Building research partnerships with purpose
This autumn, the University of St Andrews Business School hosted a seminar on how researchers can build purposeful partnerships beyond academia.
Dr Jayshree Johnstone, Business Development Manager at St Andrews Innovation, led the session, which focused on practical ways to collaborate with industry, policymakers and other external stakeholders. Researchers, PhD students and professional services staff from across the School took part.
Drawing on her experience in research commercialisation and business development at Loughborough, Newcastle and St Andrews, Dr Johnstone shared advice on identifying potential partners, building long-term relationships and using the University’s support networks. A structured reflection exercise helped participants think through their own approaches to engagement.
Dr Linh Nguyen, Director of Impact and Innovation in the Department of Finance, organised the event. He said:
“It was an energising and highly practical session that gave colleagues space to think differently about their research and how it might connect with the world beyond the University. Jayshree brought clarity and enthusiasm to a complex topic, and her insights have already sparked new conversations across the Department.”
The seminar supports the Business School’s commitment to world-leading research that creates impact through meaningful collaboration and empowers researchers to engage beyond academia.