This funding aims to support researchers in their endeavours to develop their own independent academic research track. The funds can be used for a variety of activities within these categories:

• Travel
• Training in new techniques/skills
• Consumable costs
• Facility access

Awarded funds cannot be used for salaries.

The project must be used to foster collaboration which could fall within following aims:

• Building a new academic collaboration (cross-disciplinary, cross-university, international)
• Upskilling of the applicant through collaborative training
• Generation of pilot data and/or developing a pathway to commercialisation with an external collaborator

You can apply for up to £4,000 and we hope to award a minimum of 5 projects.

Eligibility

• The lead applicant must be a postdoctoral researcher, research assistant, technical staff member or teaching fellow actively pursuing an independent academic career trajectory (Please see eligibility key).
• The lead applicant must be employed by a SULSA university or institute. Their contract must be valid for the duration of the funding.
• The co-applicant can be from the public or academic sector and does not need to work in Scotland. Your co-applicant can be a PhD student or research staff member. You require at least 1 co-applicant. Co-applicants must be from outwith your own university or institute.
• Postdoctoral Researchers: if you hold a fellowship that ONLY covers your salary costs, then you are eligible to apply for this funding. If you hold a research grant worth £50k or more then you are no longer eligible to apply for this funding.  

Funding Information and Conditions

• Projects must have defined milestones.
• Your project must be completed within 12 months of being awarded, or (if less) the duration of your contract at your host institution.
• The project must show a pathway to further funding from external sources.
• You must have your application signed by your PI to demonstrate their support.

Judging Criteria

• Project feasibility, objectives, and proposed outcomes
• Novelty and importance of the research described
• Track record of the applicant
• Impact for the applicant and broader community
• Support of your networks
• Sustainability (potential to leverage further funds)

Awardee Reporting
You must provide the SULSA administration with project updates and outcomes when requested for reporting purposes. You will receive a survey to complete 3-months post-project completion and 1-year post-project completion. If this project leads to a published article, or leverages grant funding, please contact the SULSA administration to make them aware.

This call is currently closed and will re-open early 2026. 

Eligibility Enquiries: Alison.Hughes@glasgow.ac.uk 

All Other Enquiries and Post-Award Communication: Jill.Inkster@glasgow.ac.uk