Member Article

£5 million physics academy to link businesses to Universities of York and Sheffield

A new £5 million academy designed to encourage more physics graduates into technical careers as a collaboration between the Universities of York and Sheffield and industry partners is set to be launched.

Along with contributions from the two Yorkshire universities and their industrial partners, total investment in the project, including the new HEFCE Catalyst award, amounts to £5 million.

The White Rose Industrial Physics Academy has been awarded £2 million funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as part of this investment.

Physics-based businesses reportedly directly contribute £77 billion to the UK economy, but often report finding it difficult to recruit sufficient numbers of suitably qualified graduates and postgraduates.

The Academy will also be established across a number of associate partner universities, including Hull, Bradford and Leeds, and has ambitions to disseminate best practice across the wider Higher Education sector including outreach to secondary schools.

As well as the support of industry partners such as MM Microwave, Reckitt Benckiser, Kromek, Frazer Nash, Simpleware, CGG, Liquids Research, and National Instruments, the Academy also has the support of the Institute of Physics, the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA).

Professor Thomas Krauss, an Anniversary Professor with the University of York’s Department of Physics, who leads the Academy, said: “Our students are the future of Britain’s technical industries.

“They’re our greatest asset. By working with them, our industry partners will play a key role in inspiring a new generation of professionals and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.”

Dr David Sweeney, HEFCE Director for Research, Education and Knowledge Exchange, said: “The White Rose Industrial Physics Academy will enhance employability for students and graduates across the region, and increase technical knowledge and skills which will support employers and economic growth.

“We look forward to working with York and its partners as the project develops.”

The launch event takes place on 19 November in the Ron Cooke Hub at the University of York.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .