SULSA wish to award outstanding Postdoctoral Researchers whose work shows excellent potential to make an impact in the field of life sciences.

This prize allows exceptional Postdoctoral Researchers to raise their profile in Scotland and have a prestigious award on their CV.  It includes a fully funded tour (worth £1,000) of three Scottish universities where the awardee will deliver a seminar and meet with staff to raise their profile around Scotland and develop their independent networks. In addition, the awardee will receive £1,000 of flexible funding to be used at their discretion for attending conferences, buying consumables, attending training courses or visiting collaborators etc.

Eligibility

• This call is open to the following SULSA members only: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University, Heriot-Watt University, University of the Highlands and Islands, James Hutton Institute, Robert Gordon University, University of St Andrews, University of Strathclyde, University of the West of Scotland. 
• Applicants must be a Postdoctoral Researcher in the life sciences and hold a PhD.
• This award is not suitable for researchers who are setting up their own laboratory.
• Their contract must be valid for the duration of the funding (12 months). A letter from your supervisor stating your contract is likely to be extended will be accepted.
• Applicants can self-nominate.
• It is expected that applicants will be within approximately two years of applying for their first independent position, however we will accept applications from Postdoctoral Researchers at all levels.

Funding Information and Conditions

• Your visits must be completed within 12 months of being awarded, or (if less) the duration of your contract at your host institution.
• You must have your application signed by your PI to demonstrate their support.
• Visits should be to external universities in Scotland and not within your own institution.

Judging Criteria

• Research Vision
• Scientific merit and potential
• Publication output and grant funding
• Research impact such as public engagement, policy work, knowledge exchange, etc

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present a 3-minute thesis style presentation via Zoom to our judging panel. You must be available to present on w/c 18th May 2026 (your allocated slot will be confirmed after shortlisted candidates have been selected). If you are unable to attend, you cannot be considered.

Key Dates

• Call Opens: Monday 16th March 2026
• Application Deadline: Monday 20th April 2026
• PostDoc Prize Virtual Presentations: w/c 18th May 2026
• Applicants Awarded: w/c 25th May 2026
• PostDoc Prize University Tour: to take place before 31st May 2027

Submitting Your Application
Applicants must submit their application (merged into a single PDF) to jill.inkster@glasgow.ac.uk at SULSA by 5pm on Monday 20th April 2026.

Notification of Outcome
Shortlisted applicants will be notified of the outcome via email by early May and invited to present at our PostDoc Prize virtual presentations w/c 18th May 2026.

Organisation of Tour
If successful, you will manage the organisation and logistics of your seminar tour. SULSA will be available to help with introductions where required.

Payment of Funds
If successful, funds will be transferred to your Institution and must be spent by 31st May 2027.

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 session was recorded in 2025 and correct at the time of publishing. 

This call is currently closed and will open on Monday 16th March 2026.

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

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