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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Join Our Industry Webinar
We are hosting an online webinar for organisations that would like to learn more about the proposed programme.
The webinar is intended for organisations interested in collaborating with DISCnet through placements, projects, mentoring, doctoral research partnerships, skills development activities or other forms of industry engagement.
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The webinar will provide:
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An overview of the Focal Award opportunity
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Information about the consortium and proposed programme
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Examples of industry engagement opportunities
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Details of how organisations can support the bid
Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Time: 13:00-14:00 (BST)
Location: Microsoft Teams
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Whether you have worked with DISCnet before or are interested in exploring new opportunities for collaboration, we would be pleased to welcome you to the session.
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.
Supporting the Bid
As part of the funding application, we are seeking expressions of support from organisations interested in engaging with and helping shape the programme should funding be awarded.
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Support may be provided in the form of:
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A brief letter on company letterhead
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An email from an appropriate representative
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We are not asking organisations to make a legally binding commitment at this stage.
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Rather, we are seeking expressions of interest that demonstrate the potential for future collaboration between your organisation and DISCnet.
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We welcome statements indicating interest in activities such as:
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Hosting placements
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Providing project opportunities and challenge-led research collaborations
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Contributing expertise through mentoring, seminars and skills development activities
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Participating in advisory or strategic groups
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Supporting researcher training and development
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Engaging in collaborative or co-funded doctoral research opportunities
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Associate Professor Kate Shaw
Director, DISCnet Centre for Doctoral Training
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Susanne Bell
Manager, DISCnet Centre for Doctoral Training