The current round is now open and will close on 17 May 2023.
Recently appointed Assistant and Associate Professors in the Schools of Technology and the Physical Sciences are invited to apply to the Isaac Newton Trust (INT) Early Career Research Support scheme.
The aim of the funding
The scheme aims to support recently appointed Assistant and Associate Professors with start-up funds to kick-start their research careers and attract further external funding. In line with the main goal of the scheme, priority for funding will be given to those candidates who do not already have substantial existing funding. Key criteria for funding include the quality of the proposed research and its potential to lead to an application to an external funder.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Assistant and Associate Professors (established or unestablished) who have been appointed in the last three years between 01 April 2020 and 30 June 2023.
- Applicants must be based at Cambridge at the start of the award – the scheme does not cover projects for PIs based outside the University of Cambridge.
- Applicants commencing their post at the University after 30 June 2023 are eligible to apply only if their offer letter was dated within the above-mentioned window and if they will be based at Cambridge by 30 June 2024.
- Normally, applications for a second INT/UCAM award will not be supported.
Duration
Projects can last up to 12 months, and successful applicants will have 12 months from the award date to start their projects. All projects must end within two years from the award date.
Funding available
Proposals can cost up to £55,000 – where 50% (up to £27,500) will be covered by the Isaac Newton Trust, and the remaining 50% (up to £27,500) must be provided by the hosting Department. The departmental contribution must come from direct departmental funds, not another research grant or re-purposed start-up funds. Only directly incurred and directly allocated costs are allowed as eligible expenditure and support can be sought to fund PDRA support, equipment, travel, and ancillary consumables. PI time or student fees are not eligible.
Assessment criteria
Key criteria for funding:
- the quality of the proposed research
- its potential to lead to an application to an external funder
- level of secured funding to date – and whether INT/UCAM funding would make a significant difference to the applicant’s research trajectory (please remember that candidates who have secured substantial funding to date will not be considered in the spirit of the scheme)
Applications will be assessed by select senior academics from across the Schools of Technology and the Physical Sciences. They will be looking for evidence that proposals match the goals of the scheme. Please note that they might not be experts in your subject area – candidates are asked to consider their audience before writing their proposals [NB: You might find this article on Research Professional helpful – the Star Wars quote might be particularly useful].
Internal process
To take part in the internal selection process, please complete the online INT/UCAM ST/SPS Early Career Support Scheme 2022/23_spring round submission form by close of play 17 May 2023. For your convenience, a document outlining the questions asked in the form can be found HERE.
NB1: If asked to log-in, please use your Raven details. Please note that the online form cannot be saved and/or returned to for future editing.
NB2: The form can be completed only by current members of staff. External applicants should contact their host department and ask them to submit the application on the candidate’s behalf – anybody in the University has access to the form and applications don’t necessarily need to be submitted specifically by PIs themselves.
Important note about costing
As mentioned in the online form, X5 costing will be required at the award stage – and it is expected that PDRA salary costs will be calculated using X5. PIs planning to apply to this scheme should consult with their Departmental Administrators to ensure their proposed budgets are calculated correctly.
Please note:
- unsuccessful applicants to this scheme cannot apply to INT directly for support for the same project;
- successful applicants cannot apply to INT directly for matching funding for this scheme.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.