Early career researchers and research professionals from across Canberra came together this month to explore how research ideas can take shape and create real-world impact.

The Research to Value workshop was delivered by CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program, in collaboration with the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) and The Australian National University (ANU). The free, hands-on session helped participants reflect on the broader purpose of their work and gain tools to engage more effectively with partners outside academia.

Speakers included Dr Steve Lee, a group leader at the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research and co-founder of ANU spinout Ability Optics. With support from CSIRO’s ON Accelerate program, the team is bringing their 3D imaging technology to market, aiming to cut early lead drug screening time from 555 days to just five. For Steve, the transition from fundamental research to commercial impact required a shift in mindset as well as skillset. 

“As scientists, we often focus on discovery – but ON Accelerate pushed us to ask: what’s the value, and who needs it? That changed everything,” he says. 

“It helped us see how our technology could deliver impact in the real world, not just the lab.”

Danielle Neale, head of Commercialisation and IP in the ANU Research Partnerships and Translation (RPT) team, says the R2V workshop was an opportunity for researchers to step away from the lab or office and think differently about how their research might translate into practical benefit – whether through commercialisation, policy or social impact.

“The workshop helped researchers realise that impact isn’t just a buzzword – it’s something they can actively shape,” she says. 

“Hearing from the speakers gave many people the tools and language to start that journey with confidence.”

Dr Steve Lee from ANU spinout Ability Optics and CBRIN's Irene Zhen, who facilitated the workshop.

Danielle was also a guest speaker, offering simple advice to researchers: just start the conversation. 

“You don’t need permission, preparation or polished ideas to reach out for help with research translation or commercialisation,” she said. 

“Whether you’re at the beginning of your impact journey or already exploring opportunities, the ANU Commercialisation and IP (CIP) team is there to support you. There’s no formal process – just a willingness to talk about what you're working on and what you hope to achieve.”

Danielle encouraged researchers to connect early and often, emphasising that “you can’t get it wrong by reaching out”.

Dr Shannon Das, Stakeholder Relationship Manager in the ANU Engagement and Partnerships team, says workshops like this are important for building and maintaining connections in the Canberra ecosystem.

“It’s not just about one-off moments – we really need structured ways to bring people together across universities, industry and research. That’s what really strengthens the system,” he says.

PhD candidate in the ANU Research School of Biology Samantha Whitling, says the workshop helped open new possibilities for her.

“It showed me how I might turn my idea into something real – whether that’s commercial or something else entirely. Just hearing from someone like Dr Steve Lee, who’s walked that long road, makes the whole thing feel more possible.

“I came in with a half-formed idea and left feeling more focused. Talking to people from outside my field helped me ask better questions about who needs what I’m working on.”

Viortec and Ability Optics, two ANU-founded startups, recently featured at the ON Accelerate 9 showcase in Melbourne — the final stage of CSIRO’s flagship commercialisation program. Viortec, founded by Dr Tom Ward and Dr Catherine Galvin, brings together expertise in orthopaedic surgery and electrical engineering to develop next-generation orthopaedic technologies. Ability Optics, co-founded by Dr Steve Lee from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, is developing breakthrough 3D imaging technology to dramatically speed up early-stage drug discovery. Both teams began their journey in ON Prime, CSIRO’s entry-level innovation program that helps researchers explore the real-world potential of their work. Their success highlights how the ON program pipeline — starting with workshops like Research to Value — supports researchers to develop the mindset, skills and connections needed to turn research into impact. 

“Workshops like this form part of a broader push to equip researchers with the mindset, skills and confidence to navigate the journey from research to value – and to foster a culture where creating impact is part of the research mission,” says Danielle.

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More information on the ON Accelerate 9 showcase in Melbourne: https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2025/June/ON-Accelerate-9-Showcase