Published: 2017-01-10
The autumn offering of Innovative Applications of Research and Science concluded on 1 December with 23 PhD students from Karlstad University, Linnaeus University, Mid Sweden University and Örebro University presenting their research in four minutes. During the past six years, a total of 130 students have completed Fyrklövern’s course that aims to prepare PhD students for their roles as researchers.
“The aim is that research should benefit society and not just stay in the academy,” says Fredrik Östlin, innovation advisor at Karlstad University’s Grants and Innovation Office. “Society, business and the academy need to become better at collaborating on research results and ideas. The course includes information relevant to all researchers. It is a particular pleasure to offer it within the framework of the Fyrklöver partnership, because that lends another dimension of cooperation and exchange.”
Implementing knowledge
During the six days, PhD students learned more about presentation techniques, intellectual property, innovation, funding issues and the legislation regulating research application and innovation – this knowledge may stand them in good stead when they want to disseminate their results and make a difference. Some results are used to improve education, some form the basis for new research ideas, others form the foundation for new businesses and yet others become licensable products/services via, for example, licensbanken.se.
An important course component involves giving participants the opportunity to meet researchers from other disciplines so that they can discuss new approaches and ideas.
“The best part of the course was giving one the opportunity to look at one’s own research and ask what its function is – seeing research from the point of view of the community,” says Filip Bjurlid, PhD student in analytical chemistry at Örebro University, and one of this year’s course participants.
Farzaneh Karegar, PhD student in computer science at Karlstad University, is also happy with the course:
“I have enjoyed mingling with other researchers; now I have more knowledge and connections. Before I took the course I wasn’t sure if it was something for me, because I heard that it was very time consuming, but today I’m happy I did. I have gained abilities to present my work that I think are very useful,” says Farzaneh.
More information
Innovative Applications of Research and Science (4.5 ECTS cr.) is a course organised in partnership between Karlstad University, Örebro University, Linnaeus University and Mid Sweden University. The course will be offered again in the autumn term of 2017.
For more information, contact Fredrik Östlin, innovation advisor at 070-180 70 15, fredrik.ostlin@kau.se,
