Category: Engaging with research

Lessons learnt in innovation

The EPSRC summer school was an applied approach to understanding the many different facets of innovation and entrepreneurship in photonics. The week featured Technologists who shared case studies and valuable insights into how a technology or a scientific principle could be developed into a business. To echo thoughts that I heard throughout the week, it’s not the tech that makes money, it’s the business model wrapped around it. There is not a recipe to for all and for this reason it was extremely insightful to get many perspectives from experts from in their early steps of entrepreneurship right through to the seasoned innovators.

Right to left: Prof. T. Baer, Prof. M. Dawson and Prof. C. Boudoux in conversation with moderator Prof. D. Reid during the panel discussion on innovation and entrepreneurship experiences.
Perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurship panel discussion with (right to left) Prof. T. Baer, Prof. M. Dawson and Prof. C. Boudoux in conversation with moderator Prof. D. Reid.

The school also consisted of courses in management and strategic planning techniques that can enable development and innovation in companies. Methods such as SCRUM , SWOT analysis and PESTEL, as well as technology screening techniques were introduced. These were put into practice throughout the week in an effort from the organisers to make the concepts as tangible as possible, which was very engaging and effective. A couple of lessons have stuck with me. First, complex information unrelated to the technology can be strategically selected to make greater impact in the workings of an organisation. Second, which resonated with me very well, values inform both the vision and the mission of a business organisation.

In conversation with Mike Reilly during SCRUM workshop session for the development of a business plan for our social enterprise.
In conversation with Mike Reilly during SCRUM workshop session for the development of a business plan for our social enterprise.

The main deliverable of the week was a group project to develop a pitch for a start up for a product or service for the photonics industry. My team, Haggis Photonics (affectionately named after one of Scotland’s national delicacies), developed a pitch based on building automated components for the photonics industry using 3D printed technology. The business would place itself between the expensive equipment and the Makers market. We also identified a potential to use this product for the training of technician in vocational career paths, a subject close to my heart! We had the opportunity to pitch the idea to 3 serial entrepreneurs and business development experts. The exercise and feedback was very insightful into what is needed in the process of developing a business.

Final poster presentation of my research in integrated optics and Bragg gratings from the University of Southampton!
My final poster presentation on my research in integrated optics and Bragg gratings from the University of Southampton!

The week was very enjoyable, busy and packed full of educational and social activities. The social highlights for me were the traditional Scottish Ceidh, a very active evening of dancing, and the banquet dinner in the luxurious university Lower College Hall (see cover picture!). I also had the opportunity to present one of my last projects that I have conducted in Southampton as a result of research done during my PhD, which was a great opportunity to reflect on the work I had conducted in the past 4.5 years.  Thanks to the school I have gained a lot of insight into how innovation takes place in the tech sector. It has given me lots of pointers to look out for as I embark on the next stage of my career (announcement on job situation to follow!).

To sign off, I wish to extend a thank you to Prof. Derryck Reid and Kasia Sulima for the organisation of the summer school, Munadi Ahmad for the cover picture, and the local student organising team for a week packed of social activities. Thanks for tuning in. Bye for now.

Passion driven Innovation

The first days of the summer school have brought me some rich insight into the world of technological entrepreneurship. I am struck by the diversity of the scenarios that can be tackled by using photonics, from making intricate glass parts for watches with lasers, or using smart LCD tags in supermarkets and right to using 20-year of fibre optics and medical imaging research to enable the next generation of medical screening devices for point-of-care diagnostics. Photonics is not just enabling technology, it is causing whole business ecosystems to collide and is generating solutions that will transform the landscape where we live in ways only limited by our imagination.

“Venturing” is tough; indeed, etymologically speaking, a venture is the risk of loss. Resilience is a trait that transpires from the stories of the technologists that have been shared this week. Yet the positivity in enterprising is palpable, as is the excitement linked to rationally stepping out of one’s personal comfort zone. Raw passion and naive enthusiasm, balanced with a good dose of planning, rigorous accounting and systematic evaluation of methods and processes have provided case studies of vigorous business models moulded around technology.

In the past months, I have been reflecting on my own values, the things that get me out of bed in the morning. Working in collaboration beats the alarm clock, every time. Enjoyment to me is the key to the process. Passion is without a doubt the fuel of progress, and I am glad to have felt this first hand during this week through the talks and the conversations I have had the privilege of having.

More to follow this week on progress in building a technological and social enterprise as well as reflections on the research conversations from the week.

 

Building communities

SPIE Photonics West 2018 felt incredibly busy, and other attendees I have spoken to share the sentiment. I look back on the conference with the feeling that the professional optics and photonics community is vibrant and keen to engage on many levels.

My week started with a presentation for the SPIE Students Meeting. I presented my experiences as a committee member, president and mentor of the University of Southampton’s Optics and Photonics Society. It was really precious to reflect on my journey amongst a growing and dynamic local student network, through which I have thrived personally and professionally. I am grateful to have been able to share my experiences with a global student community and have the opportunity to meet with peers.

Team building at the hardest Escape Room in the USA with SEaCarP committee and guests
Team building at the hardest Escape Room in the USA, with SPIE 2018 SEaCarP committee and guests.

I have joined two SPIE committees in 2018, namely the SPIE Education Committee and Student and Early Career Professional ad hoc Committee. I feel privileged to be part of active discussions and have the opportunity to contribute to guiding the SPIE’s mission. I am excited to be taking part in projects that will be looking to enhance the society’s education endeavours and the participation of student and early career professionals (SEaCarP). As part of my Education “duties” I am working with a smaller sub-committee towards better understanding the impact that the society’s members have through their dedication to outreach and public engagement programs. SEaCarP discussions have focused on enhancing the member experience of early career professionals. If you would like to get in touch to discuss these projects, drop by my LinkedIn profile to talk some more.

This international meeting was a fantastic forum to contextualise my professional and personal development experiences. It has given me the space to ask questions and actively listen to colleagues and friends engaging with the community. It is also great to see familiar faces again and catch up on people’s progress in their work and careers.

You’ll hear more from me at least by August, where I will be in San Diego for the 2018 SPIE Optics + Photonics congress. Bye for now.

Thanks to Vahan Malkhasyan for the picture that was used as the featured image in this post.

A week at Photonics West

🎵 If you’re going to San Francisco 🎵

I’ve been humming Scott McKenzie’s lyrics for a couple of months now, as I have been planning and preparing my trip to the SPIE Photonics West congress that will be held in San Francisco from Jan. 26th to Feb. 1st. This is the first time that I will attend this conference and needless to say that I am incredibly excited to be travelling back to North America to “the world’s largest photonics technologies event”.

For all SPIE students out there, I will be giving a talk at the Student Chapter Meeting on Sun. 28th Jan called “Building your mentorship toolkit through your student chapter”. Beware, you need to register by Friday, 19 January to attend! See the schedule below for more information.

SPIE Student and Early Career Professional Committee 2018SPIE Student and Early Career Professional Committee 2018.

I have joined 2 committees of the SPIE, A.K.A the international society for optics and photonics. I will be part of their Education committee and help guide the society in its mission in developing and delivering Education activities worldwide. I am also delighted to join the SEaCarP ad hoc committee (this maritime acronym stands for “Student and Early Career Professional”) with officers whose reputation precedes them. I’m excited to meet or see them again again in San Francisco. I want to take the opportunity to thank SPIE for the Student and Early Career Professional ad hoc Committee member travel grant offered to me to attend Photonics West 2018, as well as their help in the organisation of this trip.

I will be around at technical talks and the trade show throughout the week. I’ve posted my abridged non-technical schedule below, which has lots of times when it might be convenient to meet! If you want to catch up then drop me a message on LinkedIn, Facebook or Whatsapp.

“Where is Matt?”

Abridged non-technical schedule

Sunday 28th Jan

  • Student Chapter Meeting, Sun. 28th Jan, 18:00-21:00, with my talk “Building your mentorship toolkit through your student chapter”. Registration required at students@spie.org by Friday 19 January!

Monday 29th Jan

  • Essential Skills for a Career in Industry by David Giltner of Turning Science, 13:30-17:30, Intercontinental Hotel. No registration required, but get there early to avoid disappointment!
  • Women in Optics and Diversity Inclusion Program and Reception, 17:00-19:00,  Intercontinental Hotel. Details here.
  • SPIE Careers Lab Meet-up, 21:00, The Chieftain, 198 5th St.
Join me, moderators and members of the SPIE Career Lab on Monday night!
Join me, moderators and members of the SPIE Career Lab on Monday night!

Tuesday 30th Jan

  • “How Global Investment is Bringing Quantum Technologies to the Marketplace”, 8:30-9:45, Moscone Centre, Room 21 (North Exhibit Level).
  • SPIE After-dinner Member Reception, 20:00-21:30, Hilton Union Square, Cityscape Lounge (SPIE Members only).

Wednesday 31st Jan

  • Early Career Networking breakfast, Moscone Centre, Room 2000. Registration at earlycareer@spie.org

Volunteering for leadership

Last week I attended a Student Leadership Workshop in the sunny town of San Diego, California. Over 240 students from over 30 different countries congregated at a large international meeting called Optics + Photonics that was organised by the SPIE. I had the pleasure to meet students at various stages of their education (both undergraduate and postgraduate), conference organisers, workers in universities and in private companies. The workshop was run by a very well-spoken gentleman, Jean-Luc Doumont, and over the course of the day explored the theme of leadership through group activities, presentations and role plays.

SPIE 2016 Student Leadership Conference. Picture credit SPIE Students.
SPIE 2016 Student Leadership Conference. Picture credit SPIE Students.

At the start of the day 26 groups set about a creative brainstorm, half on what a leader is and the remainder on what a leader is not. My group quickly decided that a good leader is not indecisive. Indecisiveness is second nature to me, so it was uncomfortable to hear a lot of valid reasons of how my leading ability could be hindered by my personality. We discussed this a lot, and I found that one could become decisive through listening and asking questions: to make informed decisions, and strive to clearly communicate ideas and visions for a group to steer itself through a process. Being indecisive, listening and asking questions are three things I can do very well, I would like to think. I must practice to balance these for the sake of productivity!

A good leader is NOT indecisive; a morning well spent at the 2016 SPIE student leadership workshop.
A good leader is NOT indecisive: a morning well spent at the 2016 SPIE student leadership workshop.

“Leader-ship”. 2 words: leader and ship. Why would one take the responsibility to lead a ship? I have met people who think they are the best for the role, and some who feel a duty to step into the leader’s shoes simply because someone must. Someone at the workshop said that people volunteer to lead, and I can agree with that statement from my humble experience. I volunteered to take the reins of the Optics and Photonics Society (OPSoc), and I volunteered to attend this workshop in San Diego. In return, the SPIE supported me through a travel grant, and the OPSoc gave me access to a wonderful community of people that like to get together (preferably in a sunny place!). “Leaders coming together” feels to me like a chore; “volunteers coming together” feels much richer. My leadership roles have taken me to some incredible places and my path has crossed those of some incredible people. I will continue to make the time to volunteer; there, I’ve said it and so please hold me accountable to it.

Volunteers in action: 2016 SPIE President Bob Lieberman with Southampton’s Optics and Photonics Society’ presidents of past & present (&future?)
Volunteers in action: 2016 SPIE President Bob Lieberman with Southampton’s Optics and Photonics Society’s Presidents of past & present (& future?).