The reception, organised by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering, highlighted some of the opportunities in knowledge and training partnerships currently being offered by the University. These include programmes such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) where a highly qualified graduate is placed in a company for a period of one to three years to work on an innovative project.

Tristan Hogg, Director of Pieminister, a company that took part in a KTP with the University, provided one of the seminars at the event. Speaking of his experience with the scheme, he commented: “Working in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Bristol is enabling us to take the business one step further – and has already put Pieminister ahead of our competitors.”

Other schemes promoted included the innovative Engineering Doctorate (EngD) for Management of Systems of Enhanced Performance. The new EngD Centre, a joint collaboration between the University of Bristol, the University of Bath and their industrial partners, recently welcomed its first group of Research Engineers, some of whom were already working as experts in their field. Dr Wendy Daniell of the Department of Civil Engineering and Project Manager for the EngD Centre said: “The EngD programme will develop industry leaders of tomorrow, equipping them not only with technical engineering skills, but also with the personal and professional skills to be effective leaders.”

Masters Training Programmes (high-level taught courses addressing the needs of industry) and Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering (industry-sponsored PhDs) were also showcased.

The event, which attracted a wide range of influential professionals including the Director of HR Strategy and Operations (EMEA region) for Motorola and CEOs and Operation Managers of smaller high-tech companies, highlighted offerings from across the Faculties of Science and Engineering.

For more information, contact Sadia Haq, email sadia.haq@bristol.ac.uk.