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Environment YES

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from biotechnology YES?

Environment YES is run by NERC, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham Institute for Enterprise & Innovation (UNIEI) and Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The way this is delivered is based upon the popular and successful BBSRC and UNIEI Biotechnology YES scheme.

It is designed for researchers working in the environmental sciences and so we ensure, that the mentors and case studies selected for the workshop have a background in the environmental sciences. The aim, to give postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers an insight into the commercialisation of science, is the same.

Where there is a lot of information, such as intellectual property rights, marketing, raising and managing finance which is not specific to any particular sector; this is provided by experts in these areas.

Do participants have to be funded by NERC?

No, but all participants do have to be working in the environmental science area. If you are unsure whether this applies to you please contact Michal Filtness.

Can you explain what you mean by an imaginary idea?

Your idea should be based on science/technology that is realistic, but can still be hypothetical. For example, you could assume for the sake of the competition, as the 2006 winning team did, that a micro-organism has been identified which is able to convert cow slurry to water and CO2 whilst efficiently generating electricity and reducing the amount of waste requiring specialist disposal.

Remember, your idea must be believable; you should be able to account for the advances in science needed to develop your imaginary technology.

Is Environment YES only about sciences of the natural environment?

Yes, the competition is only open to researchers working in science areas covered by the NERC remit. More information about what is in the NERC science area can be found on our NERC science topics pages. Biotechnology YES Link to external site exists for scientists working in the biosciences.

Do we have to produce a written business plan at the workshop?

No, your team will prepare its plan for oral presentation on the Friday; most teams choose to produce a PowerPoint presentation for this task. The aim of your presentation is to convince the panel to invest in your idea, company and team.

Is there an age limit?

No, although it should be noted that Environment YES is aimed at individuals who are in the early stages of their research career, for example PhD students or those working on their first or second post-doctoral research appointment.

If I have a disability would I be able to participate in the Scheme?

Yes, Environment YES is open to individuals from all sections of the community including individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make.

Can I participate in Environment YES if I have already participated before?

No, unfortunately, because of limited funding, individuals can only take part once in either Bioscience YES, Biotechnology YES or Environment YES.

Can teams be composed of individuals from different UK universities?

Teams are primarily drawn from a single department, but cross-department or cross-university groups are more than welcome. To participate you should complete the Environment YES application form Link to external site, include all the information about all team members and return the application form to Tracey Hassall-Jones as directed.

Is Environment YES open to members of universities in other countries?

Currently, Environment YES is open to members of UK universities only, but may be expanded to involve other countries in the future.

Do we have to pay to enter Environment YES?

No, Environment YES is free to enter. However we do ask that teams pay a refunded deposit of £250 per team once you have been allocated a place. Providing you attend your allotted workshop your deposit will be refunded. The cost of running Environment YES is £600 per participant and unfortunately when participants cancel we incur charges that are not refundable. Some departments are willing to pay the deposit on behalf of their teams.

Can we get any help with travel costs?

Yes, reasonable travel expenses are paid for the briefing session and the workshop. We follow the same guidelines as Biotechnology YES. Please refer to the travel policy Link to external site for full details.

How much preparation do I need to do beforehand?

Teams are advised that it is useful to do work beforehand even if this is just deciding what science idea to pursue. Approaching your technology transfer or enterprise office is a useful way to get some background preparation before the event and will enable you to focus on more detailed aspects of your business plan at the event.

What information is provided by the organisers to help me?

An information pack is put together for teams and handed out at the briefing event. This contains a commercialisation DVD produced by NERC; a booklet entitled "Preparing a Biobusiness Plan", provided courtesy of Pricewaterhouse; a BBSRC Bioscience Exploitation Guide; and a Self Perception Test by Dr Meredith Belbin to aid participants in allocating their team roles.

Where can I go to get help with developing my idea?

Teams are strongly advised to seek help from the technology transfer office (or equivalent) at their institution. There may also be seminars held on IP, commercialisation and other related issues that participants can attend to develop better understanding of the idea.

What is a typical day like at the competition workshop?

Please see the download page to see a timetable for the workshop from a previous competition.

External links