Enabling Innovation and Commercialisation
Research in the mathematical sciences provides a critical foundation of new knowledge, proofs, algorithms, methods, tools, and technologies for high impact potential innovation and commercialisation.
Research in the mathematical sciences provides a critical foundation of new knowledge, proofs, algorithms, methods, tools, and technologies for high impact potential innovation and commercialisation.
ACEMS enables research translation via the following mechanisms:
- directly, from research outputs within ACEMS’ disciplines, via informal and formal knowledge transfer, and new value and venture creation by ACEMS members, collaborators and other stakeholders; and
- indirectly, including by enabling other disciplines to create and then leverage new knowledge across other fields of research and in the technology and other sectors.
Some examples of the Centre’s direct enablement of research translation, innovation and entrepreneurship efforts of ACEMS members leveraging the outputs of their own or other ACEMS members’ research are provided below.
There are also examples in other sections of this report, such as the Safe Blues case study and some of the PO and IAM updates, such as for FLEW Solutions.
SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH TRANSLATION, INNOVATORS, AND ENTREPRENEURS
The Centre supports members to develop innovation and entrepreneurship knowledge and skills and to translate research into new value via innovation and entrepreneurship. This has included:
- ACEMS educational events, including at presentations at the Annual Retreat.
- Direct support, including mentoring from ACEMS members including ACEMS Stakeholder Engagement Officer Angela Dahlke who has a background in entrepreneurship lecturing and training.
- Referral to opportunities for building skills, knowledge, and networks, including ACEMS university node programs, industry, and investors.
Case Study: Ed Barker OSCEN
OSCEN Research Pty Ltd is a company co-founded by ACEMS PhD student Edward (Ed) Barker, who made the decision to commercialise research pursued in his Masters degree and now current PhD which he is completing part-time whilst also working.
In 2021, OSCEN Research’s software was accepted into the TRAM Accelerator program. TRAM is Australia’s premier university-based research impact accelerator. TRAM was created to provide the research community with experiential training in crafting a value proposition from high-quality research that can help create commercially viable solutions to high-impact problems.
OSCEN Research’s software provides a simple and cheap way to integrate this technology into existing supply chain management systems, giving customers a convenient way to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Other key highlights for 2021 included:
- The completion of two trials with end-users and potential customers to further inform research and commercialisation opportunities, plus more targeted future use cases.
- More than 100 potential customers interviewed to better understand market needs and commercialisation opportunities which in turn has benefitted Ed’s PhD research.
In the next 1-2 years, Ed expects to finish his PhD and continue to develop commercial potential of his work.
Case Study: Wondrous Worlds
ACEMS PhD Student, Author, Illustrator, Poet, and Social Impact Entrepreneur Katie Buchhorn spent time during the COVID-19 pandemic writing a children’s book that she both authored and illustrated.
In 2021, Katie published her book “Wondrous Worlds: The Extraordinary Adventures of a Curious Mathematician” in the hopes to demystify career opportunities within the mathematical sciences. Katie hopes to inspire the next generation of thinkers into STEM, one story at a time.
During National Science Week, Katie was invited to present at TEDxQUT. Her presentation “How mathematics helps humankind” featured her new book, the power and opportunities of the mathematical sciences, and the importance of improving the diversity in the discipline. A recording of Katie’s TED talk is available online: “How mathematics helps humankind”.
Katie was subsequently invited to speak at schools with multiple Year 7 secondary school cohorts and teachers, and was later interviewed for a featured article about her work on the book in Significance magazine – the article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1111/1740-9713.01551.
I love the vocabulary and there has obviously been so much thought put into the rhyme, the content and the overarching narrative.”
Robyn Robertson
Teacher Librarian/Mathematics Teacher/Text Hire Manager
Forest Lake SHS
Significance Magazine interview piece with Katie Bucchorn. The article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1111/1740-9713.01551.
Katie’s book has been very well received and been of significant interest to families, teachers, and the public. It is expected that interest into Katie’s work and children’s book will continue with further developments next year, including possibilities of recording it as an audiobook. Copies of Wondrous World can be purchased via Amazon and online at https://wondrousworlds.com.au/.
Wondrous World's fan Zara receiving her new copy of the book.
Queensland’s Chief Scientist, Hugh Possingham, reading Wondrous Worlds with Katie Buchhorn.
ACEMS PhD Student Katie Buchhorn giving a TedX Talk on “How mathematics helps humankind”