SFI funds 6 Centres for Research Training (CRTs) that are collectively hosted across a partner network of 10 research bodies. The CRTs aim to promote excellence in research and education and will train over 700 doctoral students in data and ICT skills; equipping them with transversal, cross-sectoral and discipline specific skills.
The CRTs have been modelled on international best practice and have been funded following rigorous international peer review. The Centres adhere to best practice guidelines, including but not limited to the National Framework for Doctoral Education and the QQI Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for Providers of Research Degree Programmes – which reference procedures for facilitating research mobility and networking, including placements and internships.
These Centres, involving deep engagement with industry, provide a unique opportunity for PhD students and will deliver the critical future skills required for our society and economy. To date, 321 students have been recruited across the 6 SFI CRTs. Of these recruited students, 25 students hosted by the CRT in Data Science (at University of Limerick, University College Dublin and National University of Ireland Maynooth) have undertaken a placement to date.
The primary purpose of a placement is to expose students to other sectors and career paths, as well as building their professional network, ultimately enhancing the students’ employability and mobility in academic and non-academic sectors. The PhDs are offered the opportunity to select which company they wish to carry out their placement at. The PhD student continues to receive their stipend for the duration of the placement. Appropriate support is provided by each CRT to the student in the selection and organisation of a placement with clear consideration of the desired outcomes of the placement for both the student and provider.
