Differences and overlaps between Phd studies in diagnostic microbiology in industrial and academic settings

Abstract

Industrial and academic needs for innovation and fundamental research are essential and not widely different. Depending on the industrial setting, research and development (R&D) activities may be more focused on the developmental aspects given the need to ultimately sell useful products. However, one of the biggest differences between academic and industrial R&D will usually be the funding model applied and the priority setting between innovative research and product development. Generalizing, companies usually opt for development using customer-and consumer-derived funds whereas university research is driven by open innovation, mostly funded by taxpayer's money. Obviously, both approaches require scientific rigor and quality, dedication and perseverance and obtaining a PhD degree can be achieved in both settings. The formal differences between the two settings need to be realized and students should make an educated choice prior to the start of PhD-level research activities. Intrinsic differences in scientific approaches between the two categories of employers are not often discussed in great detail. We will here document our experience in this field and provide insights into the need for purely fundamental research, industrial R&D and current mixed models at the level of European funding of research. The field of diagnostics in clinical bacteriology and infectious diseases will serve as a source of reference. Keywords Infectious diseases • Diagnostics • PhD studies • Industry • Academia This article is published as part of the special issue on ViBrANT ITN.

Evaluation of the Impact of Open Innovation and Acceleration Programs on Research and Development Performed by Universities

“…The transformation of knowledge with open science practices in parallel to OI used by universities increases their societal impact, [29] and [30] including in education [33] and [32]. Some factors seem to influence on innovation partnership with universities: effectiveness and speed; [11], connections, funding, organisational culture, internal characteristics, resource availability, relationships [37] and geographical proximity [7].…”