Ph D Studentships How to get them Dr

Ph. D Studentships: How to get them Dr Justine Daniels Research Innovation and Opportunities Manager j. daniels@sheffield. ac. uk

How to get them 1. Understanding the Funding Landscape 2. Adding value 3. Industrial Studentships 4. University and Faculty Scholarships 5. European Funds

Understanding the Funding Landscape • Research councils are increasingly focussed on strategic themes, MRC, The Wellcome Trust and BBSRC all have published research aims. • Major charities also have clear research aims • Lifelong Health and Wellbeing is a key theme • The ‘blue sky’ single award studentship is rare so understand how your research fits with strategic themes.

Understanding the Funding Landscape • EPSRC has moved to Doctoral Training Centre block grants for Ph. D funding. The funding for students follows the funding for research. • BBSRC – Targeted Priority Studentships • MRC – Capacity Building Studentships • Focus is on the quality of the research environment in the department or research group.

Adding Value to your Offer • Additional or specialised training • Co-supervision with collaborators • Offer interdisciplinary / cross-cutting projects • Build a network • Unique opportunities • Become ‘visible’

Industrial Studentships • MRC – 30 -35 per year • ‘Applications must demonstrate a relevance to MRC’s health mission’ • Closed in July 2010 for 2011 start • BBRSC • Fund through the Institutional quota or Industrial partner awards Sheffield Health Innovation Centre Business Managers Medical School – Dr Martin Whitaker m. whitaker@sheffield. ac. uk Other Departments – Dr James Lapworth j. lapworth@sheffield. ac. uk

University Scholarships 2011/1012 • University’s total institutional commitment for PGR is £ 5. 9 M • Funding will be focussed into University-wide competition with recommendations from Faculties based on student calibre and Project based schemes in strategic areas

University Scholarships 2011/1012 1. Cross-cutting Networks Healthcare across the Disciplines - p. eves@sheffield. ac. uk Energy and Environment - s. m. vinnicombe@sheffield. ac. uk Digital World - m. knight@sheffield. ac. uk • Three linked studentships across different faculties • Linkage and relevance is vital as is an indication of where future funding would come from to continue the network • Speak to the relevant Income Capture Officer before applying Closing date – Dec 2010

University Scholarships 2011/1012 2. White Rose Scholarships • To encourage collaboration between 3 White Rose Universities in strategic areas. • 3 fully funded studentships to be led by a team from at least 2 White Rose Universities • Demographics Health and Healthcare relevant theme for the faculty www. whiterose. ac. uk/node/122 Craig Walker c. walker@whiterose. ac. uk 01904 435354 Closing date: Nov 8 th, 2010

University Scholarships 2011/1012 3. University Prize Scholarships • Open competition with the expectation that Faculties will submit the best students. www. sheffield. ac. uk/scholarships Closing date Jan 28 th, 2011 4. A*Star Research Attachment Programme • Will fund a minimum of 5 students who will split their time between Sheffield an A*Star research institution in Singapore. • Proposals to host a network must be made from at least two different faculties

Faculty Scholarships Departmental Studentships • As last year one fully supported studentship per department and two further fee waivers will be awarded. • Selection will be managed by individual departments • Those awarded will be entered for University Scholarships and if any are successful the department will an additional Faculty funded studentship.

Initial Training Networks (ITNs) • Formal networks for researcher training, involving at least three partners in different European countries. At least one partner should be non-academic – industry, SME, etc. • Aimed at improving early-stage researchers' career prospects in both the public and private sectors, thereby making research careers more attractive to young people. • Also aimed at broadening early stage researchers’ scientific and generic skills, including those related to technology transfer and entrepreneurship. • Deadline – 26 th January, 2011

Initial Training Networks (ITNs) • Budget € 3 m • 6 to 10 partners, each with 2 or 3 researchers • Private sector involvement at highest level • No more than 40% of total budget for one country