The Independent

Professor Rick Rylance talked about EPSRC-funded Industrial Doctorate Centres and the value of the Engineering Doctorates for industry in the UK in The Independent (10 February 2011):

"...Most IDC postgraduates are awarded an engineering doctorate (EngD), a four-year programme intended for the UK's leading researchers aiming for a career in industry. It is an innovative alternative to the traditional PhD, better suited to the industry's needs.

Dr Wendy Nice was one of the first students to complete the programme in 1996. She is now manufacturing technology strategy manager at Rolls- Royce: "Just like the EngD students at Rolls-Royce today, I worked alongside company employees as an integral part of a team solving practical engineering challenges with a real-world application. When I completed my course not only did I have a postgraduate engineering qualification, but I was also equipped with a diploma in management, and specialist skills and knowledge that have supported me in my career to date.""

Dr Nice joined the Steering Committee of the AEngD and will attend the next meeting on 9 March 2011.