KESS Applicants’ Workshop

Part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Applicants Workshop

• Provide project background

• Brief you on the current call for applications

• Provide information on what makes a good application

What is KESS?

ESF supported collaborative research projects linked to businesses based in the Convergence region of Wales (West Wales and the Valleys), focused on meeting the higher-level skills needs of WAGs priority sectors.

1. KESS Mini (Research Masters)2. KESS Maxi (PhD)3. Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) -

all KESS scholars undertake research, business and innovation skills training as part of their scholarships

Project Background:

West Wales & the ValleysConvergence Region

ESF Convergence Programme

Overall Aim

• To create a high skill, knowledge driven economy with full employment, a skilled, adaptable workforce and responsive businesses, at the cutting edge of sustainable development

• Priority 3 - Improving skills levels and adaptability of the workforce.

• Theme 2 - Skills for the Knowledge Economy: higher level skills and systems for workforce development

Objectives

• Prepare and train individuals to contribute to research as professionals;

• Increase the research capacity of SMEs by linking with Masters and PhD projects;

• Encourage SMEs to undertake research and recruit researchers;• Support the development of key technologies in the

Convergence area;• Promote Higher-level Skills Development in the Welsh

workforce

WAG’s Priority R&D Sectors:

Project Headlines

• Officially launched in Nov 09 by the Deputy First Minister and Education Minister;

• Led by Bangor on behalf the HE sector in Wales;

• The largest of the 4 ESF collaborative HEI projects (ATM, WBL and Foundation Degrees);

• 400+ scholarships over 5 years;

• 96 KESS scholarships live in Wales (Oct. 10);

• Unique in the way it uses ESF to support Higher level skills development

The 3 core components of a KESS Scholarship:

Penny Dowdney

Research Skills Development Manager

Postgraduate Skills Development Award

• Skills Forge software: initial skills audit; drop-down menu of provision; booking system; calendar; records (skills training and supervisory meetings); details can be locked.

• MRes: 60/120 credit split: 30 KESS credits: need to attend a 2-day GRAD School (10 credits).

• PhD: 60 KESS credits: 3-day GRAD School in year two (20 credits).

• GRAD Schools run North, Mid + South Wales spring / autumn.

Postgraduate Skills Development Award (cont.)

• Credits can be made up of modular courses (generic or discipline-specific);

• Credits can be made up of an equivalent number of hours of agreed training (e.g. workshops / events etc.)

• Training will meet the needs of the individual;• Students may be able to pick up training at partner institutions; • Guideline: 20 credits = 3 days of training (at appropriate level);• Certificate on completion of PSDA;• Completion will be monitored (Skills Forge;)• Training throughout PhD period.

2011 Applications

Bangor’s Allocation 2011/2012

• 15 PhDs

• 13 MRes

• Scholarship allocated through a competitive call for projects:

- Opens: 10th January 2011

- Closes: 25th February 2011

- Outcome of applications published before Easter

- Scholarships start Sept. 2011 at the latest

KESS: Eligibility

• Range of partners (must be based in the Convergence area):

– Micro and SMEs

– Large Companies

– 3rd Sector

– Public Sector Organisations (case by case basis)

• Student must be based in the Convergence area on application and have the right to work here on completion of the project;

• IP owned by host University (exclusive and non exclusive licenses available to exploit IP – additional cost).

KESS: Public Sector eligibility

Projects of last resort;

• Overall balance between SME projects and others;

• Potential for economic benefit;

• Skills developed of relevance to the private sector in the convergence area;

• WEFO’s preference is for “research being carried out under the auspices of links with private sector, with support from and buy in of the relevant public body.”

KESS Priority Sectors

• Welsh Assembly Government’s priority economic sectors:

– Digital Economy (ICT)– Low Carbon Economy– Health and Bioscience– Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing

• Can consider other project if they can demonstrate fit with:Economic Renewal Programme / spatial plan / cross cutting technologies / demand from local employers

KESS: approval criteria

1. Fit with WAG’s priority economic sectors;

2. Potential economic benefit of the project;

3. Quality of the research proposal;

4. Fit with the University’s research strategy;

KESS: approval criteria

Other considerations:

1. Academic’s track record of working collaboratively;

2. Commitment of the project partners to skills development;

3. Financial status of the partner (credit check);

4. Linkage with other European funded projects, Aber-Bangor Partnership, KT projects etc.

5. Preference for new partners

KESS - benefits of participating (Companies)

• Business focused research;• Attract and support the development of researchers in

your company;• Establish on-going links with the University;• Support other projects e.g. KTP; • Up-skill existing staff;• Low cost of participating

Company partner contribution

Type of Organisation

Nos. employees

Eligible to participate

Cash Contribution

p.a. (£k)

In-kind Contribution

p.a. (£k)

Micro < 10 Yes 2.5 1.5

Small < 50 Yes 2.5 1.5

Medium < 250 Yes 3 1.5

Large Company > 250 Yes 3.5 1.5

Third Sector - Yes (dependent on size)

1.5

Public Sector - On a case-by case-basis

3.5 1.5

Financial Makeup of a KESS Scholarship:

Scholarship Budget

Item Amount (£)

Student Stipend (starting) KESS Mini 9,548KESS Maxi 14,099

Travel / Conference Costs (p.a.) 1,000

Equipment / Consumables (p.a.) 3,000

Skills Development / Training / Student Support (p.a.)

1,000

Academic Travel (p.a.) 200

KESS: Approval process

• Step 1 - Initial project discussions with potential partnersSupport available from Central KESS team to screen ideas, identify partners, etc.

• Step 2 - Company and academic complete application form Guidance available from Central KESS teamSign off by Head of School

• Step 3 - Initial assessmentKESS central team to check eligibility, fit and company finances for the proposed project

• Step 4 - Assessment by College Director of ResearchQuality of Research proposal and fit with college research priorities

• Step 5 - Final assessment by the KESS Approval PanelApproval / Decline

KESS: Support and Help

• Completing the application form;• Initial screening of ideas;• Advice on identifying company partners;• Navigating ‘WEFO’ speak;• Company credit checks;• Linking with other KT projects in the University

Other Opportunities:

• Look out for the college specific funding sheets hitting your inbox soon.

• Also downloadable from www.bangor.ac.uk/rio• A4 sheet with opportunities from:

– Major UK funders– Postgraduate opportunities– Innovation / collaborative opportunities

KESS Central Team

Mr Bryn Jones Mr Chris HillierProject Manager Business Development ManagerTel: 01248 383887 Tel: 01248 382357Email: bryn.jones@bangor.ac.uk Email: c.hillier@bangor.ac.uk

Mr Brian Murcutt Ms Katie MintonSenior Project Administrator Senior Clerical AdminTel: 01248 382162 Tel: 01248 383582Email: b.murcutt@bangor.ac.uk Email: k.j.minton@bangor.ac.uk

Mrs Penny Dowdney Mr Steve MossResearch Skills Development Manager Senior Clerical Admin (Finance)Tel: 01248 382266 Tel: 01248 382162Email: p.j.dowdney@bangor.ac.uk Email: fox802@bangor.ac.uk

Further information / Contact details:

web: www.higherskillswales.co.uk/kess

e-mail: kess@bangor.ac.uktel: 01248 38 2162 / 3887

Cwestiynau / Questions?

Diolch yn fawr / Thank you