Research programme grants associated studentships

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) research programmes:

  • provide environmental research, training and related knowledge exchange
  • encourage national and international collaboration.

What research programme grants associated studentships do

Research programme funding opportunities may allow applicants to request funding within research programme proposals to support associated studentships.

Associated studentships link students to a larger strategic investment supported by NERC.

These studentships:

  • are not associated with all types of strategic investments
  • are only available where NERC identifies the investment as also a priority for training or capacity building.

The research done through an associated studentship should be closely associated with the work carried out in the grant.

The department must make the same level of provision for training and supervision that would be expected for any other NERC student.

Application assessment process

All studentship applications are assessed on these NERC success criteria:

  • research excellence
  • training excellence
  • multidisciplinary training environment
  • ability to attract excellent students
  • any call-specific criteria.

See NERC associated studentships assessment criteria.

More information about these criteria will be available as part of the relevant funding opportunity.

The moderating panel reviews research excellence and call-specific criteria of associated studentships.

Members of the NERC talent and skills team assess in office:

  • training excellence
  • multidisciplinary training environment
  • the ability to attract excellent students.

Funding available

Research programme funding opportunities are held throughout the year.

Funding for research programme grants associated studentships should be included in the research programme grant application.

All studentship costs should be requested in the staff or project student tab in the application. If your application is successful, the stipend and fee costs will be funded at 100% and other costs provided at 80% full economic costing (FEC).

A project studentship may be held as a CASE award, if appropriate.

Eligibility

Associated studentships are governed by the same regulations as other NERC studentships.

Last updated: 10 August 2023

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