Call for contributions

Do you have an idea that could make a big difference in the Faculty? Step into the Dragon’s Den and pitch it!🐉

Whether it’s a fresh approach to a current challenge or a brand new idea, this is your moment to convince the dragons and your discerning audience that your idea is worth bringing to life!

Never heard of Dragon’s Den before? Here’s a YouTube clip from the TV show (length of video: 05:19). Don’t worry - our dragons will be much more supportive and much less fiery than some of those in the TV series! This session is designed to be a springboard to develop ideas that have potential.

How should you pitch your idea?

Consider breaking your pitch down into three key sections:

1. Issue: What’s the problem and how is it affecting you or others?
2. Solution: What do you think could be done to solve the problem?
3. Support: What do you think you need to make it happen? (e.g. staff resource/funding)

For example… [bear in mind that this is deliberately far-fetched…!]

I’m Ted, and I’m fed up of marking! It takes too long, and I find it difficult to type lengthy paragraphs of feedback after a long day of teaching. I’ve found this amazing online tool that can automate my feedback in seconds. There are no mistakes at all, and it phrases feedback in the exact way I usually would. It’s freed up a huge amount of my time, so I get to see a lot more of my family. I showed some colleagues and they’re fully on board now too – it’s changed our lives! Sadly our free trials are coming to an end, and the annual subscription is £1,000,000. We need some financial support from the Faculty – do you think they can find the money somewhere?

Guidelines

Your pitch should relate to one or more of the broad conference themes of innovation, inclusion and impact, and it should align with Imperial’s Learning and Teaching Strategy.

Your pitch should meet the following criteria:

• Relevance: Show how your idea addresses a real challenge or seizes an opportunity.
• Innovation: Share your bold, creative solution that challenges the status quo.
• Feasibility: Demonstrate how your idea can be realistically implemented. 
• Impact: Clearly define the measurable benefits your idea will deliver for students, educators, or healthcare systems. 
• Inclusivity: Ensure your idea includes diverse perspectives, fosters equity, and creates opportunities for those impacted.
• Clarity: Present your pitch clearly - make it short and straightforward, outlining the steps you think are needed to make it happen.

Innovation Pitch details

You will be presenting in one of the Sir Alexander Fleming rooms in front of four main dragons and an audience.

You will have a maximum of 5 minutes to pitch your idea, followed by up to 5 minutes of Q&A with the dragons and the audience. If the audience like your pitch, and the dragons think it has potential, they’ll consider how it could be taken forward.

Your presentation will be strictly timed, so you will need to think carefully about your presentation strategy (e.g. if using PowerPoint, limit your slides).

How to submit

Submit your idea here by 17:00 on Tuesday 1 April 2025. If you are shortlisted, we’ll be in touch with further instructions soon after.

The possibilities are endless – you never know where your pitch could take you!

Don’t miss out on the chance to make a real impact 🚀 

Help us ignite ideas and shape the Faculty of Medicine’s digital education journey!🔥

Are you passionate about the future of digital education? Do you have innovative ideas to explore, or have you been involved in research or had experiences that could inspire others?

We’re looking for dynamic and enthusiastic speakers to deliver Ignite presentations at the Digital Education Conference 2025.

Why should you present?

This is a great opportunity to:

• Showcase your expertise
• Share your ideas with colleagues
• Shape the Faculty’s approach to digital education