Developing Commercial Awareness in Chemistry Undergraduates
School of ChemistryFACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Dr Samantha PughFaculty of Mathematics and Physical SciencesUniversity of Leeds, UK@SamLP
Year 2 - Chemistry: Idea to MarketAn industrial case study-based approach to new product development
Year 3 - Chemistry: Making a DifferenceImpact and Entrepreneurship for Chemists
The Chemistry Approach
Chemists know how to “make things”Chemists don’t know how to make money!Students need to develop:
Commercial awareness Team working skills Presentation skills Persuasive skills
Chemistry: Idea to Market rationale
A simulated case study Team-based project Taking a new “invention” to
market Closely emulates project
management in the Chemistry-related industries
Module concept – Innovation/enterprise
Industry Experts
How can chemistry be used to make a difference, or an impact? Good fit with the impact agenda Introduce social responsibility /ethical awareness Increase commercial awareness Further develop skills
Chemistry: Making a Difference rationale
Based on the RSC’s Priority Areas
Prepare a business plan for an area of research with impact/commercial potential
Close liaison with the Careers Centre business start-up unit, SPARK
Module concept - Entrepreneurship
Year 2
Group “Pitch to the Board” Group Portfolio
Personal reflective summary
The Assessments
The Assessments
Year 3
Group “Pitch to Investors” Business Plan
Personal reflective summary
Most students found the modules challenging, but this was why they valued them
Identified the opportunity to develop skills Positive outcomes w.r.t. placements
“Both the innovation and marketing workshops were led by employees of P&G and this inspired me to apply for consumer goods company placements... I am now looking forward to my secured year in industry placement at Unilever in research and development, a placement I was driven to apply for because of this module.”
Student Feedback
Idea to Market Royal Society of Chemistry National HE STEM
Programme
Dr Patrick McGowanDr Stephen Maw
Acknowledgements
Thank you!Samantha Pugh
Making a Difference The Higher Education
Academy
Dr Patrick McGowanDr Chris PaskProfessor Tina OvertonDr Paul Taylor