Innovator Training Scheme
The Innovator Training Scheme (ITS) is a joint programme between Manchester BRC and Translation Manchester and supports researchers to explore and develop innovations and routes to clinical impact, alongside industry partners, and exploit their research for the benefit of patients.
The academic, clinical and wider societal impact of translational research can only be fully maximised by harnessing the industrial and commercial ecosystems in which they are delivered. Greater Manchester has a unique healthcare ecosystem which supports innovation and implementation of research.
Recognising this, the BRC industry and training teams developed the Innovator Training Scheme (ITS), in partnership with Translation Manchester and the Wellcome Trust Translational Partnership Award.
Join in and get the latest on the programme on Twitter at #MCRinnovator.

What is the Innovator Training Scheme (ITS)?
The NIHR Manchester BRC helps to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and life-saving care and treatment for all, through delivering pioneering clinical research.
Based at The University of Manchester, Translation Manchester provides support and training for pre-clinical researchers to navigate and overcome barriers that block the progression of their research.
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The aim of this programme is to equip and inspire researchers to explore and develop impactful research alongside industry and commercial partners.
A pilot programme took place in 2021, delivering a series of monthly webinars and the Innovator Insight blog series, designed to nurture participants on their journey to creating innovative partnerships, new opportunities for collaboration, and a culture of pioneering translational research.
An updated programme is being developed for delivery in June 2022, with further details to be announced soon.
Who is it for?
The ITS supports early-to-mid career researchers and staff who are looking to expand their knowledge, skills and networks of commercial research and innovation and the support available across Manchester.
This could include PhD students, clinical fellows, MS’s, research associates, research assistants, lecturers and new academics, as well as core research staff, such as study co-ordinators, project managers, technicians and bioinformaticians.
The programme is open to researcher staff and students across The University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
Watch the sessions online
Webinar sessions from the initial 2021 are available to watch back below:
- Watch back – Essentials for innovation and industry engagement – Thursday 25 March 2021
- Watch back – Developing an entrepreneurial mindset – Tuesday 20 April 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Watch back – Identifying intellectual property, when and why to protect – Tuesday 18 May 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Watch back – Building your network and the value of teams – Tuesday 15 June 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Watch back – Communicating your research to commercial audiences – Tuesday 20 July 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Collaborate to innovate – Tuesday 19 October 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Watch back – Commercialisation as a route to clinical impact – Tuesday 16 November 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am
Innovator Insights blogs
Below you can find our dedicated Innovator Insights blogs – featuring top tips and insights from speakers and industry colleagues throughout the programme.
Watch webinar 1 – The Essentials of innovation
Further information
For more information on the ITS, please contact:
Dr Colette Inkson, Innovation and Partnerships Manager
colette.inkson@mft.nhs.uk
Jane Crosbie, Manchester BRC Training Lead
Jane.Crosbie@manchester.ac.uk