DTA - University of Bath

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds a network of Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) that provide postgraduate training across a range of scientific disciplines. This funding structure addresses a critical gap in the UK's research pipeline: how to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and researchers. Without a coordinated system of doctoral training, individual universities would struggle to provide the breadth of expertise, industry connections, and transferable skills training that modern researchers need. The DTP model allows research organisations to pool resources, share facilities, and offer students exposure to multiple research environments. If this funding model succeeds, it will produce a steady stream of highly skilled PhD graduates equipped to tackle complex challenges in fields from quantum computing to clean energy. These researchers will go on to work in academia, industry, and government, strengthening the UK's research base and economic competitiveness. The impact is systemic rather than immediate—a well-trained doctoral workforce underpins virtually every technological and scientific advance the country makes. This is primarily a training and capacity-building initiative rather than a specific research project. Its value lies in creating the human capital that makes all other scientific progress possible.