UIIN Podcasts

In this episode, we spoke with Marc Sedam , Vice President of Technology Opportunities and Ventures at NYU, about transforming one of the US’s largest tech transfer operations. Marc shares how NYU is scaling innovation, building stronger industry relationships, and even using AI to reshape commercialisation, offering practical insights for anyone interested in turning research into real-world impa...

We are joined by Ville Krannila, Head of CRM and Analytics at Aalto University in Finland, to dive into their journey of implementing and embedding a CRM culture. Ville shares how Aalto is using CRM not just as a tool, but as a catalyst to break down silos, connect data across functions, and strengthen partnerships with industry and society. From navigating cultural change and overcoming resistanc...

In this episode, we spoke with Patrice Ludwig , Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at James Madison University (JMU). We'll unpack how JMU is reshaping internships through its transdisciplinary X-Labs and a pioneering partnership with industry. JMU prepares students to thrive in diverse teams, embrace leadership flexibility, and gain the “power skills” employers value m...

For this week's episode, we sat down with Robert Mark Morgan , award-winning educator, designer, and creative advocate at Washington University in St. Louis, to explore why creativity belongs at the heart of modern education. From rethinking classroom spaces to breaking down the false divide between intelligence and creativity, Robert shares how he challenges traditional academic silos, helps...

In this episode, we are joined by Esther Roberts, Deputy Director for Business Development – Enterprise Partnerships at the University of South Australia, to explore how they have built a partner-first engagement model through its Enterprise Hub. Esther shares how the university has reshaped its culture, structures and systems to simplify collaboration with industry and create long-term, strategic...

In today's episode, we explore how ASML, one of the world’s leading technology companies, builds powerful, long-term partnerships with universities to tackle the shortage of STEM talent in the semiconductor industry. Our guest, Wesley Crock — Global Manager of University Relations at ASML — shares how the company takes a strategic, ecosystem-wide approach to collaborating with universities. Wh...

In today’s episode, we welcome Susan Elrod – a seasoned higher education leader, change agent, and former university chancellor whose career spans more than two decades across multiple U.S. university systems. Susan joins us to discuss the complexities of driving systemic change in higher education, unpacking what it really takes to go beyond surface-level reforms and embed meaningful, long-lastin...

In today’s episode, we delve into what it truly means to be a collaborative, impact-driven university. Our guest is Freek van Muiswinkel, Director of Entrepreneurship and Regional Partnerships at Utrecht University – an institution that’s redefining how universities connect with their regions, foster entrepreneurship, and drive societal change. Freek shares how the university has broken down inter...

In this episode, we revisit a brilliant conversation with Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations – Australia’s home for deep-tech ventures, in recognition of Cicada´s 25-year anniversary. Having supported over 500 companies across health, AgTech, quantum, space, and beyond, this episode offers a timely reflection on what it really takes to translate breakthrough ideas from the lab to the ma...

In this episode, we’re diving into how physical spaces—campuses, libraries, innovation hubs—can be designed not just to house activity, but to actively enable collaboration, entrepreneurship, and student success. For that, we have invited design strategist Elliot Felix, Partner and US Education Sector Leader at Buro Happold, to share how universities can create spaces that truly support student su...

In this episode, Rainer Schmidt-Rudloff, Director of University Relations at Infineon, shares how the company goes beyond sponsorships to actively engage in talent development. From offering international internships to providing real-world case studies and expert coaching, Infineon ensures that students gain both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. But what makes these partnerships truly...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating intersection of academia and the arts. Joining us is Dilshani Weerasinghe, Executive Director of Queensland Ballet, who shares how the organisation collaborates with universities to drive innovation, research, and talent development in the creative industries. From using dance to support health and well-being to interdisciplinary partnerships in scienc...

In this episode, we are joined by Frances Hardiman, Head of the Faculty of Engineering Built Environment at the South East Technological University (SETU) and lead of Engineering the Southeast, an industry-led cluster in Ireland. She will share how her team built strong connections across the triple helix, the key success factors behind effective collaboration, and why we should continue celebrati...

In this episode, we are joined by Nicholas Haskins, Chief Operating Officer of the New South Wales Smart Sensing Network, who will share how the NSSN bridges the gap between academia, industry, and government, to turn research into real-world impact. From fostering partnerships to overcoming collaboration challenges, this episode is packed with insights on making innovation happen. Let’s dive in!

We are diving into the world of university-driven innovation with a spotlight on the UiO Growth House—the University of Oslo’s innovation unit for Life Sciences, Health, and Technology. We are joined by Hilde Nebb, Innovation Director of the Growth House, and Norunn K. Torheim, Head of Communications, as they share insights on building a thriving innovation ecosystem, and provide a sneak peek into...

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Cullum Clark, Director of the George W. Bush Institute’s Economic Growth Initiative, who will share insights from his report about how universities and medical institutions spark local innovation, retain top talent, and build thriving communities. Join us for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable ways forward.

This time, we take you to the heart of Western Australia to explore how Murdoch University is redefining local and global engagement. Our guest is Susan Marie, the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement at Murdoch University, who will share how the university is fostering innovative collaborations, championing sustainability, and working closely with Indigenous communities to cre...

In this episode, Madeline Arkins, Project Officer at UIIN, talks about about equity, diversity, and inclusion in European higher education. She shares insights on the barriers underrepresented groups face in academic leadership, and the role of data in driving change. Tune in to hear practical strategies and inspiring examples of institutions working toward a more inclusive future in higher educat...

In this episode, we explore how research can drive real-world change with Dr. Avni Misra, a lecturer and researcher at RMIT University’s College of Business who is passionate about making research outcomes beneficial to society. Dr. Misra shares her journey from lab science to innovation management and introduces a five-stage approach that moves research beyond academia and into actionable outcome...

In today’s episode, we explore how universities can foster an entrepreneurial culture and drive impactful change with Rimante Rusaite, Senior Project Officer at UIIN. From storytelling as a powerful engagement tool to fostering shared responsibility and breaking down institutional barriers, this episode offers practical tips for anyone interested in transforming university culture.

In this episode, we explore student-driven entrepreneurship and innovation with Bart van Grevenhof, Business Development Manager at Eindhoven University of Technology. Bart shares insights on fostering innovation through deep tech projects, the challenges students face in taking these technologies to market, and the role of industry partnerships. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, deep tec...

In this episode, we explore the world of tech transfer and innovation with Dvorah Graeser, Founder and CEO of RocketSmart. We discuss the commercialisation challenges universities face, explore the potential of AI in supporting technology transfer and highlight the legal and ethical concerns around using such tools in commercialisation more generally.

We have invited Kaushika Jayalath, Solutions Consultant at Oracle Corporation, to explore how their strategic partnership with Australia and New Zealand universities bridge the digital skills gap and enhance student employability. Learn more about their hands-on cloud technology experience, their broader impact, and Oracle's role in addressing the evolving needs of both students and employers in a...

In this week’s episode, we delve into the strategies shaping the future of gaming and technology with Lucy Hattersley, Academic Development Manager at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Lucy will share how Sony collaborates with universities to push the boundaries of research and innovation, and we’ll also touch on what to expect from the upcoming UIIN Forum in London on November 7th.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Revel Iyer, Director of Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He shared insights into university's innovative 4x4 engagement strategy, which brings together civil society, industry, government, and academia to create real-world impact. Stay tuned and discover how CPUT leverages partnerships, promotes active community e...