Application Deadline:27 May 2021.
This scheme, part of the Royal Society’s Industry programme, enables scientists employed in industry or academia and/or their postdoctoral researcher to have shorter more dynamic engagements between academia and industry, working on a mutually beneficial and collaborative project.
Collaborations between academia and early-stage companies are particularly encouraged. It is anticipated that the personal and corporate links established by the researcher between the two sectors in the UK will seed longer-term collaborations and contribute to their long-term future development.
Secondments can be held for a period of between three and six months full time, or up to 12 months part time.
These appointments are funded by the Royal Society.
Requirements
Research must be within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society. The Royal Society does not cover clinical medicine (such as patient orientated research and clinical trials), social sciences or humanities, other than when working in partnership with organisations.
You can apply for this scheme if you:
- hold a PhD or are of equivalent standing in your profession
- hold a post in either a UK university, a not-for-profit research organisation or UK industry, which is either a permanent or fixed-term position with an end date after the expected end of the Short Industry Fellowship
Benefits
The scheme provides the applicant’s and/or their postdoctoral researcher’s basic salary while on secondment. The employing organisation continues to pay national insurance and pension contributions.
Research expenses may be claimed up to a value of £1,000.
Awards can be for a minimum of three months or up to six months full-time or pro rata, i.e. could be held at 50% part-time for up to 12 months enabling fellows to maintain links with their employing institution more easily.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted through the Royal Society’s electronic grant application system Flexi-Grant®.
Your application will go through the process detailed on the Making a grant application page overseen by the Industry Fellowship panel.
Applications are initially reviewed by members of the Panel and then shortlisted. The shortlisted applications are reviewed by the Panel Chair and the final decision is made.
It is expected that applicants will be notified of the final outcome four months after the closing date.
The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Society wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximise innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise processes to help ensure that all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per the assessment criteria. This includes ensuring all panel members are briefed on unconscious bias in decision making as part of our assessment process.
Official Website: Royal Society’s Short Industry Fellowship 2021