EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT FUND
This funding aims to support researchers in their endeavours to develop their own independent academic research track.
Scope of Prize
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 and Conditions
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.
Additional Information
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.
Information Session
How to Apply
This call is currently closed and will re-open early 2026.
Contact Us
Eligibility Enquiries: Alison.Hughes@glasgow.ac.uk
All Other Enquiries and Post-Award Communication: Jill.Inkster@glasgow.ac.uk