"Several different projects were open for applications and Oslo Science City was one of them. Before reading the advert I had not heard of Circle U., and being able to visit Oslo was an extra benefit," Stephen Leach says.
Oslo Science City is Norway's first innovation district, and the University of Oslo is one of the founders. Oslo Science City is also an associated partner of Circle U. The main task in the project Stephen worked in was to conduct a feasibility study for the Oslo Science City Arena format – specifically related to the event: ‘The Future of Energy: Green and Digital’, which will take place in early 2024.
Professional development
The purpose of the Circle U. Mobility Scheme is to promote mobility of early career researchers and the development of a strong international network between the partner universities. For Stephen it was also important to gain experience in science adjacent fields.
"I was very curious to learn more about the workings of innovation concepts and infrastructure in higher education. At Humboldt, I did not work in the field of innovation and I basically had no experience, apart from having attended a couple of seminars in tech transfer. I joined the Circle U. program because it was an opportunity to get exposure to something new. For me it was partly about professional development, meaning that I could try to get some more diverse experience than what was available during my PhD," Stephen says.
One of the things he did, was to organize a focus group to help design the way UiO students and doctoral candidates can engage with and benefit from the innovation district. The focus group discussed ways to stimulate student and post-grad participation and how to share ownership of the growing culture of innovation at UiO.
"The training of PhD students could be improved"
Even though he had no previous experience with innovation, he says that it is a subject close to his heart.
For those who will become academics the benefits are also clear, as criteria for research excellence goes beyond producing high impact publications.
"I've loved studying chemistry and trying to do research but I felt that the training of PhD students could be improved, bearing in mind that most of us won't become professional academics. The OSC project really resonated with me because by becoming more involved with the world of 'innovation' and developing the innovation mindset, students gain valuable transferable skills, and at the same time, are driving innovation. For those who will become academics the benefits are also clear, as criteria for research excellence goes beyond producing high impact publications," he points out.
Great experience
Stephen worked closely with the OSC director and CEO. He says he had good communication with the scheme organiser and that the organisation was good on the whole.
"It was quite remarkable to access the network of Oslo Science City and Circle U., to see how the innovation district is growing and interconnecting. The experience has been great, and has probably improved my chances of finding another job."
Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City, is very content with the experience:
"We greatly enjoyed having Stephen with us. He did an impressive job immersing himself in the student innovation ecosystem in Oslo Science City and presenting his work to our board. The insights from the workshop he organized will be important in our ongoing efforts to engage even more students in innovation activities."
She underlines that the role as an associated partner in Circle U. provides them with a valuable international network, and that they look forward to undertaking further projects with researchers and staff from Circle U. partners.
Circle U. is planning to launch a new mobility scheme for early career researchers in 2024.