Sunderland University in the hunt for science talent

Jun 20 2009 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

A NORTH East university has launched a £3.5m search to find the country’s best graduates, with the aim of creating a world-leading science and computing industry in the region.

In a joint venture with development agency One North East, Sunderland University is looking for talented computing or science graduates to make an impact in software development and applied sciences. The Software City Postgraduate Scholarships and the Applied Sciences Postgraduate Scholarships have a combined value of £3.5m and will be worth around £16,000 to each student.

They will offer the cream of UK graduates the opportunity to work with employers on projects that aim to revolutionise industry in our region. The university’s announcement comes weeks after The Journal launched its Great North Revolution campaign – a major drive to stimulate the development of an economy fit for the 21st Century and beyond.

Sunderland Software City Postgraduate Scholarships are part of an ambitious initiative designed to create a vibrant software sector in Sunderland.

Sunderland Software City aims to attract millions of pounds of business investment, employ thousands of people and generate wealth for the area.

Prof John MacIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, said: “Students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills and to work with some of the biggest employers in science and computing, such as Microsoft, Yahoo and the NHS.

“Our students are valued by employers and we are working on major initiatives such as Sunderland Software City, which will generate many job opportunities for our graduates, as well as helping them to start their own businesses.”

The concept is a key component in the Regional Economic Strategy for the North East, called Leading the Way.

Margaret Fay, chairman of One North East, said: “These scholarships will offer a wealth of opportunities to students in the North East. The programme will enable them to undertake placements with regional employers, who in turn will be able to benefit from new thinking and fresh ideas.

“Ultimately, the aim is to allow both business and students to learn from each other and to give some of the brightest minds a better chance of securing employment in the North East.

She added: “Overall, the world-class people we see emerging from these courses will help Sunderland Software City fulfil its integral role in the development of a truly 21st Century economy in the North East.”

To find out more about the scholarships, or to apply, call (0191) 515 3000 or e-mail admissions@sunderland.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday, July 31.