Become a Sponsor
We welcome enquiries from potential sponsors. We are happy to put you in contact with one of our current sponsors, to visit you at your site, or for you to come and view the facilities and meet the team at Surrey.
- Are there any restrictions on the type of organisation that can sponsor an EngD?
We are happy to work with companies, government laboratories, charities and other organisations with a research interest in the UK. Provided that the organisation can provide an appropriate environment for the Research Engineer (RE), principally in the UK, then we are happy to talk about projects.
- What do you mean by ‘appropriate environment’?
The RE is working towards a doctorate and hence needs access to equipment/facilities, information and professional mentors/advisors.
- Are there any restrictions of the types of projects?
The project (or linked projects) must fall within the programme remit i.e. be a ‘materials’ problem and have an element of practical advanced characterisation associated with it. We do not allow projects that are solely modelling although we are happy to have an element of modelling in any project. It is essential that the RE has the opportunity to undertake doctoral level work and hence the quality of the potential project is of paramount importance.
- What makes a successful EngD project?
The most successful projects are ones which allow the RE to work within the commercial environment but away from the day-to-day ‘fire fighting’ type activities and pressures. Ideally the RE will be looking at more speculative mid- to long-term projects which will really make a difference when they come to fruition. This gives the RE the scope to innovate whilst creating new opportunities for sponsors.
- How do I put together a project proposal?
If you are interested in sponsoring an EngD then please contact the Centre. We will put you in touch with a suitable academic partner and together you can formulate a project proposal.
- What about intellectual property?
Very early on in the process we talk about such matters and draw up an agreement to cover them. Whilst we try to be flexible, key requirements are that the RE is able to produce a thesis/portfolio of work and that some information is put into the public domain
- Can I be involved in the selection of the RE?
Yes. We actively encourage the sponsor to be involved in the entire recruitment process from advising on the 'personal specification' to the final selection.
- What are the costs involved in being a sponsor and will you increase the cost once I’ve signed up?
We will not ask you for any more money once you have signed the jointly agreed project proposal and contract.
Sponsors who sign up from 1st April 2013 will pay £15,000 per annum for four years.
Your RE will, however, receive increments in their stipend as they successfully pass through the programme.
If you would like to become one of our sponsors, please feel free to contact us now.
Available Projects
- Analysis methodology for verification of joints in composite structures (MiNMaT)
- Graphene Metrology (MiNMaT)
- Investigation of novel inorganic materials for thin film printable electronics - MiNMaT
- Multi Scale MRI/X-ray CT characterisation and LB modelling study of wood drying - MiNMaT
- Silicon Carbide Fibre Process Development (2013) - MiNMaT
- The development of a high energy X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy system for materials analysis (MiNMaT)
