Industry Student Support Network

Industry Student Support Network (ISSN)

The Industry Student Support Network (ISSN) is a departmental initiative that brings together leading organisations and talented students from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB). Through mentoring, placements, insight sessions and collaborative activities, the ISSN creates meaningful connections that support student development while giving companies direct access to motivated emerging engineers and biotechnologists.

The Network strengthens the link between academic study and industrial practice, helping students understand real‑world challenges and giving industry partners a structured way to engage with the department.

Join the ISSN

Become a member and connect with the next generation of chemical engineers and biotechnologists.

Annual membership £1000 + VAT, with special rate for eligible SMEs and start-ups.

Why join the ISSN

Membership offers organisations a strategic opportunity to engage with CEB and its exceptional students. Companies can connect with emerging engineers and biotechnologists, strengthen their visibility within a world‑leading department, and share insight into evolving industrial needs. The ISSN also provides a platform for building long‑term relationships with academics, students and the wider CEB community, contributing to responsible innovation and future skills development.

Key reasons to join:

Engage directly with high‑calibre students
Influence future skills and talent development
Build meaningful relationships with the department
Support responsible innovation and societal impact

Who our students are

CEB students combine rigorous scientific training with creativity, problem‑solving and a strong commitment to real‑world impact. They are developing the skills and mindset needed to become the next generation of chemical engineers, bioprocess engineers, biotechnology innovators, sustainability specialists, data‑driven engineers and technical leaders.

They are known for their ability to work across disciplines, translate scientific insight into practical solutions, communicate effectively, and collaborate in diverse teams. ISSN members gain early access to this talent pool and the opportunity to help shape the skills and experiences of future engineers and biotechnologists.

Membership benefits

ISSN membership provides access to a structured programme of activities that connect companies with CEB students and the department’s wider academic community. Member organisations may benefit from:

promotion of internship, placement and job opportunities
a stand at the annual CEB Careers Fair
invitations to networking and career events
opportunities to deliver career talks or industrial lectures
engagement with student projects and design activities
participation in the annual ISSN member meeting
an invitation to the annual ISSN dinner

Benefits are reviewed annually to ensure the Network continues to meet the needs of both students and industry.

Membership categories

Membership operates on an annual cycle from 1 October to 30 September. Two membership categories are available:

Standard membership: £1,000 + VAT
Special rate for UK‑based SMEs, spinouts and start‑ups: £500 + VAT (Concessionary rates apply only to UK‑based companies making a profit of less than £70,000 per year.)

How to join

We welcome applications from organisations across chemical engineering, biotechnology, healthcare, sustainability, energy, manufacturing, consultancy and related sectors.

Step 1

Complete the online application form

Step 2

Your application will undergo standard due‑diligence checks

Step 3

Approved members will receive instructions for payment

Step 4

Membership is activated upon payment and will run until the end of the current membership cycle (30 September)

Step 5

Members receive an onboarding pack with key information, contacts and next steps

Governance and compliance

The ISSN operates in accordance with University of Cambridge policies and governance frameworks.

Full Terms of Reference are provided to approved members during onboarding.

Industry Student Support Network