| Our knowledge transfer partnerships |
Biocatalysts are continuously involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and we are currently running two KTP projects. The KTP scheme enables Biocatalysts to transfer knowledge from the academic institution and embed this information within our organisation. Our first KTP project is being carried out by Ian Brown and is between Biocatalysts and The Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath. Ian joined Biocatalysts just over a year ago and has been working closely with Prof. David Hough, Reader in Biochemistry, and Prof. Michael Danson who is Head of the Centre for Extremophile Research. Ian is just about to embark on the second stage of his project which concentrates on commercial applications of novel enzymes. Ian feels Extremophile Research is an area Biocatalysts can exploit. He also hopes to form a synergistic relationship with the second KTP project being run at Biocatalysts by Jonathan Wood. This project started in August 2010. Jonathan is on a two-year KTP in association with the University of Nottingham. This KTP project complements an existing CASE sponsored PhD project with The Department of Food Science in Nottingham, and builds on our excellent relationship with Head of School, Prof. Ian Connerton. During Jonathan's previous time in academia, he developed excellent research relationships with numerous individuals spanning a variety of departments, universities and areas of interest. Jonathan will build on these during his time with Biocatalysts, to increase our links with academia and uncover some exciting new areas of research relating to the use of novel carbohydrase enzymes for food applications. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships enable Biocatalysts to exploit the up-to-date technical expertise of talented graduates, by providing them with an opportunity to build on and extend their knowledge whilst applying it to a commercial context. There is a considerable focus placed by the Government on supporting the research, development and exploitation of knowledge transfer for the benefit of business and academia with the aim of increasing economic growth for the UK. This so far has been seen through technical knowledge and use of equipment which increases project capabilities at Biocatalysts. |
