Durham University teams up with fellow institutions to support regional PhD programme

Eligible SMEs can now apply to be supported by a dedicated PhD research student as part of a three-year programme between four North East universities.

Up to 45 SMEs will be supported by the Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme (IIIP) - a partnership between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Teesside universities.

It pairs SMEs with a PhD student to develop new products and services for the market.

Jenny Taylor, head of economic development at Durham University, said: “Thirty-six businesses from across the North East are already benefitting from the IIIP and we really want to see eligible SMEs apply for the second phase of this unique programme.

“The programme gives eligible SMEs access to a dedicated PhD student as well as senior university academics and research facilities.

“This is a great chance for local businesses and researchers to work together to enhance business growth and support innovation with the aim of encouraging longer-term high quality job creation in the region.”

IIIP is currently supporting 36 businesses across the region, from companies in Northumberland down to businesses in Billingham, with PhD students working on research projects that work towards solving industry challenges.

The three-year programme, led by Durham University, is supported by £2m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with additional funding coming from the four partner universities.

The project is targeted at priority sectors identified in the economic plans of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

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