From Curiosity to Collaboration: Christopher Barnett’s Journey Through the Base Program

The Problem: Finding a Way to Connect Research and Industry

When Dr Barnett joined Cruxes Innovation’s Base Program through the University of Sydney Net Zero Institute, he was looking to strengthen one key skill – communicating the value of his science in ways that extends beyond academia. 

Before the program, he already had a strong research foundation in organocatalysis – a branch of chemistry focused on finding clever ways to make chemical reactions faster, cleaner, and safer, without using expensive, rare, and toxic metals. 

But translating that expertise into industry partnerships and applied projects felt unclear. 

“I always struggled with articulating why someone outside my field would be interested. It seemed obvious to me, but not to them – and that was always the challenge.”  

That gap between scientific passion and stakeholder relevance was the spark for Dr Barnett joining the Base Program. 

The Solution: Building the Tools to Engage with External Partners

The Base Program gave Christopher practical frameworks and coaching to help him effectively communicate with non-academic audiences, identify what matters most to external stakeholders, and approach industry with confidence. 

Through the program, he learned to shift his framing from scientific-first, to impact and adoption. “I care about the science — that’s what excites me. But external partners care about the bottom line. Learning how to bridge that gap was a big step for me.” 

The Result: Taking the First Step to Secure Proof-of-Concept Funding 

Christopher didn’t wait long to apply what he learned. Inspired by the program’s challenge to “just find out what people actually want,” he reached out directly to a global industry leader in the catalysis space – a company that develops advanced instruments and catalyst systems for research and industrial applications. 

One of the most valuable insights came from understanding how to tailor communication to different audiences within the same organisation, especially those with a non-scientific background. “The initial conversation was with someone in global leadership who understood the big picture. The next was with the head of chemistry, who cared about the science. They were completely different conversations, and I learned how to pitch the same idea differently depending on who I was talking to.” 

His simple email outreach led to a series of international meetings, a signed NDA, and eventually a proof-of-concept pathway supported by his university’s commercialisation team. In 2025, Dr Barnett was awarded $42,000 for a proof-of-concept project to develop recyclable organocatalysts for an industrial partner – a major step toward making this sustainable chemistry practical at industrial scale. 

Reflecting on his journey, Christopher notes that the biggest transformation has been the mindset on external engagement. “It’s gone from zero to one – I actually do now engage.” 

He has since joined the Industry Engagement and Translation Committee within the Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science & Innovation and regularly seeks new collaboration opportunities. “I’m always keeping an eye out for who I could talk to, both for my own research and for others.” 

Looking Ahead

Christopher’s proof-of-concept project is exploring surface-bound catalysts that could enable researchers to use affordable, sustainable catalysts that scale more easily from the lab to industrial settings. The work could help remove reliance on precious metals in pharmaceutical synthesis, reducing cost and environmental impact. 

“Dreaming big, this could really change how pharmaceutical chemistry is done – bench-scale catalysts that translate smoothly to industry, faster development, fewer precious metals, lower costs, and a more sustainable process from start to finish.” 

For early-career researchers wondering whether they should take the first step with engaging with external stakeholders, industry, or end-users Christopher’s advice is simple: “Just give it a red-hot go. Try talk to people and work it out as you go – it’s far more important to start than to get it perfect the first time.” 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Cruxes Innovation’s Base Program helps early-career researchers gain the tools, frameworks and confidence to engage with industry, identify opportunities for translation, and take their research beyond academia. 

If you’re considering the Base Program, now’s the time to act. Register your interest to access practical frameworks, coaching, and support – and start building the connections that turn research into impact.