Secondment scheme to transfer knowledge to business

The University of Leeds has announced a new scheme to support the transfer of skilled between business and the University to fully exploit the outcomes of research activity.

The £886,000 funding will also encourage the development of partnerships between the university and external partners with a focus on engineering and physical sciences.

"The scheme operates on the principle that one of the most effective ways to transfer knowledge is to transfer people, through secondment into the partner organization or into the University," said Professor Simon Biggs, the director of the scheme. "It will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and skills for mutual benefit, maximize the impact of research, strengthen long-term relationships with industry and stimulate innovation".

Dr Ali Hassanpour, Research Fellow at the Institute for Particle Science & Engineering, spent 18-months working on methods for understanding particulate process at Procter & Gamble. He said: "I found the experience highly rewarding, both personally and professionally.
"I refined existing modelling techniques not previously seriously considered for industrial purposes. The results allowed P to understand the root causes of problems and suggested ways to solve them. The experience helped me appreciate how best to deploy academic knowledge for industrial applications, maximizing their impact. P&G continue to use our consultation services and there's scope for the collaboration to continue and expand."

The scheme is open until September 2012, and funding may be used to support the salary (and on-costs) of the secondee.

Enquiries can be made in the first instance to the University's Enterprise and Innovation Office on 0113 343 0900, or by email to business@leeds.ac.uk
For more information visit:

The scheme's website and access further background and an application form.

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