find out more

For more details and on-line booking go to The Future's Bright website.