CENTA (Central England NERC Training Alliance) is a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) working to provide excellence in postgraduate research training. The consortium comprises the University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, The Open University, Loughborough University, The University of Warwick, the British Geological Survey and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. DTPs are research coun
cil grants awarded to consortia of research organisations to support training for researchers working towards their PhDs. A primary aim for any DTP consortium such as CENTA is to use this funding to create and support vibrant, integrated research communities; for enriching the student experience and to encourage knowledge sharing and interconnectivity. We take on a cohort of around 20-25 students each year who belong to a consortium well-resourced to provide extensive training, building confidence in all aspects of their research. We provide a total of around 60 days broad training and expose students to a wide range of approaches to research. We also work with a diverse range of industries, businesses, NGOs and policy makers to develop mutually beneficial relationships, such as delivery and sharing of training, laboratory or work-place placements and exchanges, sponsorship, joint proposals for funding or shared seminars or webinars. CENTA aims to attain new standards of excellence in research training and to deliver a transformative interdisciplinary experience for doctoral researchers, resulting in well-rounded individuals confident in a wide range of scientific, research, leadership and entrepreneurial skills with greater societal and economic impact.
