Recruitment for a new Masters degree programme that combines best practice in science and enterprise opened today [Thursday, February 19].

The one-year MSc will give students a global view on healthcare, insights into how health-related discoveries and inventions can be commercially exploited, and key skills for an entrepreneurial career.

Devised by Dr Beverley Randle and supported by the UK's largest Research council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Healthcare Enterprise programme is designed for students wanting a career at the interface between biomedical research and business.  The programme also incorporates the first ever EPSRC 'sandlot' days, where students get together to brainstorm ideas.

Dr Randle, commenting on the programme, said: 'We are looking for outstanding students who are ready to combine a commitment to addressing healthcare demands with entrepreneurial flair.'

Further details about the new programme can be found at www.healthenterprise.org

The Masters degree programme starts in September 2004.

Students will present their work in the sandlot at the end of each term to an invited panel of international researchers, clinicians and industrialists for discussion and to build networks for their future career paths.  The first year's sandlots come to an end in June 2005, with an award to the student voted EPSRC Healthcare Enterprise Sandlotter of the Year.

An article on the new MSc programme is in the current issue of Nature [Naturejobs, Vol 427, No 6976, pp661-762, Pitching ideas p759], www.nature.com