MAPS Established Researchers Travel Grant 25/26

Overview

The MAPS Established Researchers Travel Grant aims to support established research staff with more than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience who wish to create new connections or explore opportunities for new partnerships through research visits. Visits to strengthen existing collaborations will also be considered but priority will be given to creating new partnerships.

You can apply to visit external organisations including companies and public bodies. Visits can take place both in and outside of the UK. 

The award must be spent by 31 July 2026. Unspent funds cannot be extended. 

Successful applicants will be required to submit a short report (maximum one A4 page, not including any photos or graphs) following their visits to the Faculty Research Coordinator, Cindy Li, at se.li@ucl.ac.uk, by 30 September 2026.

Funding available and eligible costs
You can apply up to £500 for your visit (higher amounts may be allocated in exceptional cases). A brief justification is needed for the amount requested. Only the following costs are eligible:

• Transport
• Subsistence
• Accommodation

For transport, subsistence and accommodation, please refer to UCL’s Expense Policy for spending requirements and limits. 

Who can apply 
Established research and academic staff with more than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience. We especially welcome applications from under-represented groups. (If you are an early career researcher, please see our travel grant for ECRs. )

Documents and information needed for application

• Reasons for the visit
• Intended objectives
• Justification for budget
• Planned dates for travel
• Supporting documents: i) Brief support email or invitation from the host; ii) quotes for transport and accommodation

How to apply
Applications should be made by completing the online Application Form by the end of Monday 16 March 2026.

Assessment 
The main assessment criteria will be the benefits to the applicant and intended objectives. We will aim to notify applicants of their application outcome within two weeks of the deadline.

Payment
If you are successful, the award will be paid to your department. You will need to submit an expense claim to your department following your visit or ask your department to book the travel for you. Please confirm the deadline for submitting expense claims with your department because the award must be spent by 31 July 2026.

Contact
MAPS Faculty Research Coordinator, Cindy Li, se.li@ucl.ac.uk.

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