Modular training for industry

The call for applications is closed

Next application deadline: TBC

We are looking for applications for the development of industrially-relevant short training courses at Masters level. Training should be developed in close collaboration with industry, and we provide support for the development of individual training modules. We recommend the training provider holds regular meetings with at least 50% industrial representation.

Evidence of industrial demand is a key requirement of funding.

Priority is given to applications in subject areas identified by industry. We particularly welcome applications that are within our strategic priority areas (see related links).

Training should be delivered using the most appropriate method for the target industry (e.g. distance learning, web-based learning packages or residential 2-3 day seminar and workshop sessions). Awards are made as pump-priming support for the preparation and marketing of course materials.

We will consider clusters of complementary modules if there is sufficient evidence of industrial demand. Applications are reviewed by independent referees, and assessed by panels of academic and industrial community members.

There are 2 application deadlines per year.

Case study

Katherine Smart is the UK's only female Professor of Brewing Science, at the University of Nottingham. She explains, “Brewers have spent a long time perfecting the art of fermenting barley into alcohol – and this is very useful expertise when looking at how to use microorganisms to create biofuels.”

In Brazil, 30% of fuel for cars is already from ethanol and, according to Prof. Smart, if 5% of UK cars' fuel was composed of bioethanol, it would be equivalent to taking a million cars off the road network in terms of reduced pollution. The UK’s first bioethanol plants are expected to start production later in 2007.

Three new modules have been developed for the MSc course in 2006 with funding through the Modular Training for Industry programme: Beer Flavour Development, Brewing Microbiology, and Brewery Waste Management and Environmental Issues.

Read more about Katherine Smart in BBSRC Business January 2007 (PDF 2.74MB) (page 11).

Examples of courses

Modules have been previously funded in a wide range of subjects. Some examples of which are given below.

See also 'Previous awards' in the download section.

Active touch, posture and balance
Bioinformatics
Bionanotechnology
Bioremediation
Brewing science
Drug discovery
DNA/RNA analysis
Engineering for biotechnology
Experimental therapeutics
Experimental toxicology
Food science
Genome analysis
Microscopy and imaging
Plant science
Preclinical psychopharmacology
Stem cells
Systems biology

Contact

Adam Bowen
modular.training@bbsrc.ac.uk
tel: 01793 411486
fax: 01793 414674