Our Researcher Development Grants are open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers wishing to undertake an activity that supports their research career. Examples include, but are not limited to, virtual conference registration fees, online training or funding towards organising an online meeting.
Our Grants for Carers and Assistance Grants are also available to support those with caring responsibilities or who need additional assistance to participate in a professional development activity. Researcher Development Grant applicants may also apply to one of these grants if needed for their activity.
Who can apply?
In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are an RSC member (of any level)
- You are a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher
- You are based at a higher education institution or research institute. (For technicians and research scientists working in industry, we provide Technician Skills Development Grants, Technician Travel and Training Grants and EnterprisePlus Training Vouchers.)
Please ensure you read our terms & conditions fully before you begin your application.
What can I request funding for?
You can apply for a grant of up to £250 towards any activity that develops your skills and experience as a researcher. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Knowledge e.g. virtual conference registration fees
- Skills e.g. researcher development tools or projects, such as online training
- Networking e.g. funding towards organising an online meeting
We have opened Research Development Grants in the context of COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions on physical meetings and travel. We therefore welcome applications for a broad range of activities and initiatives. If you would like to discuss a proposed activity before applying, please email us using the form below.
Application timelines
Applications will be processed on a monthly basis, so the deadline for each "round" is the last day of each month. Applicants will be sent a decision by 21st of the following month. Please ensure that the activity you are applying for is after this date, as we are unable to award grants retrospectively.
How to submit a good application
Your application should be clearly written, justified and costed. You should include information on the activity and where applicable an online link to it. In particular, you should explain why you wish to undertake the activity or training and how it will benefit your research career.
For full details, please see our terms & conditions or contact us using the form below.
Funding
- Email:
- Send us an email