Scope
STFC will support the following schools in this opportunity:
- Introductory Course in Astronomy
- British Universities Summer School in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics (BUSSTEPP)
- Introductory Course in Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
- High Energy Physics (HEP)
- Nuclear Physics UK
The schools listed will be expected to submit a high-quality application that meets the requirements of the funding opportunity should they wish to have support in 2027.
We will not accept or support other summer school applications in 2027.
Research areas
Summer schools must align with the STFC core science programme, which includes:
- astronomy
- particle physics
- nuclear physics
- accelerator science
Expected course content
Even though we are currently only supporting the core summer schools, it is important that organisers clearly demonstrate how their programme aligns with STFC’s core science remit.
The programme should be designed to address key STFC scientific questions and contribute meaningfully to the development of expertise in these areas. To ensure wide accessibility and impact, the content should be broad enough to appeal to a diverse cohort of students across the STFC community, while maintaining scientific depth and relevance.
Applications should include detailed justification and address the school aims to deliver in terms of content, and how it links to STFC science programme. You should refer to the STFC guidance for summer schools in 2027 for full details of expected content and ensure there are elements of public engagement in the school.
For advice on public engagement content, contact: stfcpublicengagement@stfc.ukri.org
Summer Schools must be aimed primarily at STFC-funded PhD students. Every student should have an opportunity to attend a STFC-supported Summer School.
Funding available
Organisers should aim to keep the cost per student below £150 per day. However, consideration may be given to reasonable overheads that result in costs exceeding this threshold, provided that clear and specific justifications are provided.
Note the following financial restrictions within the summer school template:
- lecturer fees: a maximum of £170 per day or £85 per half day, as appropriate
- conference dinner: a maximum of £50 (£60 in London) per delegate in total for conference dinner or excursion, or both
- management fees: £1000 one off fee
- contingency costs: 5% of the total cost or £1,500 (whichever is the least)
- accommodation: not to exceed £170.00 per night including breakfast and VAT within Edinburgh and London or £120.00 per night for all other places
Applications may include costs for reasonable adjustments. Where an application includes such costs, UKRI will ensure they are eligible, and these should be accepted without comment. Further information on disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants during the application and assessment process can be found on the UKRI disability and accessibility support web page.
You should be aware that if the costs outlined in the summer school template are exceeded, any additional expenses must be covered by the organiser. These excess costs cannot be claimed from the funding body. These excess costs cannot be claimed from the funding body.
Risk management
Organisers must submit a detailed risk management plan outlining any potential risks to the delivery of the programme, along with corresponding mitigation strategies. The plan should also include contingency arrangements for delivering the programme remotely in the event that a residential school cannot take place.
Where excursions or off-site activities are planned as part of the summer school programme, a separate risk assessment and management plan should be provided to address the specific risks associated with those activities.
Feedback
If successful, organisers are required to provide a report to STFC on the completion of the course. The report should include student feedback, and gender balance between students. The report will be shared with the Education, Training and Careers Committee (ETCC) in March 2027. This may also be shared with future hosts.
When applying to host a core summer school, you are strongly encouraged to contact the previous organisers of that school. This helps ensure continuity, share best practices, and support the ongoing development and improvement of the course.
Final reports and student feedback from previous years can be provided for reference by the studentships team [email: studentships@stfc.ukri.org] during the planning process.
