DTP 2018-19 University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield (UoH) DTP will be allocated to projects in the area of materials research across two academic schools - Computing & Engineering and Applied Sciences. Materials research continues to be an area of growth and strategic importance for UoH and underpins multiple pillars and challenges within the Government's Industrial Strategy.

Areas of particular importance, with alignment to EPSRC research areas include: manufacturing technologies and materials engineering, functional materials, biomaterials, catalysis, nuclear fission, materials for energy applications, surface science, synthetic and computational chemistry. In addition, mathematical research allied to these areas will be supported.

Details of doctoral research opportunities and projects are available at: https://research.hud.ac.uk/research-degrees/researchscholarships/

The next DTP cohort will commence Sept 2018 and a process timetable is outlined below.

UoH has established a Research Skills Development Programme (RSDP) offering maximum flexibility for students to meet development priorities, build skills, abilities and intellectual qualities whilst completing a research degree and for their longer career goals. Individuals attend workshops and compliment these with e-learning, conference attendance and other development activities.

The programme is based on the VITAE National Researcher Development Framework and encompasses four key areas: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities, Personal Effectiveness, Research Governance and Organisation and Engagement Influence and Impact, specific training includes:
- Explore all aspects of being a researcher
- Identify personal strengths
- Prioritise areas for professional development
- Write a plan, monitor progress and success
- Productive discussions with others, e.g. supervisor, PI etc.
- Formal and informal development opportunities
- Routes to impact for research
- Preparing for one-to-one progress reviews, appraisals or career development conversations with research manager or mentor.

When considering future career options and goals, help is provided to:

- Consider capabilities and experiences that enhance career prospects
- Assess opportunities offered within the institution for continued research
- Explore development opportunities outside research area
- Highlight, articulate and provide evidence of the transferability of capabilities and expertise in a CV, in job applications and at interviews.
- Develop entrepreneurial skills through various support programmes

All students attend the PGR welcome and induction event designed to help them familiarise with life as a postgraduate researcher. It provides an opportunity to meet other researchers from their own and other disciplines, to meet key university staff, to understand the processes at the University and to ask any questions regarding their programme of study. Students meet the PVC Research & Enterprise and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Topics covered at induction include:

- Code of Practice for Supervisors and Postgraduate Researchers
- Research Skills Training
- Virtual learning environment
- Managing Your Research
- Supervision and Progression Monitoring
- Research Council funded student and supervisory requirements

Discipline and cohort specific training is also provided within the two academic schools.

Distribution of Funding

Funding will provide ~12 studentships per annum across two intakes. We will aim to convert a minimum of one studentship into a CASE award and to support at least 3 ECR per intake.

Where possible, we will seek to lever match funding from industry or other bodies to increase the number of studentships supported through the DTP.

We intend to use any surplus funding in 2019/20 to provide vacation bursaries for outstanding undergraduate students planning to undertake research on completion of their studies.