Current Health and Life Sciences Opportunities
This update will provide you with some immediate trade and funding opportunities and some interesting STEM initiatives that your company can get involved in.
Filming opportunity to boost trade links with Vietnam
Malcolm Brabon from Coast to Capital recently attended a successful trade mission to Vietnam which has generated lots of potential opportunities. Malcolm was interviewed by Vietnam TV (VTV) about our desire to develop international trading links with Vietnam and they would like to film some key locations and businesses in the Coast to Capital region.
If you would like to be involved please contact Malcolm directly malcolm.brabon@coast2capital.org.uk
£2.4M for SMEs available now
The new Coast to Capital Region Business Growth Grants Programme has launched to help SME businesses that want to grow and create new jobs. The programme is being run by West Sussex County Council and over £2m is available for this financial year. Grants range from £15,000 to £100,000 and the programme is inviting start-ups, existing businesses and social enterprises to apply. The grant may only be used for capital items. Applications for Expressions of Interest are now open and will remain open until 12 noon on 30 September 2016.Click here for more information.
STEM
Can you help a local Year 12 Student find their Nuffield Placement?
Several excellent Sussex Year 12 students are seeking 4-6 week summer Nuffield research placements. Anyone working in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) role can be a placement provider.
How can taking on a Nuffield student benefit to your company?
- Developing your future workforce - the placements make a profound and lasting impact on a student's education and future career.
- Development of teaching and mentoring skills - particularly useful for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and staff looking to gain management experience.
- Potential contributions to published papers or grant applications.
- Contributing to pilot or side projects your staff struggle to find time for.
- Demonstrating your company's commitment to public engagement and corporate social responsibility
To see the student bios and the type of placements they are looking for click here. If you are interested in taking on a student please email Nuffield@brighton.ac.uk.
STEM Ambassador Programme
STEM Sussex are looking for more STEM ambassadors within the Health and Life Sciences community. Have you any staff members that you think would benefit from being a STEM Ambassador?
Why is the STEM Ambassador programme good for employers?
By supporting your employees' participation in the STEM Ambassador programme, you give them a brilliant opportunity to motivate young learners whilst developing their own communication, presentation and planning skills, and promoting your company to your local community.
How can my company get involved?
You can sign up any number of employees, from 1 to 1000! The only requirement is that they are interested in volunteering with young people, have some sort of background in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths, and are willing to take part in at least one activity a year. Your employees could be involved in mentoring, company visits, classroom support (talks or practical activities), or big events like the Big Bang Fair South East. STEM Sussex send out a newsletter to all ambassadors every fortnight which details our current school requests - or you can always offer your services if you'd like to do something specific.
What happens next?
All ambassadors must attend a short induction session and obtain a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with us before they are considered an approved STEM Ambassador and can start volunteering. Volunteers can sign up at https://db.stemnet.org.uk/register/ambassador - or you can contact STEM Sussex at ambassadors@brighton.ac.uk if you have any questions.
If you have any opportunities or stories that you would like to share, please email Rachael.merriman@westsussex.gov.uk.
