Academic Event in the UK
Guest blog post by Anna Garton, GO PLM Academic coordinator for EMEA
Last week, we held an academic conference at Loughborough University in the UK.
The school’s mechanical and manufacturing engineering department hosted the event. We brought together industry customers and academics from engineering institutions throughout the UK to discuss best practices in filling the shortage of graduate engineers in the UK and around the world. This was the first event of its kind, but with strong attendance and positive feedback, we hope it will become an annual discussion to keep industry and academia aligned.
Industry leaders presented on the recruitment process they have set up for both graduates and apprentices. Presenters included Joe Darlington from the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), and Ajay Mande and Stephen Smith from Rolls-Royce.
Academic presenters included Jeff Barrie, Glynis Perkin and Robb Doyle. Jeff is the design support engineer at Bath University. He demonstrated how student teams use Siemens technology for various projects, which include vehicles for land, water and air transportation. Glynis is the Learning and Teaching Coordinator at Loughborough. She presented on the UK’s National Higher Education for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (HE STEM), which provides funding for student-led, employer-focused extra-curricular activity. Robb is Systems Development Manager at Loughborough. He talked about the main engineering design milestones for undergraduates and how they integrate NX in key design activities.
Siemens presenters included Bill Boswell, Mark Barrow and Mike Brown. Bill is senior director of Partner Strategy and shared UK and global research on academic trends as well as our global efforts to support the academic community.
Mark is on our UK Business Development team and discussed NX academic software in more detail. Mike directs Solid Edge academic relations and shared details on how Siemens is championing the Greenpower program for students to create, build and race an electric car.
The event ended with roundtable discussions on key topics to improve academia and industry alignment. 
Whether you’re industry or academia, stay tuned to our academic website for the latest updates.
