All too often, highly educated individuals with PhDs find themselves working in fields that have nothing to do with their chosen discipline. This disconnect between academic training and career opportunities can leave these individuals feeling disillusioned and ill-equipped to tackle the pressing challenges that our world faces today. Dr. Thane Campbell, the Dean of Deep Science Ventures’ Venture Science Doctorate program, recognizes this issue and has developed an innovative solution.
Deep Science Ventures (DSV), a London-based venture creator, is addressing the talent shortage in deep tech fields by building companies that focus on health and planetary issues. Campbell, who experienced this disconnect firsthand during his own PhD in immunology, partnered with DSV to create a program that provides rigorous training while also helping candidates commercialize their ideas.
The Venture Science Doctorate program is a three-year, fully funded PhD program that operates on the DSV model. Instead of the traditional seven-year-long PhD process that often leaves individuals in debt and working outside their chosen field, this program empowers candidates to identify a problem, design research and companies based on that problem, and ultimately make a real-world impact.
Deep Science Ventures, now in its fifth year, recently partnered with the Bahamas government to promote the PhD program. As a Bahamian himself, Campbell understands the importance of addressing global challenges such as food security. The program takes a systematic approach, breaking down complex challenges into key areas that need to be addressed. For example, in the Bahamas, where 98% of food is imported, the program aims to develop a roadmap for growing their own food.
The program is designed for individuals at the interface of science and commercialization, including those with a business, science, or policy background. It aims to redefine the role of scientists, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to global challenges and create more job opportunities. By broadening the definition of a scientist, the program fosters diversity and welcomes applicants from various industries and backgrounds.
One of the challenges Campbell encountered was obtaining accreditation for the program. However, through a partnership with Woolf University, a digital platform that streamlines the accreditation process, the program was successfully accredited by the European Commission and other regulators.
Funding was another initial challenge, but partnerships with organizations like the Day One project and Schmidt Futures, as well as support from the UK Government’s Innovate UK, have helped secure the necessary resources. Despite facing resistance from some professors who are resistant to change, Campbell remains committed to supporting new categories of people in a diversity-first approach.
It is clear that the Venture Science Doctorate program has the potential to revolutionize the way PhD programs are structured and empower scientists to make a meaningful impact on global challenges. By bridging the gap between academic research and commercialization, this program not only provides individuals with the necessary skills and support but also addresses the talent shortage in deep tech fields. With the program’s focus on diversity and its ability to attract candidates from various backgrounds, it has the potential to drive regional economic growth and create a more inclusive and innovative future.