Eco-I North West

A Low Carbon Innovation Project

Eco-I north-west is a low carbon innovation project that supports micro, small and medium enterprises with research and development

ECO I NW draws on regional research and development capabilities to support low carbon business innovation across Cumbria and aims to deliver a transition to a low carbon economy across all business sectors.

The project is not led by specific carbon reduction technologies and is instead driven by the needs of the resourceful and innovative businesses we work with. As such, ECO I NW aims to facilitate a collaborative approach to problem-solving, involving practical and academic input and guidance.

This collaborative approach is at the heart of ECO I NW. We are a partnership project, which includes the universities of Lancaster, Central Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool John Moores, Liverpool and Manchester Met. ECO I NW, therefore, operates across multiple Local Enterprise Partnership areas in the North West of England.

Collaborate with a university

It is proven that collaborating with universities on research and development generates a higher return on investments than projects without academic input. The Dowling Report (2015) found that for every pound invested in R&D, projects who collaborated with academic partners saw a return of over £9 Gross Value Added (GVA), compared to just over £4 GVA for projects without academic involvement.

The ECO I NW team is keen to hear from and work with Cumbrian SMEs looking to boost their low carbon innovation activity.

This is a fully-funded programme available to European Regional Development Fund eligible companies.
ECO-I NW builds on a previous ERDF-funded Eco-Innovation project.

Read about our research

How Eco-I North West can help your business?

Internships and Master's Research placements

ECO I NW and the University of Cumbria offer carbon reduction innovation research and development support through Innovation Research Projects. Our student researchers and academics will provide your business with robust research, academic expertise, and knowledge to help you drive innovation forward.

Internships provide 20 days (140 hours) of flexible research support to meet the innovation needs of your business.
Master's placement research projects provide up to 4-months of in-depth carbon reduction innovation research.

Get in touch with the ECO I NW Team

For more information about the project and how we can support your business, please contact:
Mike Siddall - Eco-I North West Project Manager
Laura Giles - Carbon Innovation Fellow

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Benefits to your business

Increased return on R&D investment.

Access extensive research and development support at the state of the art laboratories and facilities.

Speed up innovation and support transition to zero-carbon by developing new low carbon products and services.

ECO-I North West events

Our programme of funded workshop and events has been created to meet businesses’ innovation needs. The programme focuses on each aspect of the carbon innovation journey.

Our events provide businesses with valuable opportunities to hear from expert speakers, network with other Cumbrian business, and share best practice.

Eco-I NW Low Carbon Events Programme

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Get paid carbon reduction innovation research experience with our internships and master's placement opportunities

Our ECO I North West low carbon innovation research projects are an ideal way for you to extend your research skills and enhance your employability. Work with a real business to help address their low carbon innovation needs and boost your CV along the way. You’ll be paid for your work on the project. Find out more about the different ways to get involved below.

Paid internships

Paid internships lasting for a maximum of 140 hours. Internships are usually worked flexibly and can be done on campus or with the business. Students often undertake internships whilst studying and some use the experience as a theme for their dissertation.

What could I be doing as an intern?

Our paid internships place you with a Cumbrian business for a maximum of 140 hours work (about 4 weeks). You’ll conduct innovation/carbon reduction innovation research that addresses a real-life topic important to the business you are placed with. Towards the end of your internship, you’ll produce a report of your research findings and conclusions for the business to use.

What will my working pattern be?

Most students are able to work flexibly when completing their internships to meet any study, home or work commitments. You’ll be able to discuss this with the ECO I NW Project Manager and the business as part of the recruitment process.

What support will be available to me during my internship?

You’ll be supported by an academic member of staff, and the ECO I NW Project Manager who will be on hand to answer your questions and help you make the most of your time as an intern.

Part-Funded Master's Placements

Paid* Master's research placements lasting for the duration of the student’s research modules, usually up to 4 months (*stipend paid each month of the research dissertation module). Master's students usually use the 4-month placements to generate evidence for their research dissertation. Like internships, the Master's placements are flexible and can be managed alongside other commitments.

What will I be doing on my placement?

Our part-funded master's placements last for up to 4 months and should support the topic of your dissertation. You will be paid a monthly stipend for these 4 months, which students usually use to collect data or information for their dissertation.

What will my working pattern be?

Most students are able to work flexibly when completing their placements to meet any study, home or work commitments. You’ll be able to discuss this with the ECO I NW Project Manager as part of the application process.

What support will be available to me during my internship?

You’ll be supported by your dissertation tutor and the ECO I NW Project Manager, who will be on hand to answer your questions and help you make the most of your placement.

Is an Internship or Master's Placement for me?

If you’re interested in gaining paid research experience and boosting your CV by increasing your skills and knowledge of the working world then yes, an internship or master's placement could be for you.

During your internship or placement, you’ll have the chance to develop an insight into how businesses operate and the challenges they face.

For master's placement students, you’ll have opportunities to carry out research and collect data/evidence for your dissertation.

You’ll be paid reasonable travel expenses to support you with completing your internship or master's placement.

You’ll also be playing your part in Cumbria’s transition to zero carbon!

Student Internships and Master's Placements: How to Search and Apply?

You can find our current student internship opportunities on the current vacancies section of the University if Cumbria website. You’ll need to formally apply for each opportunity as you would with a normal job application. If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview with the project manager and the business owner.

Be the first to hear about opportunities by registering your interest and signing up here.

If you would like help with your application, preparing your CV or would like an informal chat about any of the opportunities please call or email:

Mike Siddall – Project Manager, ECO I North West
Laura Giles – Carbon Innovation Fellow, ECO I North West