Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2) is a major pan-Wales operation supported by European Social Funds (ESF) through the Welsh Government. KESS 2 links companies and organisations with academic expertise in the Higher Education sector in Wales to undertake collaborative research projects, working towards a PhD or Research Masters qualification. Research elements are integrated with a higher-level skills training programme, leading to a Postgraduate Skills Development Award.
KESS 2 involves all universities in Wales, and is led by Bangor University. Following the highly successful KESS project between 2009 and 2014, KESS 2 is now in the second round of funding and will provide 645 scholarships over the course of six years.
The key objectives of KESS 2 are:
- To increase the research capacity of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) by linking with a PhD / Research Masters project
- To encourage SMEs to undertake research and recruit researchers
- To prepare and train individuals to contribute to research as professionals
- To support the development of key technologies in the Convergence Area of Wales
- To promote higher-level skills development
A KESS 2 Call is now open, with research Masters opportunities available immediately, and PhD projects with 2018 start dates which can go through approval now.
This call is now open and will remain open until Monday November 6th.
To be eligible for KESS 2 funding, 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 £3.5 – £4.75k (depending on company size)
- Project must fit within one of the WG grand challenge areas : Life Sciences & Health; Low Carbon, Energy & Environment; ICT & Digital Economy; Advanced Engineering & Materials
- Must lead to a Masters by Research; MRes or PhD qualification
- Must be completed in 3.5 years for PhD; 1 year 3 months for Research Masters
For more information about KESS 2 visit the website