20/10/23
2 min read
New network founded to support early research talent amongst our grant-holders.
We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Nuffield Foundation Emerging Researchers Network.
The new group is a proactive initiative from the Foundation to nurture and develop the next generation of future research talent from a wide range of disciplines, institutions and backgrounds and to support them to flourish in social research careers.
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from across the UK who currently work on Nuffield Foundation-funded projects attended a special event, held as part of our 80th anniversary event programme, to launch the network.
The event aimed to facilitate skills development, grow connections with peers, and provide an opportunity to contribute ideas to the development of the Foundation’s new strategy and future research priorities.
The day included presentations from ECRs working on a range of Nuffield Foundation grants. Attendees also heard from Professor Ruth Patrick from the University of York, who spoke about some of her landmark Nuffield-funded research on poverty, social security and welfare reform, as well as the value of participatory approaches and routes to achieving policy impact.
A ‘planning for impact’ session provided ideas on how to engage with policymakers, parliamentarians, and general audiences. There was also an opportunity to meet Nuffield programme heads.
Nuffield Foundation CEO, Tim Gardam said: “Establishing a network for our early career researchers has been a long-held ambition of the Foundation. I am delighted to see it in place to support the professional and career development of our future social research leaders .”
Other Foundation support for earlier stage researchers
The formation of the network is the latest in a series of Foundation initiatives to invest in emerging research talent.
We fund Nuffield Research Placements which enable year 12 (or equivalent) students to take part in engaging, hands-on research projects with a host organisation. The placements, which are delivered by STEM Learning, are a fantastic opportunity for students to develop subject understanding, apply skills and knowledge learned at school, and work alongside researchers and industry professionals.
Every year the Foundation also funds successful applicants to undertake a three-month fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). The scheme has been running since 2011 and aims to help later-stage PhD students and recent PhD graduates to get experience in writing briefings, participate in new research projects, build relationships, and gain a unique insight into the fundamentals of policymaking . The current application round closes on 5th November. You can find out more about POST, and apply for the latest fellowship, here.
