Details of the scheme
This scheme funds postgraduate research students across the University to set up and run research events such as conferences and symposia. The aim is to facilitate research activities within the Schools and the development of research culture while providing an opportunity for students to develop invaluable skills through organising these events.
You can apply for up to £500 per event. Given the budgetary limits, we recommend applicants seek other sources of funding in addition where needed.
Bids should be submitted by the lead student coordinating the event.
Applications for 2023-24 are now closed.
If you submitted an application this round, we will aim to notify you of the outcome the week commencing 8 January 2024.
Application guidelines
Budgeting section
- There is no requirement for a budgetary breakdown; a simple delineation of headline costs is sufficient
- Expenses, including venue hire, catering or temporary platform licences for online events, are eligible
- We can cover up to a maximum of £100 for venue hire
- We can cover up to a maximum of £100 for catering
- Speaker fees or honoraria are eligible
- Local travel and accommodation expenses (for keynote speakers only) are eligible; we cannot fund international travel or travel by plane
- Give details of additional funding sources secured or to be applied for (especially where proposals require more than the maximum available from this scheme)
- Funding must be spent within 12 months from the date of acceptance
- Details on how to claim your award will be provided in the acceptance email
Profile section
- List all the organisers (not just the lead applicant)
- Interdisciplinary proposals are welcome, but the interdisciplinary aspects must be explained and, typically, the organising group should include representatives of more than one discipline
- Senior academic conferences will not be considered
- Being open to the public or publishable is welcomed but not essential
Researcher Development Agenda section
- Each bid should present an argued case for why the Researcher-Led Events Scheme is the best source of funding for the event
- It is desirable, though not essential, for applicants to articulate a researcher development theme or activity
- Examples of themes include but are not limited to:
- an early-career session with a focus on career progression and development
- a writing retreat which includes sessions on writing practice
- a seminar series based on topical themes for early-career researchers
- a 'meet the expert' session providing an opportunity for early-career researchers to meet with established experts and discuss career paths, how to overcome hurdles along the journey, etc
- an open access session which discusses open access policy and trends in UK Higher Education and globally