Micro-Certification
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The workshops and descriptions are listed below.
You will have the ability to register for workshops live based on the schedule below or on demand.
*Must have Linkblue ID to register.

What is Micro-Certification?
Micro-certification uses experiential design theory and mentorship programming to support researchers’ perception of their role in contributing to science, commercialization and impact on the community.
Micro-Certification Program Objectives:
- To understand the evolution of the university researcher and research impact on the economy and society.
- To learn the design thinking process related to innovation and research impact by tackling unique challenges, from ideas to validation.
- To apply design thinking methods to propose human-centered approaches to problem-solving for unmet societal or economic needs.
The two areas under the Micro-Certification Program are Impact and Implementation.
Who is Micro-Certification For?
Micro-Certification is for:
- The experienced researcher/faculty who want to pursue a standalone micro-credential micro-certification recognized by the University of Kentucky community to build on their skillsets.
- The future leader who doesn't want to fully commit to a full long-term program but will take advantage of stackable elements for future skills.
- The current student (graduate/postdoc) who is pursuing their program and wants to pursue a micro-certification as a skill-based program.
IMPACT WORKSHOPS

Spring 2023
100 - Explore the Growth Mindset (January 31, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop will introduce the Design Thinking methodology used by designers and many other professionals to solve complex programs and find desirable solutions for users.
110 - Building Impact Research (February 2, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop will define Impact Research and the knowledge exchange, types of impact and how impact happens.
120 - Impact Design Plan (February 7, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop will teach you how to set impact goals, create an impact plan, collaborate for impact and options for impact commercialization.
130 Engaging Stakeholders (February 14, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop will teach you how to systematically identify individuals, groups, and organizations outside of academia who benefit from your research and how to engage them.
140 Entrepreneurial Research Eco-System (February 16, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop defines the local, state, federal and international eco-system, external partners and available resources.
Implementation Workshops

150 - The Idea to Enterprise Strategy (February 28, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop shows you how to establish a startup or new venture and what goes into making an effective commercialization team.
160 - Protecting Your Idea, Before and After Validation (March 2, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop provides an introduction to intellectual property instruments including commercialization vehicles like licenses and startups, and how to create a narrative and tell your story.
170 - Commercialization in Education, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (March 21, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop teaches how to develop partnerships across disciplines and with industry.
180 - Who's Writing the Checks? (March 28, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop is a comprehensive overview of funding your translational research product or service through entrepreneurial channels.
200 - Data in Today and Tomorrow's Companies (March 30, 2023; 11:00 - 11:45 am ET)
This workshop discusses digital technology, data and its multiple uses in all aspects of your lab and startup including the importance of improving data-informed decision-making.