Shaping Research for Real-World Impact: the HDR Industry Impact Review

PhD research generates valuable knowledge, but it can remain within academic circles rather than being applied in practice. For students, it can be difficult to see how their work connects with market requirements and industrial implementations. While their scientific training is focused on deep disciplinary expertise, there are few training opportunities to consider markets, intellectual property, or pathways to mass adoption. The TRaCE High Degree Research (HDR) Industry Impact Review helps bridge that gap, giving students practical tools and guidance to explore how their research could translate into tangible impact beyond the scientific community.  

The program challenges students to examine their research question and to shape their research design through a commercial lens by identifying market opportunities, exploring the patent landscape, and assessing the market Adoption Readiness Level (ARL). The review has two key components: a written report and a panel presentation. 

As the second iteration of the program, TRaCE has further refined the format to provide even stronger outcomes for students. Through the program, participants receive targeted support designed to build commercialisation skills, including: 

• Commercialisation training to understand critical pathways from research to market. 

• Patent landscape course to identify intellectual property risks and opportunities. 

• ARL webinar to assess risks, barriers and enablers to mass adoption. 

• One-on-one support through open office hours with industry and academic experts. 

“What I found most valuable was learning how to conduct patent research and assess the commercial readiness of my technology. The program really helped me bridge the gap between the technical side of my research and its commercial applications,” says Rachel Li, Industry PhD student. 

The program culminates in a written report and panel presentation, where students outline their research question and knowledge gap, identify relevant patents, and analyse potential markets before presenting their findings and insights to academic and industry experts. They gain practical feedback that helps refine their ideas and tests their research against real-world expectations. 

Through the Industry Impact Review, students also build a stronger commercial mindset, reflecting TRaCE’s broader mission to prepare the next generation of innovators who can thrive at the interface of academia and industry. It also provides an opportunity for industry partners to appreciate the scientific rigour involved in formulating research questions and creating new knowledge.   

Watch the video below to hear directly from students and members of the panel on the benefits and value of the HDR Industry Impact Review.