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UCL EPSRC Doctoral Training

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UCL post-doctoral additional funding - EPSRC-funded

This scheme has 3 streams with variable deadlines - make sure you meet the relevant deadline for your application.

UCL has just been awarded funding from EPSRC to support activities for Post-doctoral researchers. There are 3 streams to the funding – please carefully read the eligibility criteria of all streams to determine which one is suitable for you. Please also note the variable deadlines and make sure you submit your application by the relevant deadline for your application.

There are strict conditions from EPSRC on how the funding can be used, particularly the timeframe in which it can be spent. The timelines of this call have been set up to accommodate EPSRC’s restrictions and so cannot be altered.

This was a last-minute award by EPSRC and we do not anticipate any further funding being awarded so this scheme should be considered a one-off.

Questions about this scheme should be directed to docschool@ucl.ac.uk and clearly marked as relating to the UCL EPSRC-funded post-doctoral additional funding scheme.

The information on this page is also available as a word document and all files are available to download from sharepoint (UCL log-in required).

Stream A: Post-doctoral researcher extension

Additional funding for up to 6 months extension for eligible post-doctoral researchers funded from any source to undertake additional research.

(Current EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellows are not eligible for this stream and instead have been invited to apply for stream B)

Eligibility criteria:

  • Currently or recently employed as a post-doctoral researcher at UCL with an end date after 31-July-2025
  • Employed on your first post-doctoral research contract, or within 3 years of completing your doctoral training. (Career breaks which affect this timescale will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Post-doctoral research role and the proposed activity is within EPSRC’s remit areas
  • Doctoral training was funded by an EPSRC training grant (eg a CDT, DTP, or I-CASE) at any UK university
  • Proposal is for additional research to expand on the current post-doctoral research
  • Existing funding source can be “interrupted” (funder permission will be required) so the additional funds can be used during Oct 2025 to March 2026

Selection criteria:

  • Progress made to date in the current post-doctoral research
  • Anticipated impact of the additional time on the recipient’s research and career progression

Application deadline:

  • 13:00 on 15-Sep-2025 for applications for a 6 month extension
  • 13:00 on 30-Sep-2025 for applications for a 1 to 5 month extension

Application requirements:

Current research document:

The exact document and format will depend on the nature of your current position. If you have a fellowship then use your existing fellowship application. If you are employed on a single-position funded grant, use the application document from that grant. If you are employed on a wider grant (for example a programme grant or as part of a team on someone else’s fellowship grant) then use both the grant application and a document from the grant PI detailing which parts of the research you are responsible for. If you are funded by UCL (e.g. department or faculty core funds) then provide a summary of the funding and the research from either your HoD or your PI/group leader; and include information on any grant/programme it is aligned or committed to.

Existing funder permission:

The exact document and format will depend on the nature of your current position. You need written confirmation (such as an email) that the funder is willing for you to undertake this activity during the period Oct 2025 to March 2026 and will extend their funding (as a no-cost extension) by the corresponding duration. If you are funded by UCL funds then you need written confirmation from your HoD to include confirmation that the inserted activity can be accommodated by any grant/research programme your role is aligned or committed to

Requirements for successful applicants:

  • Department to change salary source for the awarded duration during the period Oct 2025 to March 2026 (the exact period will be advised when the award is made)
  • A brief report on the outcomes and impacts of the extension activities to be submitted in April 2026

Stream B: EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship extension

Applications to this stream can only be accepted from the eligible Fellows who have been invited to apply.

Additional funding for up to 6 months extension for current EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellows to undertake additional research.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Existing EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow
  • Proposal is for additional research to expand on the original fellowship, and remains in EPSRC’s remit areas.

Selection criteria:

  • Progress made to date in the Doctoral Prize Fellowship
  • Anticipated impact of the additional time on the Fellow’s research and career progression

Application deadline:

  • 13:00 on 15-Sep-2025 for applications for a 6 month extension
  • 13:00 on 30-Sep-2025 for applications for a 1 to 5 month extension

Application requirements:

Requirements for successful applicants:

  • Department to change salary source for the awarded duration during the period Oct 2025 to March 2026 (the exact period will be advised when the award is made).
  • A brief report on the Fellowship progress and upcoming plans to be submitted in April 2026
  • A brief report on the Fellowship outcomes and impacts (with a specific section on the extension activities) to be submitted at the end of the fellowship.

Stream C: Travel grants for post-doctoral researchers

Funding to cover travel and associated costs for new activities that are complementary to your current post-doctoral role and will enhance your research and career progression. For example (but not limited to) visits to establish new collaborations.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Currently or recently employed as a post-doctoral researcher at UCL with an end date after 31-July-2025
  • Post-doctoral position funded by any funder (this stream includes EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellows)
  • Employed on your first post-doctoral research contract, or within 3 years of completing your doctoral training. (Career breaks which affect this timescale will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Post-doctoral research role and the proposed activity is within EPSRC’s remit areas
  • Doctoral training was funded by an EPSRC training grant (e.g. a CDT, DTP, or I-CASE) at any UK university
  • Application is for a new activity that is complementary to your post-doctoral research and will enhance your career progression
  • Activity will occur during Oct 2025 to March 2026
  • Applications for funds to attend a conference may be considered, but you will need strong justification including how attending that conference specifically will enhance your career progression

Selection criteria:

  • Anticipated impact of the additional activity on the recipient’s career progression

Application deadline:

  • Round 1: 13:00 on 15 September 2025 – for activities starting in October 2025
  • Round 2: 13:00 on 30 September 2025 – for activities starting from November 2025
  • Round 3: 13:00 on 01 December 2025 – for activities starting from February 2026
  • Round 4: If funds remain, there may be an additional round in early 2026

You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Funds will not be reserved for later rounds. If there are a large number of strong applications in early rounds that use all the available funding later rounds will not be run

Application requirements:

Supporting document(s)

The exact documents and format will depend on the nature of your current position and any other funding awarded. You need to provide documentation on:

  1. your current research position (see the guidance on this in stream A)
  2. current post-doctoral funding awarded i.e. the funding award letter showing the actual funds awarded for your position (or for the overall grant if your position is part of or committed to a wider research programme)
  3. award letter(s) for any additional funding you have been awarded (e.g. other travel grants)

If you are an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow (i.e. you have received an invitation to apply to stream B) you do not need to provide items 1 or 2 (as we already hold copies of these); if you have not been awarded any additional funding (and so have no item 3 documents) then please upload a document stating “EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow – no additional funds awarded” in the supporting documents question in the online form.

Requirements for successful applicants:

  • A brief report on the outcomes and impacts of the activity to be submitted in April 2026