BASE PROGRAM

About The Base Program

The Base Program is a hands-on experiential learning program that helps researchers understand how to create meaningful impact with their research by equipping them with the practical tools and skills to do so. 

This program is aimed at early-stage researchers – including MRes, PhD candidates, and postdocs – but is valuable for researchers at any stage of their career who are interested in learning how to translate their research into impact effectively. 

Through a mix of practical tools, coaching, and real-world engagement, the program helps you to:

Communicate the value of your research clearly and effectively
Identify and connect with potential partners in industry, government, and the community through proven tools and methods
Understand real-world problems and explore how your research can help solve them.

What Will I Learn?

Time Commitment

The Base Program takes approximately 15 hours to complete, including:

Live workshop
Self-paced modules and activities
1:1 coaching sessions

We recommend completing the program within three weeks of the workshop.

The Base Program runs three times every year – typically in April, July and October (dates may vary).

Program Flexibility And Scalability

Our programs can be delivered face to face, online, or blended, and can be customised to meet your needs.

Learn More

Since 2021, the Base Program has helped researchers secure external partnerships and competitive grants. Explore our case studies to see the real-world impact and insights shared by past participants.

BASE PROGRAM CASE STUDY

Ready to get started?
Apply now to join the next Base Program cohort and start taking tangible steps towards realising the positive difference your research can make for communities, the environment and broader stakeholders.

APPLY NOW

More questions? Not ready to apply? Register your interest and we'll keep you updated on future intakes.

Sign me up!

Testimonials

"The Base Program has helped me adjust the way I approach and engage with industry partners.

Instead of diving into technical details and science challenges, I now initiate conversations about how industry partners are viewing the project and its connections into their broader innovation strategy. "

Dr. Philip Keymer, postdoctoral researcher from the Biosolids ITTC, joined the Base Program to develop skills for successfully pitching his research proposals to industry partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What dates will the Base Program run this year? A: The Base Program runs three times each year – typically in April, July, and October (dates confirmed early 2026). Each intake is open for a limited period, and spaces are often sponsored by partner universities and research organisations.

Q: How much time will I need to commit? A: The Base Program takes approximately 15 hours to complete, including a live workshop, self-paced learning modules, and a one-on-one coaching session. Most participants complete the program within three weeks of the workshop.

Q: How is the Base Program delivered? A: The program is offered in a flexible online format that combines live workshops, self-paced learning, and optional coaching. Cruxes Innovation also delivers the Base Program in face-to-face or blended formats for universities and research centres, ensuring accessibility for HDRs and early-career researchers across different contexts.

Q: What’s the difference between the Base Program and the entrepreneurship programs my university offers? A: While university entrepreneurship programs focus on helping researchers create new ventures or spin-outs, the Base Program helps researchers create impact through engagement with existing organisations in industry, government, and community sectors. Through the Base Program you’ll learn how to: • Communicate the value of your research clearly and effectively. • Identify and engage with potential partners using proven tools and frameworks. • Understand problems that stakeholders care about — and explore how your research can contribute to solving them.

Q: Do I need to have commercialisation goals to benefit from the Base Program? A: Not at all. While commercialisation is one pathway to impact, the Base Program is designed for all researchers who want to see their work make a meaningful difference — whether through policy, community engagement, educational outreach, collaboration, or innovation adoption. You’ll gain tools and frameworks that apply to any pathway for translating research into impact.

Q: Who sponsors HDRs and ECRs to do the Base Program, and why? A: The Base Program is widely adopted by ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres (ITTCs), Centres of Excellence, and impact-focused universities. • Sponsors use the program to ensure their HDRs and ECRs are: • Prepared for industry placements, • Equipped to communicate their research value, and • Confident engaging with industry, government, and community partners.

Q: How can I evidence the Base Program on my CV or professional profile? A: To earn the digital credential recognising the skills and knowledge gained, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have: • Participated in the Base Program workshop. • Created a Research to Impact Map that articulates your research impact vision. • Completed a coaching call to discuss assumptions and next steps for translating your research into impact. You can include this credential on your CV, LinkedIn profile, or researcher portfolio.

Q: What if I can’t attend the live workshop? A: It’s strongly recommended that you attend the live workshop to get the full benefit of peer discussions and facilitator feedback. If you are unable to attend, please email the facilitator in advance to make follow-up arrangements.

If you’d like to learn more about the Base Program or explore how it could support your researchers, please reach out to Cruxes Innovation at hello@cruxesinnovation.com