The University of Lincoln is inviting former academics who have changed their career paths to “get back to science” with thousands of pounds worth of bursaries.
The ‘Fellowships’, which would enable academics to research over one or two years, are aimed at those in the STEMM subject areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) in need of help kick-starting their careers.
As well as research experience and membership of an established group of academics, successful applicants would receive a £16,000 bursary as well as £5,000 towards the cost of their project.
Professor Belinda Colston, of the university’s College of Science, said that the program was conceived after many women contacted the university who said they were struggling to re-enter scientific academia.
“The Back to Science Fellowships have been driven by the wider work the University is doing to address major concerns of the high attrition rate for women at postgraduate and postdoctoral levels in scientific research, and the limited opportunity for these women to return to academia at a later stage,” she commented.
Yet this issue was not just one for women, she added: “However, men are increasingly experiencing similar issues and also may need to take career breaks due to caring responsibilities, which is why we are encouraging applications from both men and women.
“We feel this is a unique opportunity to respond to the needs of our community, complement other internal and national initiatives, develop our academic base, and impact on the development of a rich research environment.”
It is hoped that those in receipt of the fellowships would produce “high impact” research for publication, leading to an external funding application to help further develop the researcher’s project or study.
You can find out more about the project and how to apply by clicking here (pdf).