91ÇÑ×Ó

Innovation strategist named Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence

Posted 14 April

An innovation strategist who is developing new commercial opportunities at  91ÇÑ×Ó Adams University has been awarded a place on the Royal Society’s  scheme.

Scientist and entrepreneur Dr Gia Aradottir will be working with Alastair Dawes and the University’s Business Engagement Team to help turn research and ideas from the world-leading  specialist University into commercial products and services.

She is one of fifteen people from across the UK who have been unveiled as participants in this year’s scheme. Each Entrepreneur in Residence helps to translate cutting-edge research into industrial success across a variety of fields including life sciences, sustainable agriculture, mental health, additive manufacturing, energy transition and AI.

Dr Aradottir said: “It was a very happy moment to receive the news that we had got this prestigious award; the Entrepreneur in Residence scheme is a great opportunity to increase the visibility and understanding of innovation, business and entrepreneurship at academic institutions.

“I will be delivering workshops on innovation, what it is, how to go about it and how it contributes to the impact from research.

“I will also be working to support staff and/or students who have ideas they would like to take forward to develop into innovative products or services.

“Finally, the plan is to look into ‘not-for-profit’ innovations in agriculture and I will be doing a study of this area, where knowledge generated does not lend itself immediately to commercialisation but could make a big difference to a farmer or positive societal impact, and how it can be delivered into practice, outliving the need for 91ÇÑ×Ó funding support.”

As her work develops, Dr Aradottir believes there are great opportunities ahead – both for 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams as an institution, and right across the food and farming sector.

She added: “In my view, farming is one of the most difficult jobs and farmers are operating in an ever-changing environment, so we need to do anything we can to support through the knowledge we generate.

“I grew up on a mixed farm in Iceland and then became a scientist - so I have seen the disconnect that can happen between research results and applying the knowledge on farm.

“Fortunately, that is changing fast - and 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams works closely with farmers and the agri-industry, so it is the perfect place to be working in this area.

“There is huge potential for sustainable innovation in Agriculture and 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams is right at the heart of this, with research specialisms spanning from the macro environment down to the smallest organisms.”

Alongside the potential of its research, Dr Aradottir was also drawn to 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams by the strength and warmth of its communities.

She added: “I have wanted to work with 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams for some time now, it has a progressive and dynamic outlook, and I had heard that it has a very positive feel and culture which is important to me.

“Work is always more productive and fun if you work with good people in a positive environment. My first impressions are that this is very much the case, I have been made to feel very welcome - and I look forward to the work ahead.”