Stepping Stone Early Career Bursary Scheme Grant

Stepping Stone Early Career Bursary Scheme Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Challenger Society for Marine Science
Amount: Up to £1,000
Last Updated: November 25, 2025

Summary

The Stepping Stone Early Career Bursary Scheme, funded by the Challenger Society for Marine Science, aims to support the professional development of early career marine scientists in the UK. With grants of up to £1000, eligible researchers can engage in activities like travel, collaborative research, and conference participation. This initiative is specifically designed for those without permanent positions, encouraging innovative research and new collaborations. Applications are open to those within eight years of their highest degree or six years of their first academic role.

Overview

The Stepping Stones Early Career Bursary scheme is designed to support career development of members of the UK marine science community who do not have current indefinite employment. The scheme can provide modest amounts of support (up to £1000 per grant) for activities designed to enhance the career prospects for researchers, but not to provide direct salary support. Bursaries can be used for research related activities including but not limited to travel, collaborative visits, laboratory or field work and conference participation. Bursaries may, for example, be used to develop existing research, explore new research ideas, develop grant applications, establish or further new research collaborations, carry out public engagement activities, participate in conferences, pay for laboratory costs, cover expenses for field work, or attend workshops.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Individuals are only eligible to receive one bursary in any three year period.Applicants must provide evidence of recent research activity eg. publications, PhD studies, participation in research campaigns.Applications are not permitted from researchers holding permanent positions. Those holding fixed term contracts may apply in the 6 months before the end of their contract. Applications are welcome from active or recently active researchers that are currently unemployedApplicants must be early career researchers. The Challenger Society defines early career researchers as those who are:within eight years of their highest degree (BSc, MSc, PhD award), or equivalent professional trainingwithin six years of their first academic appointment (the first full or part time paid employment contract that lists research or teaching as the primary functions).These periods exclude any career break, like family care, health reasons, reasons related to COVID-19 such as home schooling or increased teaching load, and more. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Applicants must be members of the Challenger Society.

Ineligibility

Applications are not permitted from researchers holding permanent positions. Salary costs are not eligible to be covered. Applicants must be early career researchers, i.e. applications must be made within 10 years of their PhD submission date.