Targeted calls for the Collaborative Research Training Scheme
The AHRC is pleased to announce the launch of two targeted calls within the Collaborative Research Training (CRT) scheme to address training needs in language skills and public engagement. This follows earlier decisions made by the AHRC to develop the CRT scheme in a more strategic direction in 2010 in order to address critical training issues in our community.
Public Engagement Training
The AHRC has identified a gap in the AHRC’s training strategy for postgraduates in terms of encouraging them to share their research with non-academic audiences, and to engage with wider opportunities offered by public engagement.
Researchers participating in Public Engagement activities may find they increase the relevance, impact, legitimacy, and reputation of their research. In addition engagement can refresh the sense of value of research for researchers, provide an opportunity to learn from others, and develop skills relevant to their research and future career. The recent RCUK publication What’s in it for me? The benefits of public engagement for Researchers discusses the public engagement experiences of a range of researchers across the UK.
The AHRC is launching a targeted call in both the Specialist category and the Student Led Initiative (SLI) category of the CRT scheme to address training needs in this area. This call will welcome a variety of different approaches to public engagement training. Programmes could be in support of particular activities or events, to facilitate partnership building, or to give dedicated training to students in skills they need to connect with a non-specialist public. This is a joint call with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE). For more information about public engagement and the benefits it can bring to institutions, please see the NCCPE website.
Applications for the Specialist category are eligible from departments in two or more collaborating institutions. A bid may be for up to £10,000 for a period of up to two years. A further £1000 is available in this category towards staff costs where justified.
Applications for the Student Led Initiative category are for up to £2000 for funding initiatives run by research students for research students.
Awards in both categories can provide support for a range of costs, such as planning and co-ordination, publicity and marketing, and production of research training materials or specialist software.
This call will close on 9 July 2010. Outcomes will be announced in August with awards expected to start in October/November 2010.
Please consult the guidance notes for full details on each category:
Specialist category
Guidance notes (89kb)
Terms and conditions (140kb)
Annex A (285kb)
Student-Led Initiative category
Guidance notes (76kb)
Terms and conditions (122kb)
Annex A (285kb)
It is likely the AHRC will make between 5 and 10 awards, depending on the quality of applications received and the amounts bid for by successful applicants.
There is also a targeted call for a Collaborative Research Training Scheme - Language Skills Training.
Brief case studies on other public engagement training activities-
Bright Club (115kb)
Images of Research (75kb)
Rising Stars (72kb)
If you have any queries about these targeted calls or wish to have an informal discussion about an application please contact the office:
Lou Matter- l.matter@ahrc.ac.uk or 01793 416046
Paul Lansdowne- p.lansdowne@ahrc.ac.uk or 01793 416066
Jessica Bacon- j.bacon@ahrc.ac.uk or 01793 416071