DTP 2020-2021 University of Nottingham

Postgraduate Research (PGR) underpins the Research Strategy of the University of Nottingham (UoN) and makes a significant contribution to Knowledge Exchange and Engagement. The EPSRC DTP is an important component of our PGR portfolio and we intend to continue to maximise the flexibility available within it to deliver a range of schemes which generate high quality outputs and impact aligned with EPSRC and UoN Priorities. For 2020-2021 we also aim to embed equality, diversity and inclusion as an integral part of what we do and deliver through the DTP. With this approach we want to develop a diverse and inclusive group of future leaders who are delivering fundamental and thematic research, working in partnership with research users, maximizing research impact and industry engagement and who can apply their skills to have impact in a wide range of future careers.

We use the DTP funding strategically to promote innovative research, ensure health of disciplines and to develop research teams and collaborations. We aim to develop long-term, meaningful industrial partnerships, using studentship funds to leverage cross-disciplinary and industrial support and to support strategic international collaborations. We provide high quality research training aligned to EPSRC priority areas that address key research targets of the University and industry; particular focus are priority areas aligned to the University's Beacons of Excellence, including precision imaging, green chemistry, future food, propulsion futures, and smart products.

The EPSRC DTP Executive Committee oversees the DTP and provides oversight of the allocation, reporting, and evaluation of DTP award and outcomes. Our Graduate School supports the delivery of the DTP managing working closely with the Faculties of Science and Engineering to provide bespoke, high quality development opportunities for our doctoral students. We also draw on and share best practice across the university through our Faculty PGR Committees and the University DTP network which includes representatives from all the other CDTs and DTPs.

The DTP Executive distribute the funds through a mixture of centrally coordinated calls and devolved Faculty committees. Our flexible use of DTP funding enables us to respond strategically by carefully targeting studentship allocations and funding through a range of mechanisms:-
Fundamental studentships focusing upon fundamental subjects and underlying blue skies research, leading to pioneering ideas that underpin future innovations.

Thematic studentships that are delivered via cohorts aligned to UKRI and University of Nottingham priorities.

CASE studentships promoting user engagement and high-impact research by encouraging links with key industrial users. We prioritise early career researchers to build the development of long-term relationships with industry.

Doctoral Prizes to reward excellent students in their transition to academic or industrial careers; emphasising the development of independence and impact.

Vacation Internships supporting high achieving undergraduates to gain experience of cutting edge research through paid summer placements, to encourage them to consider postgraduate research careers and broadening access to and supporting diversity in our STEM research. (3987 characters)

Details of these mechanisms and how academic staff can apply for DTP studentships are communicated through briefings, newsletters and other channels. Full details are on our intraweb and these are summarised on our Graduate School Webpages (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/research-supervisors/index.aspx). All DTP studentship opportunities at UoN are promoted from our dedicated Doctoral Training Programmes webpages (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/doctoral-training-centres/our-centres.aspx) and are part of the online prospectus.