Climate change practitioners sought for science park programme

MIDLANDS-based climate change practitioners who are either employed or self-employed are being sought to participate in a European-wide exchange programme that pays each participant €8,000 (around £6,900).

Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) is tasked with running the Midlands element of the programme, which is fully funded by the Climate Knowledge Innovation Community. Participants in last year’s programme came fromall over the Midlands.

The Pioneers into Practice professional development and exchange programme starts in mid-April when each participant undertakes a four-week long domestic placement. The UK-based organisations that participated in the last programme included Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, E.ON and JCB.

Henriette Lyttle-Breukelaar, head of projects at BSPA, said: “The feedback we received from the last cohort of hosts and Pioneer participants was very positive and prompted us to expand the number of places to 35 for the 2013 cohort.

“This initiative provides a unique opportunity for climate change professionals to undertake highly focused placements and workshops. The participants can then take the invaluable experience to develop new products or services, improve their business, embark on new projects and add more value to their employer.

“Host organisations in turn have reported the positive impact Pioneers have had on their businesses.”