The money comes from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of its knowledge transfer accounts programme. The EPSRC set up the programme to try to ensure that the research it funds is commercialised. The award to Bath is one of a total of £44 million going to 12 institutions.
Jon Hunt, Head of Research Development & Collaborations, said the award builds on the university’s reputation for working with businesses to develop ideas into opportunities that benefit the economy and the wider society. “The scheme will be used to reduce the barriers preventing greater knowledge exchange between businesses and the university.”
Examples of activities will include secondments for academic staff into business (and vice-versa); co-designed and co-funded development projects with business, such as Continuous Professional Development, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and adopting new technologies; and creating spin-out companies.
http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/2009/04/03/953businessgrant/
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