PhD Studentships: How to get them Dr Justine Daniels Research Innovation and Opportunities Manager

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 PhD 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 – 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 Other Departments – Dr James Lapworth

University Scholarships 2011/1012 University’s total institutional commitment for PGR is £5.9M 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/ Cross-cutting Networks Healthcare across the Disciplines - Energy and Environment - Digital World - 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/ 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 Craig Walker Closing date: Nov 8 th, 2010

University Scholarships 2011/ University Prize Scholarships Open competition with the expectation that Faculties will submit the best students. Closing date Jan 28 th, A*Star Research Attachment Programme Will fund a minimum of 5 students who will split their time between Sheffield and 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 €3m 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