AS4 Seminar

14 & 21 September 2026

Innovation & Creativity

Transforming Research into Real-World Applications

Hybrid format • Erasmus University Rotterdam, Woudestein Campus & Online

Online participation links will be sent directly to registered participants before each seminar session.

About the Seminar

Research to Impact

Excellent research generates new knowledge. This seminar explores how research can also create broader societal and economic impact through innovation, valorisation, and stakeholder engagement, providing practical insights into how research outcomes can be translated into real-world applications.

The seminar is organised in two complementary sessions. The first session introduces participants to successful examples of academic innovation through presentations and discussions with researchers and entrepreneurs who have successfully translated research into societal and commercial impact. The second session builds on these insights through a hands-on workshop, where participants work in small interdisciplinary groups to transform research ideas into an initial business case using established innovation tools.

By combining inspiration with practical application, the seminar aims to help early-career researchers better understand the pathways from research to impact while developing fundamental innovation and entrepreneurial skills that are increasingly relevant within European research and innovation programmes.

Speakers

Expert Insights

Prof. Rommert Dekker

Professor of Operations Research, Quantitative Logistics and IT, Erasmus School of Economics

Rommert Dekker is a professor of operations research, quantitative logistics, and IT at the Erasmus School of Economics. He currently leads an industry-sponsored research programme on service logistics and has received several distinctions for the practical impact of his research, including ERIM's Impact Award and the OR Society's Goodeve Medal. He began his career at Shell Research and has published extensively on reverse logistics, service logistics, inventory control, maintenance optimisation, container logistics, and transport optimisation. He was also a co-founder of the REVLOG network for reverse logistics.

Michaela Kythreotis-Jandova

Business and Impact Developer, Knowledge Transfer Office, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Michaela Kythreotis-Jandova is Business and Impact Developer at the Knowledge Transfer Office of Erasmus University Rotterdam, where she helps researchers translate early-stage ideas into societal impact and commercial initiatives. With a background in venture capital and early-stage venture building, spanning investment, fundraising, and founder support, she works at the intersection of research and commercialisation, bridging academic insight and entrepreneurship. She specialises in innovation and intellectual property management.

Who Should Attend?

Hybrid Participation

Master's students PhD candidates Postdoctoral researchers Early-career academic staff Researchers interested in innovation, valorisation and societal impact Industrial stakeholders and entrepreneurs

The seminar will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participation either in person at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Woudestein Campus, or online.

Learning Objectives

Practical Outcomes

Research Impact

Understand the main pathways for translating academic research into societal and commercial impact.

Valorisation & Innovation

Recognise different approaches to research valorisation and innovation.

Real Examples

Learn from real examples of university spin-offs and successful commercialisation journeys.

Lean Canvas

Apply the Lean Canvas methodology to structure an initial business concept.

Value Proposition

Develop and present a preliminary value proposition based on a research application.

Expert Feedback

Receive constructive feedback from experienced researchers and innovation professionals.

14 September 2026 | 14:00–16:00 CET

Part I – Best Practices & Inspiration

The first session introduces participants to research valorisation through presentations on commercialisation pathways, university success stories, and guest speakers with first-hand experience in academic entrepreneurship and innovation. The session concludes with an interactive panel discussion and Q&A.

21 September 2026 | 14:00–16:30 CET

Part II – From Research to Business Case

During the second session, participants will take part in an interactive workshop centred around the Lean Canvas framework. Working in small facilitated groups, they will transform research ideas into preliminary business cases by defining value propositions, identifying potential users and markets, and exploring commercialisation pathways. Each group will conclude the workshop with a short pitch, followed by feedback from an evaluation panel.

Participants are encouraged to actively contribute throughout the workshop. Depending on registration, they may work on predefined case studies or submit their own research ideas in advance for discussion during the practical session. Each group will be supported by a facilitator to guide discussions and help develop a coherent innovation concept.

Registration

Registration is required for all participants. To register, please complete the online registration form. During registration, you may choose to attend:

Day 1 – Innovation success stories from Erasmus University Rotterdam

Day 2 – Research valorisation workshop – building a business case

Both days of the seminar

Participants who register for Day 2 will also have the opportunity to submit a research idea or project they are currently working on. Selected cases may be used during the interactive workshop, allowing participants to receive feedback and suggestions from facilitators and experts during the group discussions.

Research cases can be uploaded directly through the registration form. To help you prepare your submission, we recommend using one of the templates provided below.

Open Registration Form

Innovation & Creativity Seminar (AS4)