- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
16 Aug 2007 17:17:41
A scheme that encourages businesses to interact with academics at the University of Bedfordshire has brought in a dozen new companies over the last year.
Companies have been invited to special lunchtime seminars called ‘Partners Connect’ which were run by Dr Fiaz Hussain, one of 11 Employer Partnership Fellows at the University.
The companies shared their industry knowledge and expertise with both academics and students and guest speakers included Gary Jesson, MD e-Financial Management; Ayo Adewale, Development Manager for Pitney Bowes Emtex; and Jane Barnes MD of Yakkety Yak Multimedia Company.
The seminars strengthened academic and business partnership and have contributed to further collaborations including the development of academic-delivered commercial training and the formation of an Employer Panel for the Computing Department.
The third Partners Connect series is now being set up by Dr Hussain, who is a Senior Lecturer in the Creative Arts, Technologies and Science faculty.
As a Fellow, his primary aim is to develop scenarios between external organisations, from both private and public sector, and the University.
This includes:
Dr Hussain said: “The aim is for our academics to become business champions, with a view to working with employers to attract external funds to support mutually beneficial collaboration.
“We aim to seek new commercial opportunities, help to improve graduate employment prospects, and explore innovative ideas across a broad range of commercial initiatives.”
The Employer Partner Fellows scheme was established by the University’s Knowledge Hub to encourage business development activity across the University at departmental level.
Now in its fifth year, the scheme provides businesses with wide access to a network of leading expertise, cutting-edge research and development skills, through academic fellows, providing businesses with applicable know-how.
The scheme is backed by the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and was highlighted as “an area of good practice” at the University, by the Government standards watchdog, the Quality Assurance Agency.
There is now a cohort of 11 Fellows in place across the University - from Business and Health to Sport and Psychology. They bring a broad range of academic and commercial expertise and will continue to build on the success of the scheme.
To take part in the next Partners Connect Seminars in October, contact Dr Fiaz Hussain on 01582 743029 or email fiaz.hussain@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2007» August» Business and academic partnership blossoms in Beds
