£82m in grants to train Britain's future scientists and engineers was announced today (12 February 2009) by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
The annual Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs), awarded this year to over 45 universities and higher education institutions, will generate more than 1200 PhD students.
Professor David Delpy, chief executive of EPSRC, said: "People are at the heart of what we do. These grants mark a significant investment in talented future PhD students who will help drive forward the UK's economy."
Universities have a target of using 10% of their 2009 DTG funding for industry related training to broaden the student experience.
The DTGs 2009-10 are part of EPSRC's broader commitment to excellence in Britain's post graduate research.
In December 2008 EPSRC announced a £250m spend on new style doctoral training centres - the largest single investment in UK post graduate science and engineering training and research.
It is estimated that 50% of EPSRC funded PhD students go on to get jobs outside of academia, in industry and the wider UK economy.