Innovation Development, Evaluation and Acceleration to Scale (I.D.E.A.S.) Programme

Transform your ideas into solutions with real-world impact

The I.D.E.A.S. Programme is designed to provide institution-wide support, helping all LJMU staff and postgraduates maximise the impact of their groundbreaking ideas, research and inventions. 

All forms of knowledge and creativity can achieve their full potential, with I.D.E.A.S. supporting innovation and commercialisation across STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines. 

Guided by experts through the entire innovation lifecycle—from idea conception to the pursuit of commercial or non-commercial impact, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to turn your ideas, research and inventions into marketable products and services.

• Develop innovation capabilities that shape your ideas.
• Gain an understanding of IP rights and how to protect your intellectual assets.
• Learn strategies to extend impact and make a difference where it is needed most.
• Create commercial opportunities to sustain and grow your innovations 

Support tailored to your needs

The team will work with you to determine your requirements and establish your goals.

Bespoke sessions can be created for groups, or consultation and mentoring provided on a one-to-one basis. Training is delivered in-person and online.

You will also have access to the IP Toolkit—a comprehensive suite of education and learning resources.

Extending Your Impact: Unlocking the Value in Your Research

This 4-week series is designed to help researchers across all disciplines, at any career stage, to recognise and realise the commercial potential of your work.

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise hidden commercial value in your research outputs
• Understand when and how to protect your intellectual property
• Identify the most appropriate commercialisation pathway for your work
• Navigate the process of working with Research and Innovation Services
• Make informed decisions about commercial opportunities
• Access ongoing support to maximise your research impact

Who should attend?

• STEM researchers: Physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics

• SHAPE researchers: Social sciences, humanities, arts, business, law, education

When and where will the series be delivered?

The series will be structured into four, 45 minute in-person workshops, which will be delivered in multiple locations across the university and take place on the following dates:

• Thursday 16 April 2026
• Thursday 23 April 2026
• Thursday 7 May 2026
• Wednesday 13 May 2026

For more information about this block and to register, visit this form. 

• Tuesday 2 June 2026
• Tuesday 9 June 2026
• Thursday 23 June 2026
• Tuesday 30 June 2026

For more details about this block and to register, visit this form.

From Researcher to Innovator

This intensive, full-day in-person workshop guides academics to explore the gap between their research and real-world impact. Participants will honestly assess where their work sits on the spectrum from creativity to true innovation, learn practical frameworks, and work through pressure-tested case studies from industry that reveal what separates breakthrough impact from innovation theatre. This isn't a passive seminar, it's a structured, practical experience designed to move researchers one stage closer to ensuring their work reaches the people who need it.

The workshop will take place on the following dates:

• Thursday 28 May 2026 book your place  This session is for early career researchers.
• Thursday 25 June 2026 book your place This session is for PhD students.

Email Romy Hardy for more information

The IP team gave me the confidence to identify potential stakeholders and helped me to concisely articulate the benefits of my scientific research to industry.

Prof Monower Sadique
Professor of Construction Materials, LJMU

What the I.D.E.A.S. Programme covers

Key topics

I.D.E.A.S. provides support targeted to your needs. Depending on your experience and existing knowledge, you may enhance your understanding and skills in some, or all of the following areas:

• Foundational Concepts and General IP Management
• IP in Specific Academic Contexts
• IP in Digital, Technological, and Online Spaces
• Licensing, Open Source, and Creative Commons
• Commercialisation and Valuation
• Sector-Specific IP Issues
• Specialised Research and External Work

For more information contact Peter Leather: p.leather@ljmu.ac.uk.