PhD training boost

Cardiff is one of 39 universities to have been awarded Doctoral Training Grants by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The grants will allow postgraduate students at Cardiff to work with leading researchers and tackle issues of importance in engineering and physical sciences.

Across the 39 universities the EPSRC is investing £84.2 million in postgraduate training through the grants – the largest investment to date.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: "This significant investment underlines the UK's commitment to top quality postgraduate research and training. It will drive growth and help secure our future as a leading science and engineering nation, with a wealth of skilled people able to tackle global challenges, from infrastructure planning to public health."

Professor David Delpy, EPSRC Chief Executive said: "This year's Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs) demonstrate our commitment to excellence in postgraduate research and training. The grants will also complement the funding EPSRC is offering for Centres for Doctoral Training. This new investment provides universities with flexible funding to support doctoral students in their own priority areas.

"The grants will enable students to work with world-class research leaders, on innovative, excellent science and develop new technologies to tackle the many global challenges we face as well, as equipping them with the skills and knowledge to further their own career ambitions."

The DTGs are awarded to universities for the provision of postgraduate study and are allocated each year on the basis of EPSRC research grant income.