Open call for NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows and NERC Policy Placement Fellows
Closing date: 10 June 2013
Interview dates: 16-18 July 2013
NERC wishes to award a number of part-time Knowledge Exchange Fellows (KE Fellows) and Policy Placement Fellows, whose objective will be to increase the impact of NERC-funded science through a programme of work of their own choosing.
The closing date for applications is 16:00 on Monday 10 June 2013. Interviews will be held on 16, 17, and 18 July in London. The Je-S application system for this call will open on Monday 29 April and guidance on how to complete the Je-S forms will be put up on this page.
NERC science has the potential to make an important contribution to economic growth and quality of life. For the UK to remain competitive within a global economy, we need to ensure that scientific advances are translated swiftly into businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government.
A variety of stakeholders use NERC research. These include the business community, policy-makers and society, to:
- provide the scientific evidence necessary to inform public policy and business strategy as our environment alters;
- protect people and minimise costs through more effective forecasting of environmental hazards;
- create wealth by providing the starting point for new or improved products, services and solutions for business.
Focus of the Fellowships
Applications for KE Fellowships and Policy Placement Fellowships should focus on accelerating and amplifying economic impact and improvements in the quality of life from NERC-funded research through working with business, NGOs or government bodies. This could include:
- strengthening existing partnerships
- developing new relationships
- researching new market opportunities
- providing case studies of knowledge exchange from NERC-funded research
- providing briefings and reports suitable for policymakers
Details of the two types of fellowship are below.
1. Knowledge Exchange Fellowships (KE Fellowships)
KE Fellowships are based in the institution where they are employed. They are open to researchers at any stage of their career. Proposals to host a KE Fellow are invited from schools or departments in approved UK higher education institutes (HEIs) and research and collaborative centres currently in receipt of NERC research funding.
Up to four fellowships will be available for those who come forward with a work plan of their own choosing to generate impact from NERC-funded research in their host institution. The KE Fellowships will cover the KE Fellow's salary including superannuation, NI and specific allowances, plus up to £40k for travel and other associated work plan costs. They cover direct costs only and do not include overheads.
KE Fellows can last for a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years. Candidates can apply to spend between 20% and 80% of their time on the fellowship. KE Fellows have to be employed by the host institution for the duration of their fellowship.
Successful applicants will be expected to link with other NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows to share best practice and to participate in the NERC Knowledge Exchange Network, which meets once or twice a year. A mentoring service is also available. Current Knowledge Exchange Fellows are listed in the supporting documentation below.
If selected for interview, the applicant will be asked to give a 10 minute presentation followed by 35 minutes of questions from a panel of up to four people. In addition, the applicant's Head of Department, or someone who can provide a strategic viewpoint, is expected to join the interview in person or by telephone.
Eligibility
Applicants must be from a NERC research centre or a HEI in receipt of NERC-funded research. Applicants can be at any career stage and can be from a user or academic background, as long as the academic host institution will be their employer for the duration of the fellowship.
Contact keschemes@nerc.ac.uk if you have any queries or ring Lynne Porter on 01793 411791.
2. Policy Placement Fellowships
Policy Placement Fellowships must be organised in collaboration with a policy-making body, for example a government department, devolved administration or agency. The placement is for a fixed term for a specific project.
The placement is jointly funded by NERC and the partner organisation on a 50:50 basis. NGOs are an exception to this rule. NGOs are asked to provide 25% of the funding. Applications must include a letter of support from the partner organisation committing to co-fund the work with their application.
When submitting your application through Je-S, include 50% of your costs. The project description in your application and the letter of support will cover how the project as a whole will be undertaken and funded.
Eligibility
Applicants must be from a NERC research centre or a HEI in receipt of NERC-funded research.
Duration
The minimum period for a Policy Placement Fellowship will be six months and the maximum three years.
Location
Placement fellows will be expected to spend at least 50% of their fellowship in the partner organisation's offices, although some work might require time to be spent at other locations in the UK or abroad.
Conditions of work
All placement fellows must adhere to their employer's and the host organisation's requirements of independence from political or commercial interest through the placement. Fellows will sign a confidentiality agreement, specifying that data on policy advice and internal debate will not be disclosed without prior written agreement of the partner organisation.
Successful applicants will be expected to link with other NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows to share best practice and to participate in the NERC Knowledge Exchange Network, which meets once or twice a year. Current Knowledge Exchange Fellows are listed in the supporting documentation below.
Contact keschemes@nerc.ac.uk if you have any queries or ring Lynne Porter on 01793 411791.
Supporting documentation
More detailed information about Knowledge Exchange Fellowships (35KB)