Personal Development Opportunities
Researchers have opportunities to become involved with many different projects. These will develop your skills, and make you more attractive to employers. It is worth bearing in mind that many employers will be looking for a wide range of skills and not just research output. Below are some of the activities you could become involved with.
On this page find:
Public Engagement & Schools
Business & Enterprise
Other Opportunities
Public Engagement & Schools
European Guide to Science Journalism Training - A comprehensive inventory of the training courses in science journalism across the 27 Member States of the European Union, as well as exchange programmes, scholarships and other initiatives supporting science journalism. The guide is designed to encourage those who wish to specialise in communicating science by increasing awareness of the wealth of training opportunities available.
NOISE - New Outlooks in Science and Engineering is a UK-wide campaign funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Initiated in 2000, it aims to raise awareness of science and engineering among young people.
The British Council - A one-stop shop for art and science events, training courses and development opportunities.
NESTA - The national endowment for science, technology and the arts.
Famelab 2009 - A national competition to find the new voices of science and engineering.
Sciconnect - Science communication courses.
Researchers in Residence - Partnerships between researchers and schools. Researchers in Residence is FREE for Research Council-funded researchers, visit their website for further details.
Ingenius: Engaging citizens; engaging engineers is the Royal Academy of Engineering's public engagement grants scheme. Ingenious provides funding for engineers to enhance their public engagement skills and take part in debate with the public and other stakeholders on engineering and its impact on society. Two streams of funding are available:
Science and Engineering Ambassadors - The Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) Programme is STEMNET’s flagship programme. Ambassadors are individuals from a wide variety of STEM backgrounds, from all across the UK, who offer their time, enthusiasm and expertise to help schools inspire young people.
Nuffield Bursaries - Opportunity to host a post-16 student placement.
Business & Enterprise
RCUK Business Plan competition
Flying Start - Programme for women entrepreneurs.
VentureNavigator is a unique and free online service with one clear aim: to help start-ups and small businesses improve their chances of success. Venture Navigator delivers business benchmarking, impartial resources and supports an online community for entrepreneurs to share experience and advice. You can pre-register for the launch now, by signing in at http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/launch to get access to this new valuable resource.
Other opportunities
ESRC National Centre for Research Methods - a network of groups conducting research and training in an area of social science research methods. Training bursaries up to £1000 available.
BA media fellowships - The BA Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers.
BA Perspectives - Postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists, engineers and social scientists funded by one of the UK research councils are encouraged to explore the social and ethical implications of their research by entering perspectives - a poster session with a difference.
Royal Society MP/scientist paring scheme - open to all scientists at postdoctoral level and above, this is an opportunity for scientists to learn about the workings of parliament and how it deals with science, by visiting Westminster for a week. The MP is then invited to visit the scientists place of work.
M1/M69 Staff Development link - A regional staff development network in higher education.
Newton's apple - A think-tank providing a new relationship between Science, Society and Politics.
Wellcome Trust Engaging Science grants programme. Supports projects that engage the public with biomedical science and its social contexts. Wellcome are offering free grants workshops for those interested in applying. Further information on the Engaging Science grant schemes at www.wellcome.ac.uk/engagingscience.
At the workshops you will get information on Engaging Science grant schemes (People, Arts, Society and Broadcast Development Awards), including an overview of the grants programme, the aims and objectives of the awards, and details of the application and review process.
Other highlights:
- How to produce an appropriate grant application
- Exchange ideas and develop partnerships and collaborations
- Individual grant surgeries with Wellcome Trust staff from each of the Engaging Science grants schemes
- A session on how to get suitable scientific input into your project.
Sessions are free to attend, but you need to book your place in advance. Previous workshops have been oversubscribed, so please apply early for places.