opportunities

Join the Researchers in Residence scheme

Funding of up to £50,000 is available to academics keen to become part of a growing cohort of specialists helping to forge closer ties between universities, industry and the Catapult Network.

Individuals specialising in rail, airports, ports, data and civic investment are invited to put themselves forward to join the Researchers in Residence scheme involving Connected Places Catapult and delivered by the The Innovation Launchpad Network+.

Application deadline

Expressions of interest are to be submitted by 30 November, followed by full applications in January. Applicants are encouraged to liaise with Julia Brady before completing their expressions of interest. 

The opportunity

Researchers in Residence is designed to allow academics to work alongside Catapults on a project or activity in an area of strategic importance, as well as to increase the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry and the Catapult Network. 

Acceptance onto the Researchers in Residence programme will allow academics to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field and take new ideas forward to create research impact. Successful candidates will each receive up to £50,000 of funding to pay for their university time, travel and accommodation. Successful academics will be welcomed on to the programme next spring.

Challenge themes

Proposals will be expected to address one of five themes identified by Connected Places Catapult in this latest round of the Researchers in Residence programme. They are: 

1. 1. Overcoming barriers to innovation-friendly procurement in the rail sector; 
2. 2. Assessing the opportunities for generating non-public ‘civic’ investment in UK towns and cities; 
3. 3. Assessing future port and vessel design to enable the use of alternative fuel and power sources; 
4. 4. Understanding best practice for data sharing agreements for infrastructure resilience and connected digital twins; 
5. 5. Assessing the transition to zero emission airports.

All applicants who propose Connected Places Catapult as their host Catapult are welcome regardless of birthplace or national origin. Other Catapults may have different requirements. Applicants are encouraged to liaise with Julia Brady before completing their expressions of interest. 

To view terms and conditions, visit the main Researchers in Residence competition site.