DISCnet Focal Award Industry Engagement
Helping Shape the Next Generation of Data Science Researchers
DISCnet and its consortium partners are developing a proposal for a new doctoral training programme through the UKRI Focal Award scheme.
The consortium currently comprises the University of Sussex, The Open University, Queen Mary University of London and the University of Southampton. Together, these institutions bring extensive expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, doctoral training and industry collaboration.
Building on the success of the current DISCnet Centre for Doctoral Training, the proposed programme will bring together universities, industry and other stakeholders to train future leaders in data science and related disciplines. The programme will equip doctoral researchers with the technical, professional and interdisciplinary skills needed to address real-world challenges across a range of sectors.
The proposed programme will strengthen partnerships between academia and industry, creating opportunities for organisations to contribute to doctoral training while benefiting from access to emerging talent, new ideas and cutting-edge research.
As we develop the proposal, we are keen to engage with organisations that are interested in helping shape the programme and supporting the next generation of doctoral researchers.
Why Industry Engagement Matters
Collaboration with industry is central to the success of doctoral training.
Industry partners help ensure that research and training remain relevant, responsive and connected to real-world challenges. Through engagement with organisations of all sizes, doctoral researchers gain valuable insight into different sectors, while partners benefit from access to talented researchers and new perspectives.
We are keen to hear from organisations interested in shaping and engaging with the proposed programme, should funding be secured.
Why Partner with DISCnet?
By partnering with DISCnet, organisations can:
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Access emerging talent in data science, AI and machine learning
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Help shape future research and skills development
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Contribute to addressing real-world challenges
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Build relationships with leading research institutions
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Support the next generation of researchers
How Organisations Engage With Us
DISCnet has a strong track record of working with organisations across industry, the public sector and the wider community. Partners engage with us in a variety of ways, depending on their interests and priorities.
Student Placements
Provide researchers with valuable experience of working within industrial, commercial, public sector or third-sector environments.
Mentoring and Career Development
Support researchers through mentoring, careers discussions and professional development activities.
Industry Projects and Challenges
Contribute real-world problems, case studies or challenge-led projects that help inform doctoral research and training.
Advisory Groups
Help shape the programme through participation in advisory boards, steering groups or strategic discussions.
Strategic Research Partnerships
Engage through co-funded studentships and collaborative projects to address real-world challenges and access emerging research talent.
Skills Training
Contribute to specialist training in areas such as leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, responsible research and professional practice.
Express Interest in Partnering with DISCnet
We are inviting organisations to register their interest in collaborating with DISCnet as part of the proposed Focal Award programme.
Potential opportunities include:
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Student placements and internships
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Industry-led projects and challenge-led research
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Doctoral research partnerships
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Mentoring and skills development activities
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Participation in advisory groups
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Knowledge exchange and wider collaboration
Submitting an expression of interest does not commit your organisation to any specific activity. It helps us understand the breadth of interest in the proposed programme and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
Organisations interested in providing a letter or email of support are welcome to indicate this via the Expression of Interest Form.
Watch the Industry Webinar Recording
Thank you to everyone who attended our industry webinar on 2 September 2026.
The webinar provided an overview of the proposed DISCnet Focal Award programme, opportunities for collaboration, and ways organisations can engage with DISCnet.
If you were unable to join us, you can watch the 30-minute webinar recording below. Presentation slides are also available to download for a quick overview of the proposed programme and partnership opportunities.
Download the presentation slides (PDF, 3 slides)
The webinar covers:
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An overview of the Focal Award opportunity
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Information about the DISCnet consortium and proposed programme
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Examples of industry engagement opportunities
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How organisations can get involved
Interested in getting involved? Complete our Expression of Interest Form or book a one-to-one discussion with the team.
Book a One-to-One Discussion
For organisations interested in exploring collaboration opportunities in more detail, we would be pleased to arrange a short discussion with members of the DISCnet team.
These discussions provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed programme, explore potential areas of collaboration, and discuss how your organisation may wish to engage should funding be secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of commitment is expected at this stage?
We are currently seeking expressions of interest and support. Any future involvement can be discussed and agreed following a successful funding outcome.
Does providing a letter or email of support commit us to participation?
No. A letter or email of support simply indicates that your organisation is interested in engaging with the programme should funding be secured. It does not constitute a binding commitment and there will be opportunities to discuss the nature and extent of any future involvement.
Do we need to commit financial support?
Not at this stage. We are not requesting financial contributions as part of this initial expression of support process.
However, if the programme is funded, there may be opportunities for organisations to contribute financially to specific activities or forms of engagement. We would be pleased to discuss these options with interested partners as the programme develops.
Can organisations engage in more than one way?
Yes. Organisations may choose to engage through a range of activities, including placements, challenge-led projects, mentoring, guest lectures, skills development activities and advisory board participation.
What types of organisations can be involved?
We welcome engagement from organisations across industry, the public sector, charities, SMEs, large companies and other relevant stakeholders.
When would the new programme begin?
Subject to a successful funding outcome, the programme is expected to commence in October 2027, following completion of the necessary approvals and programme setup activities.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss the proposed programme or potential involvement, please contact:
Associate Professor Kate Shaw
Director, DISCnet Centre for Doctoral Training
Susanne Bell
Manager, DISCnet Centre for Doctoral Training