New Centres for Doctoral Training

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has revealed 75 new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) based at UK universities including Imperial College London, University of Oxford and University of Bristol.

The Centres will offer over 4,600 PhD students the opportunity to excel in subjects such as quantum technologies, robotics, medical technology and offshore renewable energy from October 2019.

The Centres will be funded through EPSRC, which has allocated £444 million and a further £2.2 million from The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Science Foundation Ireland unilaterally supported a Republic of Ireland cohort on seven EPSRC-badged Centres with approximately 39 million euros. These Centres will work collaboratively with some UK Centres, with SFI-funded students working closely with certain EPSRC CDTs as part of an agreed training programme.

The Centres’ 1,400 project partners have contributed £386 million in cash and in-kind support, and include companies such as Tata Steel and Procter and Gamble and charities such as Cancer Research UK.

Science and Innovation Minister Chris Skidmore said: “As we explore new research to boost our economy with an increase of over £7 billion invested in R&D over five years to 2021/22 – the highest increase for over 40 years – we will need skilled people to turn ideas into inventions that can have a positive impact on our daily lives.

“The Centres for Doctoral Training at universities across the country will offer the next generation of PhD students the ability to get ahead of the curve. In addition, this has resulted in nearly £400 million being leveraged from industry partners. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action, ensuring all corners of the UK thrive with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

UKRI’s Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “Highly talented people are required to tackle key global challenges such as sustainable energy and cyber security and provide leadership across industries and our public services.

“Centres for Doctoral Training provide them with the support, tools and training they need to succeed and the involvement of 1,400 project partners underlines how much industry and the charity sector value this approach.”

The importance of developing STEM skills is a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, ensuring that all areas of the UK embrace innovation and build the skills the economy needs to thrive. The EPSRC has supported over 50,000 doctoral students over the last 25 years.