IRL serving industry – Scientist for a Day

Numerous international studies link the intensity of a company’s research and development (R&D) spend with benefits including improved sales growth, productivity and market value. Yet unless a company has an in-house R&D department, it may struggle to know where to find the appropriate technical expertise.

To help overcome this problem, Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) is offering the services of some of its world-class scientists and engineers as part of its Scientist for a Day initiative.

IRL General Manager Industry Engagement Gavin Mitchell says the initiative has been designed to encourage New Zealand businesses to think about what R&D can do for them, and – if they are conducting R&D – if it is focussed in the right areas.

“By applying to take part in Scientist for a Day, companies can gain insight into the role R&D can play in transforming their business,” he says.

Between August and December 23, IRL experts will engage with successful applicants in a hands-on and face-to-face technical interaction at no cost that can take place either at their business location or at an IRL laboratory. IRL can follow up with a business potential for innovation report.

Mitchell says the visit can focus on anything: an existing problem, analysing and improving a product or process, developing an opportunity, evaluating the potential for innovation, or any other specific, well-defined idea.

The programme is just one of a range of IRL activities aimed at boosting the level of private sector R&D in New Zealand. These include IRL’s What’s Your Problem New Zealand? competition, its Co-Investment Programme and its part in the Government’s Technology Transfer Voucher scheme.

New Zealand businesses have until June 30 to apply to take part in Scientist for a Day.

For more information and to apply visit www.irl.cri.nz/scientist-day.