Centres of excellence in doctoral training 14 March 2012

Event overview

Different models of centres of excellence in doctoral training and developing researchers to meet economic needs

Research Councils are investing training resources in centres or clusters of excellence which provide the highest quality research training experience, facilities and development opportunities. Universities are adopting the approach in their own arrangements for doctoral training. Centres of excellence in doctoral training have existed since 2002.  The benefits and outcomes of this approach are currently being realised in EPSRC-funded centres whilst ESRC and BBSRC are bringing new centres on stream. These latest models create new opportunities with inter-institutional working and the requirements for internships.

Launching five new Industrial Doctorate Centres in January 2011, the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said: "These new centres will generate ..... future business leaders and create new innovation and economic growth for the UK.''

This event brought together different stakeholders to explore successful researcher development in these centres.

Participants gained:

• an opportunity to share and learn from the different stakeholders engaged in centres and the development of researchers
• a view through presentations and discussions on best practice, internships, management models and employer views on the centres
• the opportunity through workshops to explore in more detail how the different researcher development structures can work together to provide the highest quality research training experience, facilities and development opportunities.
• an insight into best practice and interact with personnel from successful centres and new centres.