A large number of human and animal health industries that have difficulty recruiting staff with the appropriate high-level skills in the Ireland Wales cross-border region. It is important that education providers respond to the demand for more highly skilled graduates to protect Research & Development (R&D) investment in the cross-border region and stimulate sustainable economic growth. Through active partnerships with industry, the project partners will work with regional stakeholders to address these skills gaps. WINSS will support industry with joint projects and training courses which will build on the skills of both partners and industry, leading to a network of companies enabled to take full advantage of cross border opportunities. WINSS has 3 integral parts: • An Advanced Training Programme combining industry experience and academic expertise to design and deliver training programmes to enhance a participants existing skills set;• An Innovative Research Programme developing skills in R&D facilities and project management leading to delivery of CPD courses;• Transfer of knowledge between industry and academia through dissemination days organised as part of this new and innovative scientific skills network. Aims & Objectives: • Establish a Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills to promote the exchange of ideas and enhance communication between regional stakeholders in the cross border area; • Generate cross border economic activity through the creation of a strong applied research base in novel and convergent technologies with applications in the human and animal health sector; • Establish a training network to address the skills gaps in the region and increase the number of highly skilled professionals with training in new & emerging technologies; • Assess the barriers to advanced scientific skills training and employment of disadvantaged groups.