A new kind of doctoral programme for the 21st century

Coventry University has joined forces with twelve other University Alliance universities to launch a new national initiative - a new kind of doctoral training programme that responds to industry needs and promotes the UK's economic growth and productivity.

The largest multi-partner and only nationwide doctoral training initiative of its kind – the Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA) builds on the research strengths and industry-focused ethos of Alliance universities. It aims to produce independent, highly-employable researchers with the expertise and skills in strategically-important research areas. The DTA offers fully funded postgraduate programmes, an expert network of support and improved employment opportunities for PhD researchers in a research-rich environment.

Researchers from the Centre for Applied Biological and Exercise Sciences and the Centre for Technology-enabled Health are to be part of the first cohort. Coventry will host the inaugural Autumn School on 29th-30th October which will see PhD students, supervisors and senior HE managers come together for two days of bespoke training and talks, as well as a networking dinner at Coombe Abbey.

Speakers include: Diane Harbison, former head of business development at Edinburgh's BioQuarter and managing director of BioCity Scotland and Rhys Anderson, Bioscientist and Winner of the People's Choice Award at the Vitae 2014 Three Minute Thesis.

Maddalaine Ansell, chief executive of University Alliance, said:

"Bioscience is a growing industry where the UK has a competitive advantage. The recent Research Excellence Framework results demonstrated that Alliance universities have real strength in bioscience and healthcare research.

We hope our new DTA – which is the largest multi-partner, and only nationwide, doctoral training initiative of its kind – will give PhD students the expertise and skills that industry needs and contribute to the productivity of this sector.

Dr Rebekah Smith McGloin, research capability and development manager at Coventry University and chair of the national training committee, said:

This is an excellent opportunity for Coventry to contribute to leading and shaping an exciting national initiative in cutting-edge doctoral training. Coventry PhD students and supervisors will be able to benefit from joining a nationwide research community with collaborative power, joint expertise and global reach.

Up to four PhD places will be offered at each institution on the programme. The DTA PhD students will form a cohort of up to 52 in the first year, 104 in the second year and grow to 208 over the three-year programme.

This is the largest single community of researchers working in the applied biosciences for health and a truly exciting time in the world of research at Coventry University.

For further information about the DTA, click here.

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