In September 2023, four universities participating in an innovative pilot project gathered in person for the first time at Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL).
Teams of academics, professional services staff and PhD and EngD candidates from QMUL, Brunel, the University of Southampton and the University of York gathered at QMUL’s Mile End campus for a Link Day. They were joined by representatives from industry partners, funding bodies and other invited guests for a day of knowledge-sharing and networking.
All four universities are participants in the EPSRC-funded project designed to pilot new routes into academia for candidates from an industry background. The EPSRC Mobility Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) has been running as a pilot within these universities since 2020. Since then, candidates from a non-standard academic background – specifically, those with experience working in industry – have joined the programme to work towards either a PhD or an EngD qualification.
Unusually, for those candidates already employed in industry, this pilot programme means they can remain in employment alongside being enrolled in their course. They’re not required to leave their job in order to take up their place at university – they can do both. This has been made possible with the help of funding from EPSRC and with the support and cooperation of a range of industry partners who are keen to enable employees to undertake advanced and innovative research with the guidance of leading academic experts.
Bringing together all four institutions at the Link Day was an opportunity to hear about the range of innovative research these candidates are undertaking which they showcased through presentations, posters and discussion. Candidates also spent time on a dedicated skills session with an expert facilitator. Additionally, the university staff teams joined industry partners, the funders and other guests for a roundtable discussion on the topic of mobility enabled by university-industry partnerships.
Feedback from attendees indicated that the Link Day was a useful and interesting experience. The institutions are now working together to plan the next Link Day in 2024.
Queries and correspondence about the EPSRC Mobility DTP or the Link Day can be sent to Jen Gibbard, DTP Admin Manager, at chemgrad@york.ac.uk.
