Edinburgh Napier academics and researchers and now have the chance to take part in Research to Value, a fully funded eight-week online programme designed to help you identify, shape, and advance the commercial potential of your research.
Delivered by Skillfluence and supported by the Scottish Funding Council, this programme offers a structured, practical route to exploring real world impact and commercial pathways.
Why take part?
In today’s rapidly evolving research landscape, understanding how your work can create value beyond academia is more important than ever. Research to Value gives you:
- Dedicated time and space to explore commercial opportunities within your existing research.
- A clear, repeatable framework for assessing and de risking ideas, helping you move closer to funding, partnerships, or market ready concepts.
- Skills and confidence to recognise where your research could translate into consultancy, licensing, CPD, spinouts, social enterprise, or other impact pathways.
This programme is suitable for all disciplines, whether your work sits in science, engineering, health, creative industries, computing, business, or the social sciences.
A collaborative journey
One of the unique strengths of Research to Value is its paired model: researchers participate alongside a Professional Services colleague from their institution. Together, you’ll work through a structured process to define a commercial opportunity based on your research portfolio. This partnership ensures you’re supported throughout the journey and helps build a stronger culture of commercialisation across the University.
What the programme involves
Over eight weeks, you’ll take part in:
- Four online workshops (2 hours each, delivered fortnightly)
- Breakout sessions to work directly on your opportunity
- Practical activities between workshops
- A final presentation of your developed opportunity, including estimated commercial value and next steps
The programme is action-oriented and output-focused, meaning you’ll finish with something tangible, not just theory.
Proven impact
Previous cohorts have shown a consistent increase in commercialisation confidence, with participants reporting stronger skills, clearer pathways, and a better understanding of how to turn research into real world value.
Key dates
Deadline for applications: 5pm, Monday 6 April 2026
- Professional Services Briefing: 22 April, 10am – 11am
- Session 1: Wednesday 29 April, 10am – 12pm
- Session 2: Wednesday 13 May, 10am – 12pm
- Session 3: Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 12pm
- Session 4: Wednesday 10 June, 10am – 12pm
How to apply
For Edinburgh Napier academics interested in taking part, both you and your School Business Development and Relationship Manager (BDRM) must submit separate applications. Please contact your School BDRM if you would like to participate.
The programme is free to join, and spaces are limited.
Full details and the application form are available on the Skillfluence website.