EngFest+ trailblazer event creates opportunities for students, businesses and R&I discussions

Events

Every year, the final year Undergraduate students in the Dept. of Engineering and Mathematics attend “EngFest” – a series of events, which culminate in a morning of poster presentations showcased to staff and a small number of industrial supporters.

This year on 20th March, we significantly expanded the event as we hosted EngFest+. This event delivered all of the usual EngFest activities with the students, but also created knowledge exchange and R&I collaboration opportunities between staff in the Dept. of Engineering and Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University and industry.

The morning of the event was dedicated to our Level 6 BEng Students, with them having the opportunity to present posters of their work to academics and industrialists and getting useful feedback and experience.

This culminated in the poster prize giving ceremony at 12 noon led by the VC, followed by a networking lunch where students, academics and industrialists were able to meet, mix and network in a friendly and warm environment.

Student Poster exhibition winner — **Left to right:** **Elisa Caton** from Synteiq, sponsor of the best and runner-up sustainability project poster awards; **Oli Watson,** Best Poster awardee; **Barry Richardson** from Aerospace Cutting Tools, sponsor of best and runner-up student poster awards; and **Liz Mossop**, Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.

The afternoon sessions of EngFest+ were programmed with the aim of building fruitful academic-industrial partnerships via quickfire talks and breakout groups exploring different mechanisms to engage.

Industry attendees networked with other businesses in their sector, and SHU academics, and explored how collaborating with the university can help their organisation grow as well as having the opportunity to meet with students, their potential future employees; and lab tours to understand our capabilities better.

Some of the 25 quick-fire talk participants using their 1 slide and 2 minutes to pitch what they do and opportunities for collaboration.

With over 60 attendees from industry and academics, and over 70 students, the event was a great success.

Paul Bingham, Dept. Engineering and Maths Professor

“A real celebration of student talent and our great connections with industry”

Conor Moss, Dean of College, BTE

Multiple new links with industry were formed and already discussions are underway to build opportunities in innovation, research and development; degree apprenticeships; Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, student projects and placements; and much more.

Feedback has been extremely positive, e.g.

“…just wanted to say what a great day yesterday was, it was definitely one of the best Hallam events I’ve attended”.

“This is the first time that the department has ever created a fully integrated event across both Research & Innovation and Teaching & Learning portfolios. The hope now is that others can learn from this approach and the format can be used or adapted by other Departments. Perhaps there may even be opportunities to have joint events across Departments or even Colleges in future”

Danielle Miles, I²Ri Innovation Manager