PhD Speed Dating is an innovative concept created by the NVI to help local business people discover what PhD candidates could do to boost their business practices and bottom lines.

The last event in July event saw 20 business people meet 20 Flinders University students in a whirlwind of five-minute, back-to-back dates at the University’s Bedford Park campus.

Karen Patterson, who is President of Flinders University’s Postgraduate Society, was one of the PhD candidates pitching her skills and experience on the night.

“It was a fabulous, lively atmosphere from the moment we all took our seats, and people were talking before the bell went to signify the official start,” Ms Patterson said.

“Five minutes goes by in a flash, but I know that business people are risk takers, and science and risk are also complimentary, so that’s what I focussed on.

“What we do in science is to gather enough evidence to quantify taking a risk and when the evidence says ‘go for it!’ we do – and that’s how we make new discoveries.

“That’s all a part of being innovative, which I think goes down well with business people and entrepreneurs. All of those skills gained during my PhD allow me to gather evidence, to analyse and develop advanced project management skills that I think would complement any venture.

Flinders University New Venture Institute Director Matt Salier said the event was a great success, and demonstrated how business and higher education can complement each other.

The next PhD Speed Dating event is on Wednesday, 19 November from 6pm. Register here.