Student away day focuses on commercial ideas
Students on the MSc Occupational Psychology and MSc Work and Organisational Psychology programmes attended an away day recently in the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) where they focused on turning theory into practice with a focus on commercialisation.
The students had to pitch some of their dissertation ideas to a panel of the academic team and guest speakers - all psychologists - as a potential product or service. The academic team included Professor Dora Scholarios, academic director for the programmes at Strathclyde Business School; Dr Belgin Okay-Somerville from the University of Glasgow; and Sarah Shepherd, PhD researcher within the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation.
The winning group of six students – Nina Hutcheon, Daryl McBride, Gabrielle Rennie, Amy Harley, Lindsay Ann Kernen and Nitya Miglani - were presented with a certificate which recognised their commercial acumen.
Dr Joanna Butler, Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, said, “We were delighted to hear the students’ ideas which they transformed from dissertation material into potential new products or services. The experience has really showcased the students’ innovative thinking and the event as a whole promotes employability which is a key part of our Master’s programmes.”
In addition, Dr Belgin Okay-Somerville, Associate Professor, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School, and Associate Editor of EAWOP In Practice, spoke compellingly about the value of “value” in scientific careers at the away day while Declan Hogan, Executive Director Centre for Autism Research and Education @ Strathclyde at the Strathclyde Institute of Education, led a thought-provoking case study on neurodiversity in business, prompting participants to develop strategies for creating inclusive workplaces that balance commercial goals with social good.
Overall, the away day fostered lively discussion and underlined the importance of diverse and practical perspectives in tackling complex organisational issues.
Published: 31 July 2025
