// Staff noticeboard
Call for Expressions of Interest in Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard sche
The Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard funding scheme will open again in March 2022 for Round 8. This scheme is aimed at biomedical researchers at the start of their first independent post (it is not suitable for postdoctoral researchers). The Academy defines biomedical research very broadly and equally encourages applicants from molecular, cellular and structural biology to anatomical, physiological, psychological, epidemiological and public health research areas. You may use experimental or theoretical approaches and be undertaking basic laboratory research through clinical application to healthcare delivery, but your work must reflect the Academy’s mission to improve health through research. To date we have had two successful applicants to this highly competitive scheme. We are permitted to put up to 4 candidates forward for consideration and hence the requirement for an internal selection process as outlined below.
Prof Mark Lewis, Dean of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, as the University’s Springboard Champion will be hosting an informal briefing session on the scheme on Thursday 24th February 12.30 – 13.30 in NCSEM 210.1.12 (remote access can be facilitated via MS Teams if potential candidates are unable to attend in person). If you are are interested in attending the informal briefing please email me at K.Clift@lboro.ac.uk for the joining instructions. Whilst potential candidates are not obliged to attend this session in order to put their names forward for consideration as candidates, you may find it useful. Attendees will be able to learn more details of the scheme and the internal shortlisting process, and to hear from successful Springboard award holder, Dr Nicola Paine about her experience of the application process.
Scheme overview: Springboard Round 8 will open on 1st March – timeline attached - Round 7 guidance is still available on the Academy's website though we are not anticipating major changes. It offers a bespoke package of support to biomedical researchers at the start of their first independent post to help launch their research careers. Funding is £100K over two years and access to the Academy of Medical Sciences' acclaimed mentoring and career development programme. The Academy provides detailed guidance around eligibility and I would recommend you read this before putting yourself forward.
The shortlisting and application process: Potential candidates must be shortlisted by the University via an internal selection process. The Expression of Interest form is attached, and applicants are also asked to provide a short CV (max 3 pages) to K.Clift@lboro.ac.uk. The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 5pm on Thursday 24th March 2022. Professor Lewis, with support from other senior academics and current award holders will shortlist candidates at a meeting on 31st March 2022. Shortlisted candidates will then be supported by internal mentors and colleagues in the Research and Enterprise Office to develop their submissions. On 16th May 2022 shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to present their submission in progress to an internal panel comprising senior academics, Research Office staff and current awardees to get some constructive feedback ahead of the final deadline for submission to the Academy on 16th June 2022. Previous candidates have found this a useful exercise.
As always, I would be happy to chat to anyone who may be interested but unsure of their eligibility. Equally if anyone has any specific needs relating to the accessibility of this information or the planned briefing session then please do get in touch and we will do what we can to meet your needs.
Kate Clift K.Clift@lboro.ac.uk
