School of Health in Social Science Researcher Development Programme

The Researcher Development Programme is designed to support individuals at early- or mid-career stage in developing their research portfolio. The aim is that, by the end of the Programme, participants will have been able to develop a high-quality research proposal, competitive for a medium or large grant (e.g. over £300,000), which will substantially enhance their research activity and impact. The scheme is particularly suitable for colleagues whose opportunities to develop larger research bids as a Principal Investigator (PI) have been adversely affected by factors such as professional pressures and competing priorities, caring responsibilities, or other obstacles. In line with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles we are keen to offer support for developing research to under-represented groups. The programme will run on an annual basis and will support approximately 4 individuals per cohort.

The programme offers participants support including mentoring, targeted workshops on specific funders and grant writing skills, peer-led workshops, and access to a seed funding budget of up to £5,000 per participant. It will be led by the School Director of Research and the School Research Office, with contributions from other School and University contacts where appropriate. Each participant in the programme will be mentored by a Senior PI within the School.