February 20, 2025, by Leah Sharpe

KTP Associate Q&A spotlight

By Agustin Forchetti Casarino, KTP Associate

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) offers you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real world challenges. KTPs are a three-way partnership between an organisation, a university and a graduate or postgraduate (known as a KTP Associate). Projects are varied, spanning all academic disciplines and organisations of any size and in any industry or sector. Read on to hear Agustin’s experience.

Please tell us a bit about you

I finished my Chemical Engineering degree in 2017 and my PhD in 2022 at Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. It is my first time being here in the UK and I am really enjoying the whole experience of being immersed in a new culture, in a foreign country. Also, my English is improving at an amazingly fast pace, which is great! 

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

After finishing my PhD, I started looking for opportunities abroad, and that’s when I came across this programme. What really stood out to me was how it acts as a kind of ‘bridge’ between academia and industry. The KTP gives me the chance to experience both worlds – sitting somewhere in between – while also helping me build valuable non-technical skills that will be a huge asset for my future development. 

Tell us a bit about the role?

I’m currently working with Added Scientific, which actually started out as a spin-out from the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing. These days, we’re an independent company that focuses on Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing. We’re technology-agnostic, so we work across different platforms, offering consultancy, problem-solving, and hands-on lab-based technical services. 

The project I’m involved in is all about developing new formulations and processes to 3D print silicones. Silicones are a bit tricky in the 3D printing world because of their unique properties, so it’s a fascinating challenge. My role is really about building expertise in this area and embedding that knowledge within the company.

What has been the most memorable part of your KTP experience?

Tough question! I can’t remember a particular moment because, for me, everything was new right from the beginning. I remember each step for the experiences, situations, and emotions I went through. Even after a year and a half, that feeling is still present! However, I do recall the first sample we successfully printed and the happiness shared by the entire team after nearly a year of hard work. That was a truly special moment!

How has the KTP experience benefitted you? 

Firstly, I am gaining experience in how research is done in an industrial setting and how results are presented to different stakeholders. Additionally, I have developed the “soft” skills I was looking forward to improving, such as project management and leadership. Finally, I am meeting wonderful people along the way – other associates, directors, supervisors, and more. I believe we can learn a great deal from the experiences of others, and I feel lucky to be part of that. 

How did you find the application process?

I found it quite straightforward. I remember doing a scientific presentation for my first interview and then having a second one to set up my arrival. I felt comfortable both times, although I was a bit nervous about presenting in English to native speakers! But everything went well. Whenever I needed support, either planning my arrival or during my induction, everyone was genuinely kind and helpful, and I appreciated that. 

Would you recommend becoming a KTP Associate?
 
I certainly do! It’s a particularly nice way to move from academia to industry, meeting great people in the process, and learn things that aren’t typically taught during our degrees. Plus, we have the opportunity to lead our own projects. Although that can sometimes feel intimidating, it’s not until you actually do it that you realise you have the skills necessary to succeed and that is incredibly rewarding.

Want to apply your knowledge and create a transformative impact in a real-world project? Launch your career with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on LinkedIn