Turning great research into real-world impact: pathways, partnerships, and practical strategies for early career researchers.

As the global push for net zero accelerates, hydrogen and sustainable energy technologies are moving rapidly from the lab to the marketplace. For Early Career Researchers (ECRs), this creates exciting opportunities, but also new challenges, around intellectual property, spin-outs, industry collaboration, and navigating the research commercialisation landscape.

This UK-HyRES ECR Webinar Series session, delivered in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, focuses on the practical realities of research commercialisation in hydrogen and sustainable energy. It will explore how ECRs can translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications, engage with industry, and build pathways from discovery to deployment.

From understanding the innovation pipeline and funding routes to working with technology transfer offices and industrial partners, this session will offer insight into the skills, strategies, and mindsets needed to maximise the impact of your research beyond academia.

What the session will cover

This session will provide practical guidance on how to navigate the journey from research to real-world impact, including:

  • Understanding what “impact” means for ECRs in hydrogen and sustainable energy
  • Key pathways for translating research into products, services, or spin-outs
  • Working effectively with technology transfer offices, investors, and external partners
  • Practical considerations around intellectual property, market potential, and team dynamics
  • Common challenges, pitfalls, and strategies for maximising your research impact

 

About the session

Hydrogen and sustainable energy research sit at the heart of the clean energy transition, but impact depends on more than great science alone. This session will examine how ECRs can navigate the journey from research to real-world use, addressing key questions such as:

  • What does “research commercialisation” look like in practice for hydrogen and sustainable energy research?
  • What routes exist for turning research into products, services, or spin-outs?
  • How can ECRs work effectively with industry, investors, and technology transfer teams?
  • What skills and experiences help build a career that spans research and innovation?

 

The webinar will combine strategic perspectives with practical guidance, helping ECRs better understand the innovation ecosystem and their place within it.

The session will be led by Dr Ben Voysey, Entrepreneurship Lead at Royal Society of Chemistry, who will share insights into research commercialisation pathways and practical considerations for researchers working in hydrogen and sustainable energy.

Meet the speaker

Dr Ben Voysey, Entrepreneurship Lead, Royal Society of Chemistry

Dr Ben Voysey leads the strategic development and delivery of venture programmes for the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Change Makers initiative. He supports founders and founding teams of deep tech chemistry ventures tackling critical global challenges.

Through Change Makers, Ben oversees programmes that provide structured support to up to 30 new start-ups each year, including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networking, investment guidance, and professional services. His work also links closely with the #morechemlabs initiative, which forms part of the Change Makers Ecosystem Challenges pillar, helping ventures translate cutting-edge research into impactful solutions.

Ben brings a wealth of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture support, helping early-career researchers and start-ups navigate the journey from discovery to commercialisation.

Agenda

  • 13:00 – 13:05 – Welcome and introduction
  • 13:05 – 13:35 – Keynote presentation: Research commercialisation
  • 13:35 – 13:55 – Discussion and practical insights
  • 13:55 – 14:00 – Q&A and closing remarks

 

Who should attend?

This session is designed for:

  • Early career researchers working in hydrogen, energy, and sustainability-related fields
  • PhD students and postdoctoral researchers interested in industry engagement, innovation, or spin-outs
  • Researchers who are curious about the impact, commercial pathways, and applied research
  • Anyone looking to better understand how research moves from lab to market

 

About the Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry works at the heart of the chemical sciences community to create a future that is more open, more green, and more equal. As an independent catalyst for change, it connects people and ideas through partnerships, conferences, events, and networks that span the globe.

It publishes scientists’ discoveries and insights so they can be used to improve health, the environment, and everyday life, with a strong commitment to open access. The income it generates is reinvested into supporting scientists and the community, recognising excellence, funding new research and projects, and building impactful programmes that drive change across the chemical sciences.

Register now to secure your place and gain practical insight into how your hydrogen and sustainable energy research can make the journey from discovery to real-world impact.