Authors: Eva Bojner Horwitz, Annika Sten Person, Kaja KorošecThe transition from adolescence to adulthood—often termed emerging adulthood'—is a critical developmental window marked by significant identity exploration and vulnerability. While academic research on this period has proliferated, the insights from academia can be slow to reach the social entrepreneurs and practitioners who design frontline interventions for young adult well-being.This presentation introduces a novel cross-sectoral postdoctoral model established between the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and The Inner Foundation. The primary objective of the postdoc project is to conduct a comprehensive mapping of the existing literature on emerging adulthood, such as current study demographics and geographical reach, methodological trends and core themes in this field of research.Central to this model is The Inner Foundation, a pioneering organisation dedicated to fostering inner health and equity among emerging adults. They provide funding, mentorship, and a growth platform for social entrepreneurs who develop scalable solutions for the well-being of young adults. By embedding a researcher within this ecosystem, the foundation ensures that its portfolio is grounded on empirical data.The novelty of this model lies in its dual-affiliation structure. Unlike traditional postdocs, this role serves as a knowledge bridge:Scientific Synthesis: Translating complex academic findings into actionable "knowledge briefs" for social entrepreneurs. Sector Integration: Facilitating a bidirectional flow of information where practitioner challenges inform future research questions. Dissemination: Extending the reach of academic work beyond peer-reviewed journals into the spheres of impact investment and social policy. This collaborative cross-sectoral model demonstrates how to create bridges between academia and social innovation. By aligning research with the agility of social entrepreneurship, we can ensure that the science of emerging adulthood directly contributes to the flourishing of the next generation.