CASE Placements

CASE placements last between 3 and 18 months and may be completed as a single block or split into shorter periods to suit the project and partner organisation.

The placement forms an integral part of the PhD and should provide research experience, training and opportunities that are not normally available within the academic environment. Depending on the organisation, this may include project management, commercialisation, business strategy, policy, regulation, or access to specialist facilities, expertise or data.

Research undertaken during the placement contributes directly to the PhD project and thesis.

As the CASE placement fulfils EastBio's placement requirement, CASE students do not undertake a separate Professional Internship for PhD Students (PIPS).

Students are to attend the EastBio Collaborative Placements Q&A session (online, 30 January 2025, 11:05-12:15) that aims to provide advice and support to manage your placement.

Students, academic supervisors and CASE supervisors should begin discussing placement plans early in the PhD.

Planning should include:

• placement objectives 
• timing and duration 
• supervision arrangements 
• training opportunities 
• practical arrangements 
• expected project outcomes. 

EastBio supports this process through induction activities, placement guidance and dedicated information sessions.

Before starting your placement, you should make sure you have read and understood any formal agreement signed between your host institution and the CASE partner. You may want to use the EastBio Collaborative Placement MoU as a template for this.

Students travelling overseas for the placement must complete the Placement Abroad Checklist.

Throughout the placement, students are expected to:

• work proactively with both their academic and CASE supervisors to plan and deliver the placement project; 
• familiarise themselves with the CASE agreement, including arrangements relating to intellectual property, publication and project expectations; 
• undertake the placement professionally and engage fully with the agreed training; 
• complete any required overseas placement documentation before travelling. 

Students should discuss any questions about the placement or CASE agreement with their supervisors at an early stage.

Academic and CASE supervisors work together to provide an integrated research and training experience.

Together they should:

• agree placement objectives and supervision arrangements early; 
• support the student's research and professional development throughout the placement; 
• ensure the placement provides appropriate training and meets BBSRC CASE requirements; and 
• maintain regular communication with the student and each other throughout the placement. 

Further information is available in the EastBio CASE Guidance.

EastBio supports CASE students and supervisors throughout the studentship through:

• placement guidance and resources 
• CASE and placement information sessions 
• opportunities to hear from previous CASE students and partners 
• advice on meeting BBSRC CASE requirements. 

Students also receive placement guidance during the annual EastBio Induction and subsequent placement events.