 |
 |
 |
Scottish Industrial Networking Initiative in Mathematical
Sciences
Mechanisms
Consultancy - for short projects, often the most efficient method of making progress on a problem is via a short period of consultancy from a specialist mathematician. For an example, see the case studies below.
Study Groups - one-week duration, annual events. Typically, 6-8 problems are presented by companies to an audience of approximately 50-80 mathematicians representing a broad spectrum of mathematical expertise and drawn from universities across Europe. The problems are presented during the morning of the first day. Academics then divide themselves into groups of roughly equal size and begin work on the problems. With such a range of expertise present over an intense period, remarkable progress can often be made on the problems during the week. On the final day the results of each group's work are presented. Within a few weeks, each company then receives a detailed report summarising the conclusions of the analysis. For companies, Study Groups represent a very cost effective method of problem-solving. The costs of the week are partially offset by funding from research councils. In 2002, large companies were asked to contribute £1500 to defray costs. Small companies presenting problems for the first time are not required to make a financial contribution. The home page for the 43rd European Study Group with Industry, held from 2nd-5th April at Lancaster University, can be found here.
Undergraduate projects - typically undertaken during one or two terms of an undergraduate's final year studies in mathematics and under the supervision of an academic in the same university department.
MSc Projects - a number of UK universities offer taught courses in Industrial Mathematics, Operations Research, etc. As well as the formal lecture courses, students undertake a project of duration 3-6 months (depending on the course organisation). Each project is supervised by a lead academic from the same university department. Projects submitted by companies provide a very cost-effective mechanism for progressing certain types of problems. For the student, it provides an exciting introduction to industrial problems and may lead to an offer of employment with the sponsoring company.
PhD Projects - typically a three-year research project carried out by a graduate student holding a good (2:1 or 1st class) honours degree in mathematics or a related discipline, and carried out under the supervision of an academic in the same university department. Earmarked funding (in the form of a small number of Industrial CASE Awards) is available for suitable projects. Companies are required to provide a small contribution to the administrative costs of the university department in which the project takes place and a top-up to the research stipend for the student. Regular meetings, including site visits, should take place between the student, supervisor and representatives from the company throughout the project. More information on funding is available from the Smith Institute.
Post-doctoral Research Positions - typically a two-year advanced research project carried out by a recently qualified PhD with expertise relevant to the industrial problem. The project usually involves a number of collaborators from several universities. Regular meetings, including site visits, should take place between the research associate and representatives from the company throughout the project. During 2001 the Smith Institute submitted a total of 14 proposals to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for industrially motivated post-doctoral positions.
SMART Awards - offered in open competition by the Scottish Executive Department for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning. (Part of a national scheme administered by the DTI.) Awards are made for highly innovate research and development projects carried out by single companies (not available to Joint Ventures) to allow the development of highly competitive products and processes of interest to the national economy. Further information on SMART Awards is available here
TCS (Teaching Company Scheme) - a government funded scheme that enables businesses to access the skills and resources of the UK knowledge base for strategic advantage with high calibre graduates working in companies on technology transfer projects. Projects can last 2, 3 or even 4 years and will typically involve partners from companies and one or more universities. During the project the research 'associate' is based mainly in the sponsoring organisation. A proportion of the total employment costs are met by public funding, with smaller companies receiving the most support. Further information on TCS is available here.
Link Awards - The Link programme focuses on areas of strategic importance for the UK economy identified under the government's Foresight programme. Link encourages innovative research well ahead of the market but with significant potential for commercial exploitation. Companies and research organisations throughout the UK can participate in Link programmes. SMEs are particularly encouraged to get involved. Each programme supports a number of collaborative projects and focuses on a particular technology or market area. More information on Link is available here.
Links | Contacts
Workshops | Case Studies
Services | Mechanisms