Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 263171

Systems-NET

Crossing the Bridge - Immersive Secondments:

Systems-NET is keen to support a small number of short-term immersive secondments for UK researchers to spend time in a complementary laboratory or industry in order to develop cross-disciplinary collaborations. These secondments are aimed at young researchers (Postgraduates, PhD students, Post-Docs) and new members of university staff, although other candidates will also be considered. This scheme provides financial support to allow systems engineering knowledge to be transferred across from academia to industry and vice versa. The number of such awards is limited and based on a competitive/merit basis. Each secondee will be required to produce a short report at the end of the secondment. 


Candidate Profile

Researchers conducting studies in a Systems Engineering (SE) related subject, or SE researchers, or early career SE academics that can benefit from the close engagement and analysis of a project development in industry or even in another university. The candidate is expected to determine the project subject area and establish the objectives through the submission of a proposal. The candidate should have a keen interest in the project and be capable of independent work and self-organisation.

Purpose

The aim is for the candidate to engage with industry or another university in the development of a project, process or product for example to oversee the general layout and logistics of an industrial process. The candidate is expected to describe, analyse and write about his/her understanding of the project from a SE point of view.  The successful candidate should produce a report at the end of the secondment and include a history of the project development, a discussion giving insights on how systems engineering could have/has benefited the overall development of the project and conclusions specifying areas were improvement could have been achieved offering alternative SE approaches. The hosting institution will receive a copy of this report, as well as Systems-NET. The intention is to publish the report online so company approval will need to be sought.

Finance

The selected candidates will receive up to £3000 each for expenses during the secondment. The money will be paid in three instalments: after the first month, at the end of the secondment and upon submission of the report (within one month of completion of the secondment).

Application Process

The candidate should submit a brief proposal via the application form specifying their area of interest with respect to Systems Science and Engineering and the reasons for this. The candidate is also expected to indicate the university or the industry where the secondment will be conducted.  Systems-NET will help support initial engagement/introduction if required. All immersive secondments proposals will be reviewed by the Systems-NET advisory board and considered against available funding.  

Duration of secondment

Although the duration of the secondment is of variable length, depending on the circumstances, a continuous period of at least one month is recommended. The final decision will be made in agreement with the host institution.

Immersive Secondment Application Form

News on Immersive Secondments

Systems-NET has supported the following short term immersive secondments to pursue collaboration in systems research:

  • James Anderson from Oxford University carried out an immersive secondment on Robust and Optimal Control of Complex Systems at Stanford University in California USA. A report from his visit is available following this link Optimal and Robust Control of Networked Systems
  • Joseph Abram from Southampton University carried out an immersive secondment on Systems Dynamics and Species Dispersal of Freshwater Ecosystems within the State of Florida, USA. A report from his visit is available following this link System Dynamics and Species Dispersal of Freshwater Ecosystems