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UCL STAR is a framework of support for Research Fellows at UCL, allowing participants to develop the knowledge, skills and experience they require to be successful Lecturer or Associate Professor.
UCL STAR is a brand new initiative from the Academic Careers Office (ACO). The aim of the scheme is to help prepare UCL Fellows for their next destination, by highlighting and providing training opportunities available to them at UCL and beyond. This will position particiapants to be better prepared in making Grant and Fellowshop applications, as well as developing key knowledge, skills and experience so as to be become effective Lecturers or Associate Professors at the end of their Fellowship.
UCL STAR will run for 12 months, from May 2025 till May 2026. As part of the scheme, STAR participants will be invited to three key meetings across the year:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | formal introduction to scheme, including talks with selected Faculty members on mentoring and support as well as talks from LMS Vice-Deans and EDI representatives. This will be followed by a networking reception. |
| November 2025 | Cohort Meeting 1: Focusing on funding application and interview preparation with support from the Research Coordination Office. |
| May 2026 | Cohort Meeting 2: Focusing on talent management and academic appraisal with support from Organisational Development. |
| These meetings take place alongside other training and support opportunities provided by the LMS Faculties, wider-UCL initiatives and relevent external partners. Participants will also be given unique opportunities to network with their peers. |
Eligability
In order to take part in UCL STAR, eligible researcher-fellows must:
- Be a postdoctoral researcher based in the participating faculties (Brain, Life, Medical and Population Health)
- Hold a nationally competitive and peer-reviewed Fellowship that covers at least 50% of the Fellow’s salary.
- Be in the last 2 years of their Fellowship, and have at least 12 months before the end of their research Fellowship at the point of enrolment.
Other research fellows might be considered in exceptional circumstances only, and a decision will be made on a case by case basis.
Therefore, all UCL STAR-Fellows will be undertaking nationally competitive research fellowships of 4-5 years at UCL.
To apply, potential candidates just complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/250282201925348
- Eligable Fellowships:
- UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships BBSRC David Phillips fellowships
- BBSRC New Investigator Award
- MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship
- MRC Senior Clinical Fellowship
- MRC Career Development Award
- MRC Senior Non-clinical Fellowship
- Wellcome Research Career Development Fellowships
- Wellcome Career Development Awards
- Wellcome Early-Career Awards
- Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
- Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowship
- Royal Society University Research Fellowship
- CRUK Career Development Fellowship
- CRUK Career Establishment Award
- CRUK Clinician Scientist Fellowship
All other Fellowships provided by charities and other funders that meet the eligibility criteria above will be considered equally for UCL STAR. Please contact Alex Teale if you have any questions about your eligilbity.