Return to Research Support Bursary

The Return to Research Support Bursary provides funding for researchers returning to an academic research career after a break of around two or more years, to help develop a proposal suitable for submission to the STFC fellowship scheme. The bursary offers up to £2,500 to cover activities such as literature reviews, familiarisation with equipment and techniques, attendance at meetings and seminars, childcare or other care, and travel to host institutions or meetings. Holders must be based at a UK host institution with recognised expertise in STFC-funded areas and are expected to produce a proposal to the STFC fellowship scheme or submit a short report explaining outcomes. Applications are assessed by a panel of STFC committee members against research excellence, likelihood of producing a high-quality proposal, potential and appropriateness of the intended host group.

Up to £2,500 to cover research preparation activities (literature reviews, equipment familiarisation, meetings/seminars), childcare or other care costs, and travel to host institutions or meetings; host institution visitor status and access to facilities during the award period.

Applicants must hold a PhD in an area within the remit of the STFC core science programme (astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics, accelerator science). Applicants should have taken a career break (normally at least two years) for caring responsibilities, long-term illness or time spent working in a non-research role; shorter breaks may be considered in some circumstances.

Apply using the online form and provide a letter of support from the host department emailed to fellowships@stfc.ukri.org; host organisation must confirm support and provide visitor status and access to facilities.