The flow of trained people moving into industry is a key component of knowledge transfer. Collectively, the Councils currently contribute funding for about 10,000 PhD students, of which around 25 per cent go directly into industry upon graduating.
PhDs are funded collaboratively with industry, major research centres such as CERN, and other users produce a cadre of postgraduates with skills and aptitudes particularly suited to a career outside academia.
Around a third of PhD studentships are funded collaboratively with over 500 partners in the private, public and charitable sectors. Most Councils deliver through CASE or their analogues. Industrial CASE awards are a variant in which the award is made to the industrial partner. Councils have been working with Regional Development Agencies and other intermediaries to identify companies, especially SMEs, who could benefit.
Further information on the Research Councils support for training and their collaborative awards can be found on their respective websites:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)