KESS 2 (Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships 2)

Project description

The Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2) is a major European programme led by Bangor University on behalf of the Welsh higher education sector. KESS 2 offers collaborative research projects (Research Masters and PhD) linked with a local company partner, with scholarships supported by ESF funding. KESS 2 works across the West Wales and the Valleys area, with all of the Welsh Universities involved in the operation.

The scheme will partner over 500 businesses with academics and postgraduate researchers to develop innovative research projects aimed at driving business growth.

The KESS II operation aims to increase the number of individuals with higher level skills in research and innovation with a view to promoting and increasing Research and Innovation activity within businesses, including micro companies. The operation will be focused on increasing the supply of individuals undertaking research and innovation activities at ISCED levels 7-8 in collaboration with and driven by the needs of the private sector and focused on the Grand Challenge areas. It will offer progression routes for individuals able to pursue qualifications at this level and responds to identified skills needs required to underpin economic growth and investment.

Geographical coverage

The project operates across the whole of West Wales and the Valleys.

Essential eligibility criteria

To be eligible for ESF funding, KESS 2 projects must adhere to the following criteria:

• Be scoped in partnership with a company partner.
• Project activity must be in the convergence region of Wales.
• The company partner will have to contribute an annual cash contribution between £3k – £4k +VAT (depending on company size).
• KESS 2 projects must fit within one of the WG grand challenge areas : Life Sciences & Health; Low Carbon, Energy & Environment ; ICT & Digital Economy; Advanced Engineering & Materials.
• Every KESS 2 project must lead to a Research Masters or PhD qualification.
• KESS 2 projects must be submitted in 3.5 years for PhD; 1year 3 months for Research Masters.

Specific targets

• Participants with a graduate degree or equivalent – male 325, female 320
• Participants gaining a qualification upon leaving at Masters or Doctoral level – male 256, female 247
• Participants in employment upon leaving – male 166, female 158
• Enterprises collaborating with learning providers in Research and Innovation activities – 516

Contact details

Name: Dr Penny Dowdney
Email: p.j.dowdney@bangor.ac.uk
Telephone: 01248 282266
Address: E1.11, Management Centre, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL554YN
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