Researcher development

Our researcher development programs have been established to accelerate the research potential of our members by facilitating meaningful interactions with external partners, collaborators, and stakeholders.

We host targeted events, workshops, pitch sessions and feedback forums that set the stage for award winning research and drug commercialisation. Early conversations between our researchers and external partners are crucial in fostering interest in on-demand therapeutic areas while informing translation aims.

The SPARK Program

The DDI established the SPARK program for drug discovery at the University of Sydney in collaboration with the Sydney Knowledge Hub in 2020. Initially developed at Stanford University, SPARK is a translational research and educational program that provides milestone funding, mentorship and training to research teams.

The program’s aim is to increase the value of intellectual property generated by researchers at the University by contributing seed funding and organising mentorship. Our participants receive training in the early-stage commercialisation pathway, IP strategy and regulatory affairs. They are also provided with opportunities to refine the presentation of their innovations via pitching and market analysis workshops.

The SPARK program has initiated projects such as the ground-breaking oral insulin program led by Dr Nick Hunt in 2021.

With the second round of SPARK commencing in 2023, three new teams led by Dr Jonathan Danon, Dr Hien Duong, and A/Prof Veysel Kayser have undertaken the rewarding challenge of translating and building on their existing research. The teams are due to complete the SPARK program in 2025.

SPARK Global

Developing researcher potential

Professional development and industry advice are a crucial link between ground-breaking research, translation and commercialisation.

Each year we host annual and ongoing events to support different demographics in our member base respective of their career level, with the aim to inspire new translation pathways, collaborative efforts and ideas.

Created in partnership with MTPConnect, the NSW Drug Discovery Forum is an annual event dedicated to advancing drug discovery commercialisation in NSW and ACT.

The forum brings together researchers, industry experts and investors to facilitate knowledge exchange about commercialisation.

Reinvigorating the bonds between industry and academia, presenters showcase research to a panel of experts representing global pharmaceutical companies.

We regularly host events and workshops in collaboration with external partners for Early Career Researchers (ECR) and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.

In combining novel approaches to research being produced by our researchers with experience and advanced resources, we equip researchers in the early stages of their careers with skills and external connections to approach a diverse range of careers in the drug discovery industry.

DDI Awards

Based on the advice of our diverse ECR Committee, the DDI Awards are a celebration of outstanding research from our researchers. Awarded annually and biennially, awards kindle interest in our research in the broader University and endorse researcher profiles toward new opportunities.

ECR Awards

Recognising an outstanding research achievement in drug discovery, the ECR awards are presented annually to ECR and HDR students.

Travel Awards

Conferences and workshops are a critical part of every researcher’s professional and academic development, enabling them to make new connections, seek collaborative opportunities and constructive feedback.

As part of our broader mission to foster progressive research practices, we have established the Travel Awards, a competitive biennial award series open to our ECR and HDR students.

ECR Symposium

Led by the ECR Committee, ECR symposiums is a multi-faceted annual event targeted at advancing the research and career objectives of ECR.

External industry and academic speakers present their perspectives on career paths in drug discovery, funding opportunities and areas of research need.

Attendees are given an opportunity to pitch their research ideas to a panel for translation and commercialisation feedback at the Funding for Impact HDR Pitch Session, as well as to participate in active networking events.

Established in 2024, our 'I Have a PhD, Now What?' event series is dedicated to bridging the career gap between the conferral of a PhD and entering the professional landscape.

Every session is attended by a panel of experts active in one of the diverse fields connected to drug discovery. These are flexible events with an emphasis on interpersonal networking which allow researchers to explore their professional goals in a supportive environment.

Participating panellists benefit from a deeper understanding of the latest research perspectives and trends in academia.