Sponsoring Research

Start-up companies, SMEs and large corporations have all benefited from sponsoring research at the Institute. Most sponsored research is conducted via the EngD programme however sponsorship can also include funding a shorter-term piece of research, e.g., a final postgraduate MSc project, completed in 15 weeks or the 12-month MPhil in test engineering.

There are a number of ways companies benefit from sponsoring research:

• All projects are supervised by academic staff from the Institute’s partner universities.
• Companies share in the results of research.
• In the case of EngD sponsorship, all IP generated by a student during the research project is assigned to the sponsor.
• Businesses have access to high quality onsite research facilities.
• Sponsored research is directly related to the areas of work a company is interested in.
• Longer-term research is flexible in terms of changing scope.

EngD in System Level Integration

The EngD is a four-year doctoral research degree where each student is sponsored by a single company. Currently, there are 25 research engineers, as EngD students are known, conducting research for their sponsoring organisation. Sponsors come from the full spectrum of businesses, including blue chip companies and start-ups.

Full details on the industry benefits of sponsoring EngD.

MSc in System Level Integration

The MSc is a year-long postgraduate course, comprising a taught programme of study followed by a 15 week research project carried out individually or as part of a larger group project. Academic supervision comes from the Institute’s partner universities.

There are two sponsorship opportunities available: funding a student throughout the entire programme or sponsoring the final research project. Projects are negotiated to a company’s specification and the company and the Institute provide supervision and project management. The project runs from May to September.

Companies who have sponsored students or projects include Motorola, Honeywell, Cadence and Virtio.

EngD Sponsorship

The EngD programme is designed to improve the relevance of research degrees to industry and increase the exploitation of engineering research. Equivalent in academic standing to a conventional PhD, the EngD is more industrially focused, placing emphasis on research within a business context.

Industrial Sponsors

All EngD research is carried out with an industrial sponsor. ISLI has 25 EngD students, or Research Engineers as they are known, conducting research for their sponsor.

The first intakes of Research Engineers graduated in July 2004, July 2005 and December 2005. A further 7 have completed the programme and will graduate in summer 2006.

Current sponsors include large companies such as Thales, ARM, Motorola plus SMEs and start-ups such as 4i2i Communications, Nallatech, Critical Blue and MED.

Research Engineers

The programme is intended to appeal to ambitious and able graduates who aspire to managerial positions in industry. The EngD is also suitable for employed design engineers with industry experience who wish to ensure their career progression and professional development. Funding is available as an industrial studentship paid direct to employers, allowing employers to retain staff while also enhancing the company’s R&D capabilities.

Benefits for Sponsors

Sponsors recognise that EngD is a cost-effective means for companies to increase their R&D capabilities:

• All IP generated by the RE during the research project is assigned to the sponsor
• UK students receive over £85k in stipends and training allowances from a government grant over four years
• The cost to the sponsor over 4 years is 50% cheaper than hiring a BEng graduate engineer
• Candidates may join at any time during the year
• The grant package includes a training and travel allowance of c£15k to be used throughout the programme
• Research can take the form of a portfolio of linked smaller projects, allowing sponsors to capitalise on research at each stage
• Expert academic supervision is provided by partner universities

Information for Sponsors

Sponsors are involved in selecting candidates for the programme and appoint an industrial supervisor who oversees the RE’s day to day work and maintains an overview of the programme.

The RE spends c75% of their time at the company’s premises, although work can be completed at the Institute or at one of the partner universities should the project require it. The RE only attends the Institute for taught modules, exams and meetings with supervisors.

Full information on the EngD programme is available in the Student section of the website.