International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness against gender bias. To mark International Women’s Day we shine a light on three KTP Associates who have made a remarkable impact on the programme and accelerated their careers through challenging projects. 

Kate Platts, KTP Associate 

Sheffield Hallam University and Westfield Health

Hi Kate, can you tell us about your project? 

My KTP involved working with Westfield Health, which is a wellbeing services provider focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people at work. 

The aim of the project was to develop an effective evaluation protocol for workplace wellness interventions and to implement a commercially viable Research & Consultancy service for Westfield clients.

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, I think that International Women’s Day means recognising and celebrating women who have helped others achieve success.

 How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

I have been very lucky. I haven’t considered my gender a limiting factor in the world of innovation and I have never felt overlooked because of it.

 Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

As a KTP Associate, I get to enjoy the best of both worlds; exploring pioneering research and innovation with brilliant scholars and scientists, as well as the excitement and pace of the commercial world. As a KTP Associate, you really feel empowered to make positive changes in your environment.  

 What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

Doors will open for you if you take part in the KTP programme, so go for it! Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

Emily Mason, KTP Associate 

University of Sunderland and Fontus Health

Hi Emily, can you tell us what your project covered? 

Sure, I worked on a KTP with Fontus Health and the University of Sunderland. The objectives of the project were to create a paraffin-free emollient for the prescription market to combat the patient safety issues caused by the flammability of paraffin. 

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, I think that it is about celebrating the achievements and success of women, especially in areas that have a tendency to be more male-dominated (STEM).

How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

The experience I have had has given me a solid foundation to further my career. This has also broadened my understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

I wanted to become a KTP Associate after I finished university. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but this role was brought to my attention and it was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. It was the perfect link into the industry that I wanted to be in, with the support from the university I attended as an undergraduate. 

What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

Don’t hesitate and do it! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the KTP programme.

Dr. Parastoo Jamshidi, KTP Associate 

University of Birmingham and Cookson Precious Metals Ltd

Hey Parastoo, can you tell us about your KTP project? 

The KTP project I worked on was on additive manufacturing of precious metals for industrial application between the University of Birmingham & Cooksongold with an aim of expanding and diversifying Cookson Gold’s business model into new, emerging industrial sectors.

This KTP project has enabled a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day is for recognizing and celebrating the strength of the women who are multitasking homemakers that can bring and provide care and knowledge simultaneously with their feminine energy into today’s society.

How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

Being involved in a KTP project gave me a great opportunity to experience working in both an industrial environment and academia.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

A KTP project gave me a great opportunity of working in both an industrial environment and academia. During my project, I also had the chance of enhancing my professional skills for project management as well as other professional training from both company and academic sides from the provided KTP support.

What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

I would highly recommend the KTP programme to university graduates especially women who want to decide about the type of jobs they want to choose for their future to be able to have a fair work/life balance.

About KTP’s

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including Innovate KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.

If you have an innovative business idea and would like to see if a KTP could help take it forward,  get in touch.