Impact can mean different things for different researchers and projects, and it can often be difficult to know where to start on this pathway.

As part of the InnovationACT lead up, join us to hear from a panel of researchers who are pursuing impact in vastly different ways.

The panelists have all taken different routes on research and knowledge translation, including spinning out a high-growth technology company, finding industry partners that are aligned and continue their academic careers through translational work using mechanisms like licensing and consulting.

This panel event will be very relevant for researchers at all stages, from HDR students to mid-career researchers, who are exploring how their research and knowledge can translate to real-world impact.

InnovationACT is a 2-week student and researcher entrepreneurship competition to develop innovation skills, access mentors and pitch for a share of $10,000 of funding.

Panellists:

Damith Herath is a Professor of Robotics and Art at the University of Canberra and multi-award-winning entrepreneur and roboticist. He has an extensive experience leading multidisciplinary research teams on complex robotic integration and industrial and research projects for over two decades. He founded Australia’s first collaborative robotics startup in 2011, named one of Australia’s most innovative young tech companies in 2014, and became top-ten category winner in the coveted Amazon Robotics Challenge. In addition, Damith has chaired several international workshops on Robots and Art and is the lead editor of the book “Robots and Art: Exploring an Unlikely Symbiosis” – the first significant work to feature leading roboticists and artists together in the field of Robotic Art.

Elizabeth McGrath PhD is founder and CEO of Prism Neuro, a startup based at the Australian Institute of Sport. Elizabeth spent her early career at the US Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory where she worked on developing tests to improve fighter pilot selection. More recently she was the Director of Emerging Technology at the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Elizabeth is excited about the role that digital technology can play in providing data for improved health awareness. She also believes this data can contribute to improved athletic performance and reduced risk of injury. Her company, Prism Neuro, is focussed on digital solutions for quantifying and improving human movement control.

Riccardo Natoli is currently the Associate Director of Research Development at the School of Medicine and Psychology and Head of Clear Vision Research at The John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU. His primary focus is on leading research aimed at reducing the severity and progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) using RNA. Additionally, he has a keen interest in commercializing research, holding patent positions on various technologies for treating retinal and neurodegenerative conditions, and lauching ErythroSight in 2024 based on their EV/miRNA research. His support for the next generation of reserachers has been acknowledged through awards such as the Australian Institute of Policy & Science Tall Poppy Award (2019), the ANU College of Health & Medicine Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Supervision (2023) and the VC’s Award for Excellence in Supervision (2023).

Professor Inger Mewburn is currently Director of Research Training at ANU. She has a background as a designer and resaercher, and since 2006, she has worked exclusively with PhD students and early career academics. She’s passionate about helping people reach their potential as researchers and helping create a kinder, more inclusive academy. She’s the creator and author of the Thesis Whisperer blog with a 100k+ global following. Inger also led the team the built and operated the PostAc app, a job search engine for researchers.