From 2–4 December 2025, OUCRU hosted a three-day participatory workshop, Building an Entrepreneurship Mindset for Researchers, bringing together early-career researchers and professional staff from Vietnam, Indonesia and Nepal. The workshop marked an important milestone in OUCRU’s Translational Research programme, which aims to strengthen the pathway from scientific discovery to real-world impact.
Designed and delivered in collaboration with Impact Hub Asia Pacific, the training introduced participants to entrepreneurship not as a business pursuit, but as a mindset—one grounded in curiosity, empathy, creativity and action. Through hands-on activities, group reflection and practical tools, participants were encouraged to reimagine their role as researchers who can actively shape solutions within healthcare systems and beyond.
From research questions to real-world impact
Across the three days, the workshop followed a clear learning journey. Participants began by exploring why entrepreneurship matters for researchers, challenging common misconceptions and reflecting on how their work could create broader societal value. Sessions highlighted the role of scientists in innovation ecosystems and showcased regional examples of healthcare entrepreneurship, including insights from guest speaker Francis Nguyen, Founder of OneMedic.
The second day focused on tools for innovation, introducing design thinking, user empathy and problem framing. Through role-play, case studies and prototyping exercises, participants worked in teams to better understand user needs and redesign patient journeys—bridging the gap between academic research and lived experience.
On the final day, attention shifted to pathways from research to impact. Participants practised storytelling and pitching, learned how to articulate ideas clearly to non-specialist audiences, and were introduced to simple frameworks such as the Lean Canvas to help turn early ideas into actionable plans. The programme concluded with reflections on next steps and the support available within OUCRU to accompany researchers on their translational journey.
Learning by doing
A defining feature of the workshop was its experiential approach. Rather than lectures, sessions were built around dialogue, experimentation and peer learning—creating a safe space for participants to test ideas, reflect on failure, and build confidence.
“We designed the training as a journey: starting with the bigger ‘why’—why entrepreneurship and impact matter in research—then moving into tools focused on empathy-building and design thinking, and finally closing with more concrete frameworks such as storytelling and simple ways to map early ideas into something shareable,” said Melanie Mossard, Impact Hub Asia Pacific. “We intentionally made the process as practical and experiential as possible, so participants could learn by doing.”
Participants echoed the value of this mindset shift, particularly for those at early stages of their careers.
“Where I come from, there is an abundance of problems—and where there are problems, there are opportunities,” shared Aastha Ghimire, Medical Officer at OUCRU Nepal. “In the future, whenever I encounter a problem, I want to ask: is anyone doing something about this? If yes, what can I add or improve? If no, what can I start? That mindset is what I’m taking home.”
Part of OUCRU’s Translational Research Programme
This workshop is part of OUCRU’s Translational Research programme, which aims to strengthen the integration of innovation and impact-driven thinking across OUCRU’s research culture. The programme supports researchers to move promising ideas beyond discovery by building translational skills, confidence and practical pathways to impact.
Through collaboration with the Oxford Translational Research Office (TRO), Oxford University Innovation (OUI), the Impact Hub network in Asia, and local Entrepreneurs in Residence, the programme provides strategic funding and tailored support for early-stage translational projects. Together, these efforts are developing a new generation of researchers equipped to translate scientific excellence into tangible health benefits for communities in the region.
