Great Research Is Not Enough: How ARIA Builds Pathways to Impact

A research project has secured funding. Who helps build its route to impact?

Drawing on ARIA’s approach, Dan will explore how funders can identify gaps, connect complementary expertise and support the people and organisations needed to take research forward. Where should universities lead, when should industry and entrepreneurs become involved, and what should a funder enable rather than deliver itself? For professionals working in partnerships, innovation and research commercialisation, this conversation will examine how to strengthen the connections around research while preserving the freedom to pursue uncertain, ambitious ideas.

This Fireside Chat will focus on:

1. How funders can shape pathways beyond the grant: Explore the role of coordinated programmes, active support and partnerships in helping research progress towards application.
2. How to identify and address gaps in the pathway: Examine when engineering expertise, entrepreneurial capability, industry connections or follow-on investment may be needed—and who could provide them.
3. Where universities fit within this shared effort: Consider how to work with funders and external partners, when to build internal capabilities, and when to draw on expertise elsewhere.
4. How to support translation without demanding certainty too early: Explore how commercialisation and adoption can be considered alongside high-risk research without assuming a fixed route or an immediate market.

Dan Cole is Chief Translation Officer at the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), where he serves on the executive team. He previously held the role of founding Chief of Staff. Before joining ARIA, Dan was Chief Operating Officer at Accurx, a UK healthtech company whose technology supported NHS care for more than 50 million patients. Earlier in his career, he worked in strategy consulting with a focus on sustainability. His experience spans research funding, startup operations and bringing technology into widespread use.

A UIIN Fireside Chat is a 30-minute interview session between a UIIN facilitator and an external industry expert on a high-level topic. Participants will leave with insights and inspiration after hearing the experiences and perspectives of the guest speaker, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the session. Fireside Chats are also recorded for UIIN podcasts and are available after the session.