Successful Workshop No. 2 on Developing Technologies Through R&D concludes in Seville

The recent three-day workshop, «Developing Technologies Through R&D: IPR Management, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Funding» held at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería from 18^th – 20^th September, 2024 at Universidad de Sevilla (Spain), concluded successfully.

The workshop, attended by our enthusiastic doctoral students and partners supervisors, provided valuable insights into key aspects of funding in research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship. Renowned industry and academic experts delivered engaging presentations, covering topics such as:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Management: Navigating the legal framework and protecting research outcomes.
• Funding Opportunities: Exploring funding sources for R&D projects within the European Union and beyond.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Developing entrepreneurial mindset and translating research into impactful solutions.
• Effective Communication and Presentation Skills: Enhancing communication abilities to effectively convey research findings.
• Soft Skills Development: Building essential skills for career advancement in academia and industry.

The workshop also included interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging technical tours to cutting-edge facilities, including a leading brewery center with the largest CSP plant aimed at providing heat for the industry.

Key points:

• Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the R&D landscape and the challenges and opportunities associated with translating research into real-world applications.
• Valuable connections were forged between doctoral students (ISOP and USE), researchers, industry professionals, and funding agencies.
• Participants developed practical skills and knowledge that will be invaluable in their future careers.

Looking Ahead:

The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and speakers for their contributions to the success of the workshop. They also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between academia and industry to foster innovation and drive technological advancements.

Gallery of photos:

1. Raúl García Salcedo, Knowledge transfer technician at Vice-Rectorate for Knowledge Transfer at the University of Seville, provided an overview on Knowledge Transfer at USE: “Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship”.

2. 2.Patricia Martínez- Carrasco, Senior Consultant Industrial and Intellectual Property at Pons IP, delivering a presentation about IPR: “Legal Aspects of Intellectual and Industrial Property Management in Europe”.

3. Andrés Barros, Chairman (RPow) and General Manager Kyoto Spain, presenting “Innovation in Energy Storage for the Energy Transition”
4. Jitka Špolcova, Project Officer of ETN Global, sharing meaningful insights on “Communicating R&D: How to Make Impactful Presentations”

 

5. Giuseppe Tilocca & Antonio Escamilla, Scientific Officer & Client Relationship Manager at ETN Global, respectively, delivered a presentation on “The Role of Soft Skills in Career Development”6 After the sessions on the first day, students and supervisors had the opportunity to make a cultural visit to Seville city centre.

 

7. The second day opened with a technical visit to the facilities of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering of the University of Seville, conducted by José Antonio Peregrín (INERCO).

8. A representative of the Spanish Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) and member of National Delegate Energy Committee Programme – Cluster 5 (HE), Maria Luisa Revilla, delivered a presentation on “Funding R&D on energy technologies: from cradle to market in the European Union”.9.The programme also included a Panel Session about Funding R&D, chaired by Patricia Santamaría, Chief Innovation Officer at RPow, and with the following panelists (left to right): María Luisa Revilla (CDTI), Stefan Glos (Siemens Energy), Abdulnaser Sayma (Brunel University London), Soledad López-Postiglione (Empresarios Agrupados – Ghesa), Emmanuela Alfarano (Baker Hughes), and Jose Peregrín (INERCO).

10. Darío Martínez de Azcona (Sputnik) and Julio Estalella (RPow) shared insights on “Thinking out of the box: the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to change the world”.

11. mission was dedicated to present and discuss the ongoing work of predoctoral students from University of Seville, ISOP and invited students from TOPCSP MSCA project: “Networking of Early-Stage Researchers – USE & ISOP”.

 

12.To conclude the second day, students and supervisors had the opportunity to enjoy typical Sevillian cuisine during the social dinner.

 

13. On the third day of the workshop, participants visited the premises of the Heineken brewery, including the largest CSP plant (30 MW) in Europe dedicated to providing heat for industrial processes.