Each Centre will fund 50-70 PhD students working on projects that are deemed crucial to economic growth by the Government
The University of Liverpool has been awarded a new centre for solar energy, as part of a government investment in postgraduate training.
Science Minister, David Willetts has announced the £350 million Centres for Doctoral Training from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Liverpool will lead one and partner in two others, one of only 24 UK Universities to lead these prestigious training centres.
New centre
The University will lead the Centre for ‘New and Sustainable Photovoltaics’, led by Professor Ken Durose, from the University of Liverpool’s Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy.
In addition, Liverpool’s School of Engineering will be a key collaborating partner in two further Centres. The Centre for additive manufacturing (3D printing) is led by the University of Nottingham with Liverpool’s input led by Dr Chris Sutcliffe. The other Centre is led by the University of Manchester and is called The Next Generation Nuclear CDT. The Liverpool element of this Centre will be co-ordinated by Professor Eann Patterson.
David Willetts said: “Scientists and engineers are vital to our economy and society. It is their talent and imagination, as well as their knowledge and skills, which inspire innovation and drive growth across a range of sectors, from manufacturing to financial services.
“I am particularly pleased to see strong partnerships between universities, industry and business among the new Centres. This type of collaboration is a key element of our industrial strategy and will continue to keep us at the forefront of the global science race.”
Great achievement
The announcement of the funding from the EPSRC follows another recent announcement of the University of Liverpool’s involvement in two Doctoral Training Centres funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Professor Stephen Holloway, Provost, said: “It is a really great achievement and I would like to thank all of those who have helped to bring this remarkable change about.
“These will allow us to provide more opportunities for postgraduate students studying at Liverpool. The technologies they’ll be studying are at the forefront of the UK’s high-tech economy, so we’re delighted that our students will be working closely with industry and gaining experience in the field.”
