A dedicated postdoctoral research and training programme fostering impact development and entrepreneurship

2026-07-22

BROADER CHALLENGE Europe is currently facing several challenges in its R&I landscape. Studies have shown that the European Union is struggling to keep up in the global race for innovation, and that stronger collaborations between academia, business and civil society are needed to counter this trend. Consequently, the future of innovation leadership in the EU goes hand in hand with knowledge and technology transfer. In addition to this observation, research focusing on the practices of TTOs has identified an underexplored opportunity in knowledge and technology transfer, i.e. the inclusion of postdoctoral researchers in the process. Postdocs can have tremendous potential in triggering economic and social impact, while training in knowledge and technology transfer can significantly expand their career development. OVERALL OBJECTIVE With imπACT, VUB wants to address these challenges on a local scale, by deploying a postdoctoral research and training programme fostering impact development and entrepreneurship. We will deliver 20 postdoctoral researchers equipped with the necessary knowledge and technology transfer skills to take up leadership positions in academia, business and civil society and to deploy intersectoral solutions the European R&I landscape so much needs. This overall objective will be met through a set of specific objectives focusing on the development and implementation of the imπACT structure, more specifically on: - The recruitment of postdoctoral fellows - The impact- and entrepreneurship-driven research - The dedicated training programme fostering impact development and entrepreneurship - The dissemination, exploitation and communication activities

Belgium

2026-01-15