Supporting research careers

We are committed to maintaining the health of research within the higher education sector through supporting research careers.

We do this in a range of ways that include:

leading or participating in a range of schemes to support and enhance training for postgraduate research students
supporting institutions to attract overseas students to study in the UK, through the Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (this support runs to the end of 2010-11).

Research Concordat

In June, we became signatories to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This agreement describes standards, expectations and responsibilities for the proper management and development of academic researchers in higher education institutions and research organisations across the UK.

Clinical Senior Lectureship Awards and Veterinary Training

Along with local NHS trusts, we provide funding for Clinical Senior Lectureship Awards. This funding aims to increase research capacity and improve the sustainability of clinical research at senior lecturer level by providing a career path for clinical academics after the completion of clinical training programmes.

We also contribute to the Veterinary Training and Research Initiative, which supports students and practising vets researching animal diseases.

Careers in Research Online Survey

We encourage higher education institutions to participate in Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS), which aims to anonymously gather data about working conditions, career aspirations and career development opportunities for research staff. CROS will run from March to May 2010 and the analysis of the aggregated results from 2009 is now available.

Last updated 24 February 2010