Here's how you can balance research and commercialization goals as a materials scientist.

Science may not always be good business; but bad science is definitely bad business. I was once refuted by a boss in the industry for saying this ; but I was vindicated when this business unfortunately went south.

Research and commercialization are equally vital to the economy and well-being of the world. I believe for commercialization to occur, research must first be prioritized. Without efforts and investment in R&D and protecting intellectual property, there is no room for the commercial success of a product or methodology.

To balance research and commercialization in materials science, focus on practical applications from the start. Collaborate with industry partners to understand market needs and integrate feedback into your research. Prioritize projects with potential for scalability and economic impact. Protect intellectual property through patents and maintain academic rigor by publishing findings.

Define clear goals for research and commercialization. Align objectives with organizational priorities. Consider both short-term and long-term goals. Incorporate input from stakeholders in goal-setting process. Ensure goals are measurable and achievable. Evaluate potential risks and opportunities associated with each goal. Prioritize goals based on impact and feasibility. Develop strategies to achieve defined goals Monitor progress towards goals regularly Adjust goals and strategies as needed based on feedback and new information Communicate goals effectively to relevant stakeholders Foster collaboration between research and commercialization teams Seek input from interdisciplinary experts to refine goals Ensure transparency in goal-setting

Stay updated on market trends and demands. Engage with industry partners for insights. Attend trade shows and conferences. Read industry publications to understand needs. Identify gaps and opportunities in the market. Tailor research direction to address market needs. Collaborate with industry stakeholders. Conduct market research to validate findings. Seek feedback from potential end-users. Align research objectives with market demands. Ensure commercial viability of research outcomes. Leverage market-oriented approach to attract funding. Formulate strategies to capitalize on market opportunities. Translate research findings into commercially viable products. Foster partnerships to support commercialization efforts.

Protect before you publish! The potential for patents and other forms of IP can be compromised by public disclosures, which can be anything from a standard journal article to even a social media post. I recommend being in frequent contact with your organisation’s commercialisation team to appraise your research outputs and define an IP strategy prior to sharing your research more widely. In an ideal scenario, academic and commercial KPIs can be achieved in tandem with proper guidance and planning.

Develop a comprehensive IP strategy Identify unique aspects of research for protection Assess potential value of intellectual property Determine appropriate types of IP protection Strategize timing for filing patents or trade secrets. Collaborate with legal experts to navigate IP landscape Ensure alignment of IP strategy with research and commercialization goals. Safeguard discoveries while allowing for collaboration opportunities Consider licensing options to monetize intellectual property Leverage IP portfolio for negotiations with investors or partners Stay informed about changes in IP regulations and laws Monitor competitors' IP activities Document research findings and inventions diligently Educate team members about the importanceofip

Identify funding sources supporting research and commercialization Seek grants for both exploratory research and product development Balance funding allocation between fundamental science and applied research Collaborate with industry partners for additional funding opportunities Evaluate potential conflicts between academic freedom and industry collaboration Ensure transparency and ethical conduct in funding acquisition Develop a budget that accommodates research and commercialization activities Explore crowdfunding or venture capital options for commercialization Prioritize funding opportunities aligned with research goals and market needs. Consider the scalability and sustainability of funding sources Communicate effectively with funders

Scale up is often the stumbling blocks for many great ideas that never materialized. Have an understanding of potential end use, production processes, cost structure and pain points as you scale up a new material help you to narrow down the market and focus on the right product form to commercialize.

Anticipate challenges associated with transitioning from lab-scale to commercial production. Collaborate with engineers and industry experts to understand manufacturing constraints. Evaluate the scalability of materials early in the research phase. Develop strategies to address potential production bottlenecks Consider the economic viability of scaling up production Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency in large-scale manufacturing Assess the environmental impact of scaled-up production processes Optimize production methods to maximize efficiency and minimize costs Invest in infrastructure and equipment necessary for large-scale manufacturing Train personnel to handle the complexities of scaled-up production Conduct pilot

Actively seek out collaborations with experts in diverse fields relevant to your research Foster partnerships with industry professionals to bridge the gap between research and commercialization Engage in interdisciplinary projects to leverage complementary skills and knowledge Participate in consortia or joint ventures to combine resources and expertise for larger-scale projects Network with researchers entrepreneurs, and investors to explore potential collaboration opportunities Attend conferences workshops, and networking events to establish and nurture professional connections Share resources and facilities with other research groups to enhance efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with government agencies or non-profit organizations