Do you have a research or development project that you cannot resource?

Would you consider working with a University to take advantage of their research capabilities?

Are you considering development projects in one of the following EKTN priority areas:

• Healthcare or medical devices?
• High frequency radio applications?
• Autonomous systems, devices or robotics?
• Green technologies?
• Applications connecting wireless networks and devices?

If so, you may wish to consider the EPSRC iCASE programme, engaging the services of a University PhD student for up to 3.5 years at a cost of £22k plus expenses, (for further information about the EKTN priority areas, review the content for the Electronics KTN special interest groups at EKTN_Special Interest)

The iCASE programme is a tremendous opportunity for companies who may wish to initiate or boost their research and development capability by collaborating with their preferred university partner.

This programme enables a company to employ the services of a highly qualified post-graduate trainee, and benefit from the universities research expertise and facillities.

Each iCASE studentship award made will engage a post-graduate (PhD) student working on an industry relevant research project for 3.5 years. The studentships are awarded to companies who define the project and identify the academic partner, or vice-versa. Collaborating companies will usually be from the private sector and SME involvement is particularly encouraged. Once the studentship is awarded to the company, their academic partner recruits a suitable student to conduct the research.

The EPSRC grant covers the students stipend of £63,789 over 3.5 years, with a minimum company contribution of £21,765. It is expected that a proportion of this contribution would be used to top-up the student's minimum stipend. The company is also required to cover all expenses (e.g. travel and accommodation) for any time the student spends at the sponsoring company, plus expenses of the research student. In addition, the company must provide a mentoring resource for the student for the project, as well as three months on site work experience.

The company can specify the research project of their choice, and work with universities to identify a suitable student. Projects are eligible to start any time from September 5th 2009 but all projects must have begun no later than September 1st 2010.