Post on 27-Dec-2015
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