Each project is designed to meet a partner’s needs, through work done by a dedicated student at MPhil, research master's or PhD level, supervised by an academic team at the University.

Further benefits of participation include:

• a route to attract, develop and retain new researchers into the business, with relevant skills
• establishing and building on-going links with University staff, facilities and expertise
• the low cost of participation
• positive marketing, publicity and promotional opportunities.

Key requirements

Partners must have a base in the relevant region of Wales in order to strengthen on-going benefit to that region. This does not have to be a head-quarters. Priority is given to private sector organisations (Micro Enterprises; Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs); Large Companies). Third and Public Sector partners will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Partners are asked to make a cash contribution of £5,500 - £7,000 per year (excluding VAT, depending on company size and start date of the project). Intellectual property arising from the project must be owned by the University. Licences to IPR are subject to further negotiation. Students will spend at least 30 days a year with the partner.

KESS2 may not be appropriate for every business. You could also consider one of our other funded schemes such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

How to apply

No further PhD places are available for East and West Wales.

Please download East project application to apply.

Priority will be given to private sector partners and partners who have not previously received KESS 2 funding.

Academic supervisors must liaise with their school PGR/Research offices when preparing applications - applications should be submitted via Academic School office to KESS2 at kess@cardiff.ac.uk with School approval.

Please contact the KESS2 administration team at kess@cardiff.ac.uk to discuss your ideas before developing a full proposal.

Current KESS2 vacancies.

Our funders

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