Third-year undergraduate students work in small teams to provide a solution to problems posed by companies.

The year-long Industrial Group Projects can be an initial investigation of new ideas, testing or improvement of new devices, materials or concepts, or producing prototype equipment.

Dr Manus Hayne, from the Physics Department at Lancaster University, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses and organisations to take advantage of a team of highly-motivated and skilled undergraduates to work on specific projects at little or no cost.

“Projects run in previous years have delivered tangible benefits for businesses, including products that can be commercially developed.”

Interested businesses do not have to pay for the time of the students or academics, although they may need to provide specialised equipment or materials that are specific to their problem.

Previous companies that have benefitted range from large multi-nationals to small local companies such as Kleentec International, which specialises in surface renovation and maintenance of glass and polycarbonate for high visibility, for example on the bridges of ships in the marine environment.

Nigel Whitaker of Kleentec said: “The Kleentec Industrial Group Project was a very challenging research into Polycarbonate protection. The students, with the backing and resources of the University Physics Department, were able to successfully complete the project.

“The support I have received from the University has been second to none. I would recommend any company with a challenging research project to seriously consider applying for an Industrial Group Project.”

The students benefit from opportunities to do real-world research and a greater understanding of the needs of industry, as well as a chance to develop other important employability skills such as team working and project management.

Businesses and organisations who would like to register their interest or to find out more should contact Dr Manus Hayne from Lancaster University’s Department of Physics by emailing m.hayne@lancaster.ac.uk or calling 01524 593279.

More information about Lancaster University’s Department of Physics is available by visiting http://www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/