THRIVE Institute and the KTO of Tilburg University present: the 4th edition of the PhD Valorisation Program

As a PhD candidate, you are very talented when it comes to elaborate writing, swiftly finding relevant information, and creating new knowledge. However, there are also some valorisation-skills that you may need help with, think of writing convincingly (instead of elaborately and academically), presenting yourself to various stakeholders, creating clear solutions, selling your ideas to others, making actual sales, concept development, and more. The Valorisation Program focuses on adding skills to your existing skill set that will boost your ability to realize your ambitions. These skills will also help you in your professional career, inside or outside academia. 

You will create a research-driven ‘impact proposition’ for a tangible service, product, toolkit, company, blog, or any other ‘product’ that fits your ambition. We help you to make your big and abstract impact wishes, into concrete products with which you can storm the world. We are going to make it as clear as we can, because clarity is important when trying to find partners and collaborators, or when you want to get your popular science article published. Your impact proposition offers a blueprint for your valorisation endeavors, which you will further develop during the specialization track of the course.

Having a relevant network is important for making a positive impact. In almost every case you need people that help you land your impact proposition. We help you to build a relevant network around your ambition. Think of people that can give feedback on your idea from an expert perspective, set up collaborations with interesting companies, or find potential clients. It all depends on your idea and belief. We focus on identifying the right people, getting in contact, and telling your convincing story. 

This specialization track is an exciting opportunity for you to deepen your knowledge and skills in a specific area of interest. Choosing between either building an impactful business or focusing on popular science communication, will allow you to tailor your research insights to align with your impact aspirations. This track will allow you to become an expert in your chosen niche. You will gain hands-on experience that will give you a headstart inside or outside academia.

The first four workshops focus on a valorisation crash course during which, you will: 

1. become acquainted with the field of valorisation
2. learn about the different valorisation tracks, vehicles for change and possibilities 
3. work on your knowledge broker skills
4. develop your valorisation network

The introduction into the valorisation track includes a maximum of 20 participants. After the first two months of the program, you have defined which area of expertise you will focus on to develop your valorisation products. 

We personalize your experience to match your passions and interests, ensuring you're at the heart of your valorisation project. Over four dynamic workshops, we'll create a learning experience that is aligned with your chosen specialization. You'll dive into your interests, sharpen your skills, and make a real impact.

Building an impactful business

In this specialization track, you will embark on an exciting journey towards building a thriving (non-profit) business. We don't just teach you; we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business idea takes tangible form during and after the program. You will acquire the essential knowledge and tools required to craft a business model, designed for making a meaningful impact. 

Popular science 

The popular science specialization track is designed to equip you with the skills and strategies to effectively communicate your research findings to a broad and diverse audience. It's about more than just academic circles; it's about reaching a broader (desired) audience. In this track, you'll delve into media representation, learning how to craft compelling narratives, creating engaging content, and effectively utilize various media channels. You'll gain hands-on experience translating your research into accessible, engaging stories that resonate with the public. 

If neither of these two specialization tracks resonate with you, we kidney ask you to mention this in your application letter. This way we can work together to find a suitable way to make your aspired valorisation journey feasible.

You will participate in eight workshops, where we focus on different steps of translating your research into impact. The first four workshops you will be a part of a 10 to 20 person group that focuses on the ins and outs of valorisation. Each workshop is scheduled between 13:00-15:00 at Tilburg University.

1. Introduction to Valorisation-crash course 1| Thursday, November 30, 2023

• Learn what valorisation entails and start thinking about your impact proposition and purpose. Define your impact ambition and think about what you would like to create derived from your research. Skills development starts here! 

2. Introduction to Valorisation-crash course 2| Thursday, December 14, 2023

• Identify the most promising valorisation opportunities through different methods. We also focus on creating your impact proposition. From here on, you can get feedback from peers. 

3. Introduction to Valorisation-crash course 3| Thursday, January 11, 2024

• With your feedback from THRIVE and your stakeholders, we are going to iterate our impact proposition. Also, we will create a personal outreach plan and draft communication products that will get you started on reaching out to relevant stakeholders. 

4. Introduction to Valorisation-crash course 4| Thursday, January 25, 2024

• We dive into improving our convincing writing and communication skills. How are you going to explain your ideas to others? You are going to invest in building relations and getting people on your side to realize your impact ambitions.  

During the next four sessions, the group will be subdivided according to two specialization areas, namely Business and Popular Science. Each workshop is scheduled to take place from 13.00 - 15.00h at Tilburg University. 

Session 1| Thursday February 8, 2024

During the first specialization workshop, you will learn the essentials of crafting a solid impact business plan and setting a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey. This business plan pivots from your impact proposition. 

Session 2| Thursday February 22, 2024

Next, we will look at different sources of funding for your business. We will look at best practices, but also start to take concrete actions to gain funding.

Session 3| Thursday March 7, 2024

The third workshop will focus on discussing strategies for scaling a business, including expansion plans and impactful partnerships.

Session 4| Thursday March 21, 2024

In our final session, you'll embark on the practical journey of bringing your business plan to life. What are the initial steps required to turn your business plan into a reality, and how can you take that crucial first bite to kickstart your impactful business tomorrow?

Session 1| Thursday February 15, 2024

You will dive into the art of storytelling, creating narratives that translate complex scientific concepts into engaging and accessible stories for diverse audiences. Setting the stage for effective science communication to a wider audience.

Session 2| Thursday February 29 , 2024

The second session focuses on enhancing the understanding and impact of your research on your audience. How will you visualize your complex data and ideas to make them resonate with your audience?

Session 3| Thursday March 14, 2024

We will explore the power of online platforms and (social) media to connect to broader audiences. This will not only put you on the map of your audience, but it will also help you stand out to journalists and media that can help you spread your story.

Session 4| Thursday March 28, 2024

During the final workshop, you will develop a comprehensive outreach strategy, which will help boost your online engagement, and set up collaborations with various media outlets

Along the way, you will meet and work with several THRIVE-coaches, experienced in the field of valorisation, (social) innovation, (social) entrepreneurship, and concept development. They have a track record in working and setting up collaborations with companies such as Coca Cola European Partners, the municipality of Rotterdam, RVO, KPN, ABN AMRO and more. 

The program is heavily action and result oriented. In former Valorisation Programs participants delivered to the following impact results:

• started various freelance jobs e.g. at the European Commission;
• developed and rolled out multiple societal programs;
• started a consultancy business, such as Gouden Schil;
• publsihed numerous popular science articles at Donders Wonders, Generatie Rookvrij, NRC and Trouw);
• organized tens of presentations at (international) congresses, websites, events with over 60 attendees, and more!

We apply three key selection criteria for participants in the Valorisation Program:

1. You have a motivation to make societal impact 
2. You want to get to concrete results through the program; and 
3. You are in the starting phase of valorisation. We can help you best if you are in the starting phase with your ambition, meaning that you are still looking for the best way to do so. 

Applicants that are too advanced in their valorisation process (when they have already undertaken the steps that we will take during the program), are not eligible for the program, but can be referred to other programs/departments that can help them further.

• The program is offered free of charge for PhD students and made possible by the Knowledge Transfer Office and the Schools at Tilburg University
• You are required to be present at seven out of the eight workshops at Tilburg University
• Workload of 8-10 hours per month 

To apply, please send your CV and motivation to keunen@thriveinstitute end-of-day Thursday, November 23rd 2023.

After sending your application documents, you will be contacted by the THRIVE program manager. If you are eligible for the program, we will get back to you within a few days to let you know if you have been accepted. If the class is full, we will close applications. We follow a first-come-first-serve principle, and have a maximum of 20 participants. 

Deadline for application: end-of-day Thursday, November 23rd, 2023