Researcher Career and Entrepreneurial Development Forum

Are you a PhD student or early career researcher? Keen to explore where your academic research can take you? Looking to take action and make things happen?

We know that researchers at UoS are eager to explore diverse career pathways and develop an innovative, impactful and interesting opportunities.

That’s why the Researcher Career and Entrepreneurial Development Forum, welcomes you to discover a wealth of prospects to shape your chosen future, both within and beyond academia.

Date & Time: Wednesday 3 July, 12-4:30pm

Location: Enterprise Suite, Hope Street Exchange, the University of Sunderland

What to expect:

• Interactive Workshops: Build essential skills for career advancement, from networking strategies to developing an enterprising mindset that will help you, no matter where your research takes you.
• Engaging Panel Discussions: Gain insight from former UoS researchers now working in different industries, who will share their career journeys and valuable advice.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow researchers, industry experts, entrepreneurs and key people of influence in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Don't miss this exclusive chance to chart your career path with confidence and connect with like-minded peers! Secure your place now and take the next step towards a fulfilling and successful career journey. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

Agenda

12:00-12:30: Registration, lunch and networking

12:30-14:30: Effectuation for Researchers- making positive impact happen with the resources you already have: Join Jenny Brady, researcher development specialist, for an innovative, interactive and immediately useful workshop on how to apply Effectuation principles to your research practice. By developing an enterprising mindset, you'll discover how to solve meaningful problems, apply practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, identifying opportunities and making informed decisions that align with your career intentions. Jenny will guide you through a process of self-reflection and inclusive group discussion to make the most of what you have to hand and help you ditch the persistent planning in favour of taking constructive action.

14:30-14:45: Refreshments and Break

14:45-15:45: Your Development as a Researcher: What Next?: Hear from Industry experts, former PhD students and early career researchers who will discuss where their research has taken them, into career opportunities both within and outside academia. The panel session, facilitated by Helen Atkinson, Career Development & Academic Support Manager at the University of Sunderland’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, will also provide advice on what you can do now to build your skills, experience and network as a researcher.

Panellists

· Nickola Gray, Strategic Projects & Funding Manager, University of Sunderland

· Ashmita Randhawa, Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City

· Julius Onyancha, Head of Data & Analytics, DataKnead Ltd. (PhD, Computer Science, University of Sunderland)

· Yongtao Qu, Associate Professor in Physics at Northumbria University

15:45-16:30: Networking and Close

Panelist Bio

Ms Nickola Gray, Strategic Projects & Funding Manager, University of Sunderland

Nickola Gray is a seasoned Strategic Projects and Funding Manager with a robust background in business development, team management, and project management. Her expertise lies in various domains, including Intellectual Property (IP) and Research Commercialisation, Company Engagement, Business Succession Planning, and Talent Management.

With her extensive experience and knowledge in IP and Research Commercialisation, Nickola is well-equipped to provide valuable insights to Ph.D. candidates and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) seeking career paths in academia or industry. Her involvement in initiatives such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), university spin-outs, and project management for research commercialisation positions her as a knowledgeable panelist capable of advising on diverse career routes.

Nickola's role as the UK SPF Innovate and Grow Project Manager further underscores her commitment to fostering innovation and driving growth in both academic and business spheres. She brings a wealth of experience and practical guidance for aspiring professionals navigating the complex landscape of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

Dr Julius Onyancha, Head of Data & Analytics, DataKnead Ltd. (PhD, Computer Science, University of Sunderland)

Julius is a data analytics and performance consultant, helping organisations leverage advanced analytics and machine learning tools to drive strategic decision-making and improve performance.

Graduated with a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Sunderland in 2019, with a focus on learning problems with noisy data in machine learning datasets, uncovering patterns and trends that can easily be overlooked. Julius’s expertise spans various industries including, healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce, where he has helped organisations implement performance measurement frameworks, data strategies, and value-driven solutions for end-users. Julius is passionate about data literacy and frequently shares his knowledge through mentorship, workshops, and academic research publications discussing the latest technology trends and how businesses can utilise data and analytics to stay competitive.

Dr Yongtao Qu, Dr Yongtao Qu, Associate Professor in Physics at Northumbria University

Yongtao is an Associate Professor in Physics at Northumbria University, with his research interest in developing light absorbing layers and structures for the generation of clean and renewable electricity. Yongtao actively engaged in research funding application and developed his bidding strategy to target UK, Europe research councils and charities. In the meantime, Dr Qu is directly contributing as the Centre Manager to the running of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU), with responsibility for delivering a high-quality postgraduate training programme. His dual expertise in research innovation and management leadership provides Dr. Qu with a wealth of insights to guide PhD students and Early Career Researchers exploring academic opportunities.

Dr Ashmita Randhawa, Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City

Ashmita is a biomedical engineer turned social scientist. Having worked in corporate R&D for Procter & Gamble for over 6 years formulating consumer goods products, she pivoted career and discipline to focus on understanding the impact of policymaking on the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, completing her PhD at University of Oxford; here she focused on understanding how education and policy systems can have an impact on educational innovation.

She is currently the Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City and leads the work for the Digital Catapult in the North East & Tees Valley, supporting businesses on their digital transformation journeys. She also co-leads the work of the Hartree Centre ¦ NE Hub with Barry Hodgson at the National Innovation Centre for Data. She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the SKOPE Research Centre, University of Oxford and Visiting Professor at the National Innovation Centre for Data, Newcastle University.

Our location is conveniently situated just 5 minutes’ walk from the Bridges car park and 6 minutes away from Riverside multistorey cark park. Please click the links below for tariff information.

https://www.thebridges-shopping.com/centre-information/parking-information/

https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/27820/Riverside-Multi-Storey-Car-Park

Please be advised that photographs will be taken at the event and may be used on the university website and in the press, and the university marketing activities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hope Street Xchange, Hind Street, Sunderland, United Kingdom