Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships

KESS Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) support collaborative research projects linked to businesses in the Convergence Area of Wales. KESS will provide funding for students to work on research projects that match academic expertise with business-focused research needs. Participating partners benefit from the research, innovationand business training each KESS scholar receives.

 As from October 2011, we can offer:

  • KESS Mini – a one-year research project linked to an MPhil qualification

All KESS scholars also undertake research, business and innovation skills training leading to a Postgraduate Skills Award (PSDA).

What are the benefits for my organisation in participating?

  • Access to business-focused research
  • Potential to attract and support the development of new researchers in your company
  • Establish on-going links with the University including wider academic expertise
  • Up-skill existing staff
  • Cost-effective research and development

Feedback from previous participants shows that companies greatly valued the link with the University and this has often led to other beneficial collaborations.

What type of organisations can participate?

A range of companies and organisations can participate. To be eligible you must have an operational presence in the Convergence region. Proposed research projects must also demonstrate an on-going benefit to the Convergence area at the application stage.

Research projects that fit with the Welsh Government’s priority sectors are particularly encouraged:

  • Digital Economy
  • Low Carbon Economy
  • Health and Bioscience
  • Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing

Is the company involved in defining the research projects?

Yes – the project should be defined jointly with the company and will be in an area you wish to see developed. You will also have input on the selection of the research student for the project.

How much will it cost?

Partner organisations are required to make both a cash and an in-kind contribution (calculated according to the recorded time the company spends on the project). Costs will vary depending on the size and type of organisation.  Further details available from the Aberystwyth University KESS team.

Whom should I contact to discuss a research project idea?

For further information on the opportunities presented by the KESS scheme at Aberystwyth University please contact: 


Lewis Richards - KESS Project and Business Development Manager
Email: kess@aber.ac.uk
Telephone: 01970 628759

 

KESS is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Government.

*The Convergence area covers West Wales and the Valleys, and is made up of the following 15 local authorities: Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.