Linking Research with Industry, Commerce and Career Development

Postgraduates at Cardiff benefit from studying in a dynamic research environment, alongside staff who are working at the frontiers of knowledge in their disciplines. This research culture generates an exciting learning community, reinforces the University's links with industry and commerce, and contributes to students' future career development.

Research Connections

As one of the leading research universities in the UK, Cardiff receives financial support for its research infrastructure and projects from the Research Councils, charities, the European Commission, industry and other sources. The University holds a central position in the business life of Wales, with strong links to influential national and international bodies, funders and users of research. Innovative and ground breaking research by staff across the University resulted in a record breaking £110 million of new awards in 2006-2007, including £17 million in contracts from industry and commerce. At any one time the University is working on up to 2,000 externally funded research projects. During a typical year, the University has contracts with more than 300 companies and there are many additional research or consultancy arrangements with government departments, local authorities, agencies and the private sector.

Great importance is attached to the application of research to the problems and challenges of government and industry. The Research and Commercial Division gives support to the development of collaborative projects with businesses, from small local firms to large multinational organisations, often supported by funding provided by European Commission schemes. Collaboration using European funds is well-established. Links with industry and commerce are also built through Consultancy arrangements and through the Cardiff University Innovation Network. This vibrant supportive environment and infrastructure enables students to gain experience and contacts that enhance the development of their careers. Read more at the Research and Commercial Division website

Benefits for Postgraduates

In view of these strong links with funders and users of research, the University can also suggest arrangements for supporting and developing your particular research interests. Links with industry and commerce made during the course of postgraduate research can be very valuable in career development. For example, academic schools in the Life and Biomedical Sciences enjoy strong links with the Pharmaceutical sector. Many of the University’s postgraduate students are sponsored by industry, especially those students carrying out research which has direct applications to industrial challenges.

Enterprise

The development and commercial exploitation of the outcomes of its research is a key element of the University's Innovation and Engagement Strategy. The University also has its own technology transfer company, UC3 Ltd which manages patents and other intellectual property rights and sets up commercial arrangements with industry, ensuring that student and staff inventors and the University benefit financially when new products or processes are utilised commercially. UC3 currently manages a portfolio of more than 50 active licence agreements world-wide.

In January 2007, the University entered into a partnership with the IP commercialisation company Biofusion plc to assist in the establishment of University spinout companies. This arrangement has further strengthened the University's technology transfer capabilities through the creation of an £8.2 million investment fund dedicated to Cardiff University spinouts, together with access to an experienced, high quality management team. For further information on technology transfer and Biofusion, please contact Dr Nick Bourne (Bourne@cardiff.ac.uk)

Cardiff University also manages a fund with UK government and charity contributions. This Cardiff Partnership Fund is available to resource selected product and process developments and the start-up phases of promising new technology enterprises. In addition, the University is active in the Wales spin-out Programme to support start-up up enterprises. For our postgraduates, this means there are opportunities to find positions in the front line of spin-out business developments. Read more about the Cardiff Partnership Fund »

Graduating to Enterprise

Student Enterprise provides support to develop students’ enterprise skills which can then be applied to make an organisation successful. Our skills workshops and events are open to all students and our business start-up workshops are delivered by presenters who run their own business. Students can also access practical guidance and mentoring for starting their own business or social enterprise. Read more about Student Enterprise »

Postgraduates Working with Industry

Many postgraduate research projects at the University, both those funded by industry and those funded jointly by industry and government, enable and encourage students to spend time with sponsoring and collaborating companies. Mechanisms to support such studentships include the Research Councils’ CASE (Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering) and Industrial CASE awards. For information on industrial links in relation to postgraduate research, please contact Dr David Bembo (bembo@cardiff.ac.uk).

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

KTP is Europe’s leading programme helping businesses to improve competitiveness through the better use of the knowledge residing in UK universities. The catalyst for this knowledge transfer between universities and companies is the use of KTP
Associates employed by the University. These Associates spend most of their time in industry and are supervised jointly by industrial and academic staff. For KTP Associate opportunities, please visit: www.ktponline.org.uk 

Cardiff University Innovation Network

The Innovation Network is an important bridge between industry and the University, attracting many companies to meetings held at the University and providing a forum for exchange of ideas. For more information, please visit: www.innovation-network.org.uk

Careers Service Links with Industry and Commerce

The Careers Service has good links with industry and commerce both locally and nationally. Cardiff is an institution targeted by many blue chip employers who attend Recruitment and Information Fairs throughout the year. Subsidised paid work placements with local small and medium-sized employers are organised by the Cymru Prosper Wales Office and shorter periods of work experience can be arranged through the Student Connect Programme. For more information, please contact the Careers Service (careers@cardiff.ac.uk) or visit the Careers Service website.