SIG Workshops and Community Highlights from ASTP's Annual Conference 2026

Special Interest Group (SIG) workshops traditionally take place on Wednesday as a prelude to the Annual Conference, offering members an opportunity to dive deeper into specialist topics before the main programme begins.

This year, however, the pre-conference day was busier than ever. Meeting rooms were filled with lively discussions, practical exchanges and new connections, demonstrating the growing value that members place on SIG communities and their role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in knowledge transfer.

AI4KT SIG: From Moonshot to Workflow

The first in-person workshop organised by the AI4KT SIG proved that AI is no longer a future topic for knowledge transfer professionals—it is a present one. Rather than focusing on specific tools, participants explored how AI can help achieve ambitious goals and transform the way KT offices operate.

As the Brechtje Vreenegoor reflected:

"We look back at a vibrant, fully packed workshop that kicked off with a bold moonshot: where do we want to go with AI in knowledge and technology transfer, and how will that transform our daily work? Instead of starting from tools, we flipped the script and began with the impact we want to create – then rethink how AI can radically accelerate getting there."

Spin-off SIG: When Is It Too Early to Think About Commercialisation?

The Spin-off SIG once again attracted significant interest, prompting lively discussions around the relationship between curiosity-driven research and impact-oriented innovation.

Participants explored when researchers should begin considering commercialisation pathways, and how decisions made during the research process—from publications and partnerships to intellectual property strategies—can influence future spin-off opportunities.

A key theme throughout the workshop was that successful spin-off creation starts much earlier than many researchers realise.

As Nicky Dibben observed:

"It is never too early to think about the commercials of commercialisation, even when carrying out early-stage R&D. The sooner we can get academics including a commercial mindset alongside their academic focus and rigour, the better the impact and outcomes will be in the long term."

The discussion also highlighted the challenges many research-based ventures face when assembling founding teams and balancing scientific excellence with entrepreneurial capabilities.

Digital Innovations SIG: Data and Know-How in the Age of AI

As AI-driven innovation accelerates, data and know-how are becoming increasingly important assets for research organisations. The Digital Innovations SIG focused on how these forms of knowledge can be identified, protected and translated into impact.

One interesting theme emerging from the workshop was the growing preference for collaborative approaches to valorisation.

As Malcolm Bain noted:

"Interestingly, one of the most favoured valorisation models among participants was research collaboration with industry, as opposed to licensing."

BioMedical SIG: Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaborations

The BioMedical SIG focused on strengthening industry–academia collaborations in the life sciences and explored how organisations can build effective partnerships that create value for both research and industry.

Beyond practical discussions on collaboration agreements and partnership management, the workshop raised a broader strategic question about Europe's ability to translate world-class research into innovation and impact.

As David Silvestre reflected:

"Maybe now is the time to explore how we can further unlock this potential and better understand the extent to which it represents a true strategic opportunity for Europe's resilience, competitiveness and sovereignty."

SHAPE SIG: Turning Knowledge into Scalable Impact

The SHAPE SIG explored how valorisation works in practice across the social sciences, humanities and arts.

Using practical tools and case studies, participants examined how non-patentable intellectual assets can be transformed into scalable services, products and impact-driven initiatives. The session highlighted the growing recognition of SHAPE disciplines as important contributors to innovation and societal impact, as well as the need for tailored approaches to support their successful valorisation.

Beyond the Workshops

The conference programme also featured a range of community-led discussions beyond the SIG workshops. One notable example was the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) quick-fire panel, which brought together practitioners to share practical initiatives and ideas for fostering more inclusive knowledge transfer environments.

Members also gathered throughout the conference to strengthen existing connections and build new ones. The annual Directors' Forum dinner once again provided a valuable opportunity for senior knowledge transfer leaders to exchange experiences, discuss emerging challenges and reflect on the strategic direction of the profession.

The strong participation across the workshops reflected the continued growth of our SIG community. Established groups such as the Spin-off and Digital Innovations SIGs continued to attract highly engaged audiences, while the first in-person workshop organised by the AI4KT SIG demonstrated the rapidly growing interest in artificial intelligence across the knowledge transfer profession.

Conference discussions also generated significant interest in the creation of new communities, leading to the exploration of two proposed SIGs focused on Proof of Concept Funding and European Projects.

As our SIG community continues to evolve, these groups remain an important space for members to learn from one another, share practical experiences and collectively shape the future of knowledge transfer.

Interested in joining a SIG? Explore ASTP's SIGs and find the community that matches your interests.