Enterprise
TSB funds route to global sustainability A project developed by Professor Darren Griffin from the School of Biosciences has been awarded almost £1m funding by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).
Professor Darren Griffin
The TSB runs regular competitions to encourage collaboration between universities and industry. This spring, it has announced three calls so far, on Sustainable Manufacturing, Marine Energy and Low Carbon Vehicles, with a total funding value of £35 million. More calls are expected during the course of the year.
The project aims to introduce a sustainable alternative to this practice through IVF technology. Transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of these costs and adverse impacts. The project may also adapt noninvasive pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) technology, currently used in human IVF treatment, to improve pig genetic stock.
There are also regular Knowledge Exchange calls from the Research Councils to help fund collaborative activity with private, public and third sector organisations.
The whole project is worth a total of nearly £1m including industrial contribution, approximately half of which will come to the University over four years.
To find out more about the TSB or any other Innovation and Enterprise funding, contact Brian Lingley on 01227 827572 or by emailing entfunding@kent.ac.uk
Ideas Factory funding Ideas Factory funding was introduced to stimulate ideas that can be taken forward to commercial exploitation. The following schools have been awarded funding for one or more projects in the last funding call: • Anthropology & Conservation – £10,000, Dr Nicholas Newton-Fisher • Biosciences – £29,448, Dr Campbell Gourlay, Dr Mark Howard, Professor Mark Smales • Engineering and Digital Arts – £31,952, Dr Gareth Howells, Dr John Batchelor, Dr Richard Guest, Professor Sarah Spurgeon
The pilot Employability Points Scheme engaged over 1,000 students and 30 corporate sponsors. Now in its second year, the scheme is on course to increase the number of participating students and businesses – as well as the rewards on offer. Students taking part develop work-related skills alongside academic studies, and collect points for their extra-curricular experiences. These can include events on campus, part-time work, volunteering, work placements, international study and exchanges.
Professor Griffin’s team, in collaboration with two commercial partners, JSR Genetics and The Bridge Centre (a leading IVF clinic), were successful in a competition to improve sustainable protein production. Their winning project was entitled ‘Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability’. JSR Genetics is among world leaders in the supply of genetically superior pig breeding stock. This routinely involves stocking nucleus pig farms in developing markets by shipping up to 1,000 pigs at a time using chartered planes. It leads to high associated costs, environmental pollution and animal welfare concerns.
Points make prizes for enterprising students
• Psychology – £421, Dr Mario Weick • School of European Culture and Languages – £4,248, Professor Ray Laurence • Centre for Sports Studies – £6,029, Dr Karen Hambly • School of Physical Sciences – £6,207, Dr Stuart Gibson The next call for Ideas Factory funding proposals is expected to take place in autumn 2012. For more information, contact Lucy Druesne by emailing ideasfactory@kent.ac.uk
Points are turned into rewards ranging from vouchers to work experience, professional training and internships. During its pilot year, 70 students received rewards from business sponsors for their outstanding efforts – and three were offered full-time positions after impressing internship companies. The need for a scheme of this type is highlighted by over 70 applicants for every graduate job advertised in 2011. In today’s challenging knowledge-based economy and employment landscape, it is vital to gain an edge – and ensure students graduate with the skills they need to succeed. This year’s Employability Points Scheme partners and sponsors will be offering a range of internships, company tours, work experience, service vouchers and training as prizes for students who excel in developing their skill-set. Sponsors on board for this year include Tesco, Chaucer Global Consulting, the National Trust, Skanska and the KM Group. Students can join the scheme as soon as they have completed registration for the University of Kent. Email Co-ordinator Kasia Senyszyn (k.e.senyszyn@kent.ac.uk) to sign up and start collecting points. Staff can invite Scheme Co-ordinators to talk to their students about the benefits of getting involved, and link departmental events to Employability Points. Email Kasia, as above, for more information.
KENT Magazine
11