INDUSTRY

Develop practical skills to solve complex industry problems

Engineering is the discipline or profession of acquiring and creatively applying knowledge of science and mathematics coupled with the use of natural laws and earth resources in the design of products, processes or systems that enhance the living standards and quality of life. Engineers seek solutions or designs that balance the need for the development of a built environment and the need to protect the natural environment. Engineers provide engineering products, processes and systems that are safe, effective, economical and sustainable.

Innovations and inventions have potential for huge positive impact in the real world, if they can just reach the right audience and end users. Businesses understand real-world problems and seek to solve them, if they can connect to the right scientific and technical experts.

Industry support for IARE students is significant, playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. This support manifests in various forms, including industry partnerships, internships, evaluation, adjudication, collaborative projects, and placement programs, enriching the education and career prospects of students.

Closing the research-industry gap can be a win for both sides that also benefits society in general. It involves exchange of knowledge and ideas, to enhance capabilities and technologies.

Sometimes industry drives research: a business may have a question or problem that IARE experts can resolve through commercial research.

Sometimes research drives industry: discoveries, inventions and innovations can be commercialised as new products or services. In the process, intellectual property (IP) may be created.

Common ways that industry is involved in the delivery of engineering education at IARE

Visiting professorships / visiting teaching fellowships - delivery of whole or some part of courses.
Sponsored competitions - such as the Airbus Fly Your Idea competition.
Deep-immersion role-plays delivered by academic–industry partnerships - for example SAE Formula Student.
Participation in projects by industrialists.
Engineering societies in campus.
Work placements - both paid or un-paid basis.
Industrial mentors - these can be either long-term relationships that operate over several years, or short-term relationships set up in support of a particular module or design project.
Provision of free or discounted educational materials - for example Siemens Education, or the educational resources made available through Expedition Workshed.
Provision of free or discounted engineering software or equipment - for example, discounted access to the Solidworks software suite.
Sponsorship and awards.
Provision of free or discounted memberships of professional institutions.
Site visits - for example to construction sites or factories.
Participation in department or faculty industrial advisory boards.
Student prizes - for example, in support of academic merit.
Careers fair and recruitment talks.