Physics Can physicists apply their own research?

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Physicists conducting research on superconductors can potentially create products or prototypes independently, but several factors influence this ability. Resources and knowledge are crucial, as is the nature of their employment. Those employed by large institutions or companies, such as IBM, face challenges in developing products independently due to ownership rights typically held by their employers. In contrast, physicists at universities may have more freedom, as technology transfer offices can assist with patenting, securing venture capital, and establishing licensing agreements. In these cases, researchers often retain some ownership of patents and profits, unlike in commercial settings where employers usually retain all rights.
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If I was a physicist and did research on superconductors can I apply it and make a product or a prototype on my own?
 
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nst.john said:
If I was a physicist and did research on superconductors can I apply it and make a product or a prototype on my own?

If you have the resources, the knowledge, and if your employer considers that as part of your job.

Zz.
 
Typically if you do research on superconductors you would be an employee of a large institution or company. If you work at a company (like IBM for example) it would be very difficult to make a product on your own. If you work for an institution (like a national lab) you may be able to, and you would be able to keep some amount of the profits, depending on the agreement you have with the Technology Transfer office.
 
nst.john said:
If I was a physicist and did research on superconductors can I apply it and make a product or a prototype on my own?

It depends- in a university environment, there is usually an 'office of technology transfer' that is supposed to help with that- filing patents, obtaining venture capital, licensing agreements, etc. Often, you will retain some ownership of the patent and resulting licensing agreement(s).

By contrast, in a commercial environment, your employer typically retains all ownership rights.
 
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