STFC: Early-stage research and development scheme

11/04/2024

30/04/2024

The early-stage research and development scheme is offered by STFC to support the PPAN community, which are designed to fund projects from initial research and development through to commercialisation. The PPAN community is defined as particle physics, particle astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear physics, accelerator physics, solar and planetary science, quantum science and computing that underpins these areas. Amount note The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £600,000 STFC will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is £240,000 per year for 36 month duration.

The scheme is designed to facilitate the transfer of STFC PPAN funded research into an industrial setting over different stages of commercialisation: Early-Stage Research and Development ₋ To fund research and development developed in the PPAN community which focuses on technology development from technology readiness level (TRL) 1-5. In partnership with industry as appropriate. Early-Stage Research and Development Scheme The main aim of the early-stage research and development scheme is to support technology development addressing current challenges facing the PPAN community and the UK. This includes technologies or ideas originating from the core STFC funded areas of particle physics, particle astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear physics, accelerator physics, solar and planetary science, quantum science and computing that underpins these areas. A secondary aim of the scheme, during the lifetime of the award is to further develop products and technology (move them through the TRL) working with industry where appropriate.

Eligibility Note The ItS is open to the members of the STFC particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN) community, quantum scientists in receipt of STFC funding and the computing that supports the PPAN community. At the time of application the principal investigator must be able to satisfy the following criteria. They must be academic members of staff (lecturers or equivalent) or hold a fellowship, such as an STFC or Royal Society Fellowship, won through open competition. In exceptional cases, senior postdoctoral research assistants of sufficient experience and qualification may also be eligible: such cases should be justified with a case for support accompanied by a letter of support from the head of department.