Two eminent British academics have published recommendations to improve the job prospects of graduates in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) degrees.
A stronger focus on employment outcomes and more real-life work experience were among the recommendations set out in reviews conducted by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt and Professor Sir William Wakeham into how universities and employers can develop a pipeline of highly-skilled graduates in STEM subjects. Their findings coincided with the publication of the Government’s white paper, Success as a knowledge economy, which set out plans to improve the quality of teaching within UK higher education.
Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “The UK has a world-class higher education system but, as these reviews recognise, more must be done to address the variability in outcomes for some graduates and to ensure all students receive the highest quality teaching.” Despite figures showing that the UK needs more than half a million additional workers in the digital sector by 2022, there remains an unemployment rate of 11.7% for computer sciences graduates six months after graduation, above the 8.6% average for STEM graduates.
Both reviews identified that students would benefit from universities and employers working closer together to expand work experience opportunities and said that professional bodies need to strengthen their accreditation systems so they support universities to deliver high-level STEM skills that are most relevant to industry.
Partnership announced
The University of Liverpool’s Materials Innovation Factory is to partner with UK robotics specialists Labman Automation to develop the Formulation Engine for the new centre. Due to open in 2017, the £68m Materials Innovation Factory aims to revolutionise materials chemistry research and development by drawing together multi-disciplinary research expertise and unparalleled technical facilities. Labman Automation, a robotics manufacturer in North Yorkshire, will design and build the Formulation Engine, an advanced robotic system which will allow multiple workflows to operate simultaneously.
China link is confirmed
Professor Tony James, from Bath University, has been appointed Guest Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Xian, China. Tony recently travelled to China to discuss possible collaborations with the University of Bath and towards the end of 2016, a delegation from SUST will visit Bath to continue the talks.
Accolade for Mike
Professor Mike Hill, of Bath University, has won the 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry Main Group Chemistry Award for his outstanding contributions to the chemistry of s-block metals particularly regarding their applications in homogeneous catalysis. His research explores the use of sustainable elements such as calcium as catalysts in chemical production.
Chair is reappointed
Dr Paul Golby has been reappointed as Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The reappointment is for a two years. Professor Sir Richard Friend was appointed to a second term as a member of the Council.