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Talent Gateway Programme 2026

The Talent Gateway Programme offers flexible, funded opportunities for researchers, technicians, and professional staff to undertake placements across a range of sectors.

Talent Gateway logo next to the text of the programme's vision

About the programme

The Talent Gateway Programme offers flexible, funded opportunities for researchers, technicians and professional staff to undertake placements across sectors. It is funded through the BBSRC’s Flexible Talent Mobility Account (FTMA) and delivered by the FTMA partners – UCL, University of Hertfordshire, and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The programme supports short placements of up to 2 weeks (full time equivalent), designed to foster cross-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange and career development.

Placements can be with:

  • Academic, industrial or third sector organisations
  • Policy, regulatory or government bodies
  • Placement hosts based in the UK

Formats:

  • Short placements (up to 2 weeks)
  • Technology transfer, business and commercial exchanges

Application closing date:

  • Friday 22 May 2026.

Apply for the placement programme

 

 

Why join the programme:

This programme is designed to deliver meaningful outcomes for all involved — including researchers, host organisations, and supervisors supporting the placement holders.

Researchers presenting in front of the poster boards

For researchers/ techinicians/ professional staff joining the placement programme:

  • Funded time to explore new sectors and broaden career horizons
  • Development of new skills and enhanced career flexibility
  • Deeper understanding of research cultures and practices beyond academia

A group of people at a networking event

For placement host organisations:

  • Access to cutting-edge academic expertise and fresh thinking
  • Opportunity to build long-term collaborations with universities and FTMA partners
  • Contribution to talent development and innovation in their sector

A speaker at a panel discussion

For supervisors/line managers of placement holders:

  • Strengthened networks and increased research impact
  • Opportunities to align academic work with external stakeholder needs
  • Support for staff development through real-world experience

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • Early career researchers, including postdoctoral researchers
  • Established researchers
  • Technicians and professional services staff

Other requirements:

  • Applicants must be affiliated with one of the FTMA partners (UCL, University of Hertfordshire or the National Physical Laboratory (NPL)) and have a confirmed placement partner
  • Placements must be based in the UK
  • Applicants must have a placement in mind and ideally have had an initial discussion with the prospective host
  • Approval required from your supervisor/current line manager and from the institution contact listed in the 'Contact' section below.

Apply for the placement programme

 

How it works

Step 1 - Identify a placement: Engage with a potential host organisation and agree on a placement opportunity.

Step 2 - Seek line manager approval: Discuss the proposed placement with your supervisor or line manager and obtain their approval.

Step 3 - Apply online by 22 May 2026: Submit your application via the online application link with final approval from your institution contact listed in the 'Contact' section below.

Step 4 - Undertake the placement: Complete the placement — a short placement of up to 2 weeks (either full-time or part-time).

Step 5 - Receive funding: Your salary (equivalent to your current pay) will be funded directly by the FTMA, supported by the BBSRC.
 

Other considerations

Placement contracts
Awardees on fixed-term university contracts may request a “no cost” extension from their research funder to extend their contract by the duration of the placement.

Salary
There is a notional funding ceiling of £2,000 for short-term placements (up to 2 weeks). Applicants should determine the actual duration based on their salary and the available budget.

Travel advice:
Should any placement require travel other than the main host organisation address, applicants must state so in the relevant section of the application form. UCL applicants to note: UCL's Global Mobility Policy. Applicants from National Physical Laboratory and University of Hertfordshire are advised to check the equivalent with their respective institutions.

Intellectual property (IP)
Placements are designed for knowledge exchange and tailored collaboration. Any IP arising from the placement is expected to reside with the host. Two-way secondments are encouraged. This programme is not a substitute for consultancy, sponsored research or product development services.
 

Training and support

Participants will receive:

  • Guidance on placement planning
  • Support with contracts and approvals
  • Advice on IP and collaboration agreements
  • Ongoing contact with FTMA coordinators
     

Get involved

Researchers
Apply for the placement programme now.

Companies and placement hosts
Interested in hosting a placement? We welcome expressions of interest from industry, policy and third sector organisations. Please contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.
 

Contact