Internal Call: Isaac Newton Trust / University of Cambridge Early Career Support Scheme for the Schools of Technology and the Physical Sciences (internal deadline: 13 November 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 University Assistant or Associate Professors (established or unestablished) who have been appointed in the last three years between 01 October 2020 and 31 December 2023.
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 should end within two years from the award date.
Funding available
Proposals can cost up to £60,000 – where 50% (up to £30,000) will be covered by the Isaac Newton Trust, and the remaining 50% (minimum £30,000) must be provided by the hosting Department. The departmental contribution must come from departmental funds, not another research grant. 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:
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 the subject area of the proposal – candidates are encouraged to consider their audience when writing their proposals.
Internal process
To take part in the internal selection process, please complete the online INT/UCAM ST/SPS Early Career Support Scheme 2023/24 submission form at https://forms.office.com/e/nXsv0cJs55 by close of play 13 November 2023. For your convenience, the attached document outlines the questions asked in the form.
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. Applicants whose contract at the University has not yet begun 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 all salary costs mentioned in proposals 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:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Posted on 11/10/2023
