SULSA has awarded 27 researchers from across our 11 member universities to participate in this scheme in early 2022. The main outcomes of this scheme, will be reported here as and when they occur. 

SULSA, in collaboration with Interface, created the Forging Futures scheme to support and develop a cohort of researchers by enabling them to explore the opportunities available to them in academia and industry and equipping them with the tools to work effectively between the two. 

The scheme has the added benefit of; enhancing the translation of research, catalysing cross-fertilisation across universities, building the confidence of researchers in collaborating across academic disciplines and industry sectors, increasing funding options for our researchers, and supporting their career progression.

This scheme includes:

• A 6-week modular course with Skillfluence on how to engage effectively with industry (see drop-down below for more information)
• Group coaching sessions with MyFuturePlan to help them on their career path (see drop-down below for more information)
• Access to industry case studies and connections with industry through Interface
• £500 toward professional development training

Our selected researchers will become SULSA Ambassadors for Industry Engagement within their institution. With this comes an expectation that they will pay it forward and work within their cohort to share the knowledge and insight they have learnt with their research community.

A webinar detailing this scheme and its benefits took place on Tuesday 7th September with a talk from Tony Bradshaw (MyFuturePlan), Alison Gray (Skillfluence) and Siobhán Jordan (Interface).

Check out our Industry Ambassador’s blogs about the Forging Futures Scheme over at SULSA Blogs

Applications for round two of this scheme will open in August 2023.