This call is currently open. The deadline for applications is 5pm on the 9th May 2024.
If you are planning to apply to this round please ensure you submit your 'intention to submit' four weeks prior to the deadline, details can be found on page 3 of the call specification document below.
The Bristol 'Next Generation' Visiting Researcher Programme has been designed to support the next generation of research, helping to enhance the University of Bristol’s reputation as a centre for research excellence and innovation.
‘Next Generation’ has a dual meaning: this scheme can support researchers at any stage – including distinguished Professors – to undertake preliminary work on blue skies research projects, exploring exciting, innovative new research spaces; however, it also opens the door for future research leaders who are less senior in their careers but have shown great potential. For these awards we would encourage applicants to consider a ‘mentorship’ approach for applications, whereby the UoB host could be a more senior researcher – where appropriate – to help maximise the success and outcomes of the international visit. Visitors and hosts who are at equivalent career stages are, however, also very welcome to apply to this scheme.
‘Next Generation’ awards are for placements of up to six weeks, during which they will undertake world-leading, curiosity-driven research in partnership with UoB academics. The scheme offers ideal conditions in which to stretch the boundaries of the academic field in question, with generous and peaceful space for work and life provided, along with monies set aside for travel to Bristol and subsistence during the stay. Our recently refurbished bespoke building for academic visitors, Principal’s House at 1 University Walk, is a haven right in the heart of the university’s central precinct. It provides self-catering accommodation with generous living areas, as well as communal and office space which can be used for meetings. Visitors will also have use of the Verdon-Smith Room, Royal Fort House for workshops or seminars.
A visit to the University of Bristol will encourage long-lasting international research partnerships, developing research through co-authored publications and collaborative research funding bids. In addition to working with their host and host department colleagues, Visiting Researchers will have opportunities to work with research-active UoB members at all levels, from postgraduate to emeriti, and they will have the chance to schedule a suite of internal and public-facing activities, from consultations and masterclasses to workshops, public lectures and performances. The Bristol ‘Next Generation’ Visiting Researcher scheme therefore offers fantastic mutual benefits for both the visitor and the host, and over time the cumulative effect of these international research collaborations will produce a truly global community of scholars and advancement across a range of research fields.
How to apply
The Bristol Next Generation Visiting Researcher programme support visits to the University of Bristol for up to six weeks for both distinguished professors and also future research leaders who have demonstrated research excellence and innovation in their field. Applications to this round are for visits between 1 September 2024 and 31 July 2025 inclusive. The scheme offers funds for travel to Bristol, accommodation as well as living expenses (up to £30/day).
Applications should be submitted via email to ird-office@bristol.ac.uk by 5pm on the 9th May 2024. Applications received after the deadline and/or which do not adhere to the guidance will not be accepted.
Applicants should note that all application forms require sign off from their Head of School before the application can be submitted (Section D: School Declaration and Approval), and that the HoS will also need to give approval in Worktribe. Please allow sufficient time to complete these requirements prior to the call deadline. We recommend that applicants contact their HoS with their intention to submit in advance in order to give them prior notification of the above requirements.
You may also find it useful to refer to our FAQs (Office document, 329kB) where we have listed questions raised by previous applicants.
If you have any questions regarding the application process or any other aspect of this scheme please get in touch with International Research Development Office via ird-office@bristol.ac.uk.
We recognise that in some cases a visitor has caring responsibilities which means it is impossible for them to visit Bristol without being accompanied by their families, we have therefore made it possible to apply for funding to accommodate this, please refer to page four of the call guidance document for more details. The exceptional accommodation request form can be found below and should be submitted along with the application form by the deadline:
Distinguished Professors who wish to make a longer visit to the University of Bristol should consider applying to our Bristol Benjamin Meaker Distinguished Visiting Professorship scheme. We also offer Bristol International Research Collaboration Activities to stimulate and support collaboration between the University of Bristol and international partners via virtual platforms. Both schemes are currently accepting applications.
