The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) has now launched their annual call for applications to the Research Fellowships scheme. Unlike previous rounds, the 2024/25 round only includes the Research Fellowship scheme and the Engineering for Development Research Fellowship (EDRF) scheme has been removed. However, RAEng will continue to accept applications under the EDRF umbrella in the current round and they will be treated no differently to Research Fellowship applications. The scheme's objectives are to support the best early-career researchers in establishing their independence and international reputation, provide long-term support enabling the pursuit of an ambitious programme of engineering research and impact and develop ambassadors for the Academy and advocates for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. RAEng funds awards of £625,000 over 5 years at 80% FEC.
Research Fellowships are aimed at early-career researchers. Applicants must have a PhD, which was awarded (or the PhD has been unconditionally approved) no more than four years before the submission deadline: Wednesday 18th September 2024. This period includes the applicant's work experience in academia or/and in industry in the UK or/and worldwide. A margin of up to three months more than the four-year limit is acceptable. There are some exceptions for extenuating circumstances. Please consult the eligibility guidance for more information.
For more information about this scheme, please see the funder's call page and the applicant guidance document including the "Why applications are unsuccessful" section on page 23.
University Internal selection:
The standard application limit for each host institution is two applications, but the host institution can submit up to four applications as part of RAEng's positive action initiative with the following conditions:
- If the submission is four applications, at least two of the four applications must be submitted by candidates from the identified underrepresented groups.
- If the submission is three applications, at least one of the three applications must be submitted by a candidate from the identified underrepresented groups.
- If the submission is one or two applications, the application or applications do not need to be submitted by candidates from the identified underrepresented groups.
The Academy has identified the following groups as underrepresented in UK engineering research:
- Women
- Black people, including those with any mixed ethnicity with Black ethnic background(s)
- Disabled people
Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls policy.
As part of this process, departments are not capped on the number of submissions to the internal selection process. However, all candidates must be ranked by their department. Departments should organise their own ranking process and send their ranked nominations using the Microsoft Form by 22nd April 2024 (NB: if asked to log-in, please use your CRSID/Raven details; note that a Form cannot be saved and returned to). Applications from the Department of Engineering should be submitted and ranked by Divisions.
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
- The department's ranked nominations (see the Form for required information)
- Information about departmental ranking, including details of how the department adopted a proactive approach in encouraging researchers from underrepresented groups to apply.
- Project summary (600 words) that addresses the following in line with the assessment criteria:
- Goals and Objectives: Please state the goals and objectives for your research project. You should include details on how novel, realistic, and ambitious the project is as well as its timeliness (i.e. why it is important and why it should be conducted now) and how you will consider diversity and inclusion in research and team development
- Beneficiaries and Impact: identify the groups in society that will benefit from the proposed research, as well as any positive societal and economic impacts it will have.
- Applicant’s brief CV (max. 3 pages).
- Applicants are asked not to include personal information in the CV (e.g., gender, date of birth, nationality).
- The CV should include a list of publications that are most significant/relevant to the proposal. DORA principles should be considered when presenting research outputs.
- A support letter from the Head of the Department (for Engineering: Head of Division) from the department that will hold the grant, confirming their support for the project and agreement to host the grant.
Internal Assessment Criteria:
Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
- Candidate: the quality of the applicant’s research track record; the potential of the applicant to become a future leader in their chosen field and the potential to act as an ambassador and advocate for engineering research.
- Research Quality and Vision: the quality of the applicant’s research vision and their potential to establish an independent research career in their chosen field; the quality of the proposed research programme including timeliness, novelty, vision, and ambition that are achievable within the five-year research timeline; consideration of diversity and inclusion in research and team development.
- Beneficiaries and Impact: extent to which beneficiaries will benefit from the proposed research and the potential to translate research outcomes into societal and economic impact.
Funder deadline: 18th September 2024
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.