Early career academics last week took part in a masterclass on working with collaborators and building lasting industrial connections.

Twelve academics from seven different departments within the Faculty of Engineering participated in this very interactive pilot, focusing on the benefits of collaborating with industry for both academia and the sponsor, and how to identify and maximise opportunities to engage with existing or prospective partners.

The session also included things to consider when building a compelling pitch, how to shape the engagement and build successful partnerships, and the in-house support available to do so.

The day ended with attendees splittling into groups to work on a collaborative proposal which they pitched to a mock panel of two senior academics experienced in working with industry, Corporate Partnerships and ICON.

Rebeca Santamaria-Fernandez, who helped to run the working with industry session, said: "The exercise provided an opportunity to work with colleagues to deliver a collaborative pitch in a safe environment and receive constructive feedback. We really enjoyed delivering the pilot and we hope to be working with all participants in the near future!"

Led by Corporate Partnerships and the College Learning and Development Centre, the session was the first in a series of academic communications masterclasses created in response to feedback from early career academics about their support needs.

One early career academic said: "It was very informative and engaging. I learnt several tips for a good pitch and important points to take into account when starting a collaboration with a company."

The other planned masterclasses are Writing abstracts, Techniques for Successful Public Speaking and Science and Social Media.

Please follow the links to register or go to the LDC website if you are interested in attending any of these half day masterclasses, or register for future sessions on Working with Industry next year.