We would also like let all of our postgraduate researchers know about the work that the Doctoral College is doing to support researchers in undertaking placement opportunities during the doctorate.

The Doctoral College Postgraduate Researcher Placement Scheme has been developed to support the ambitions of the Doctoral College, and the wider university, to enrich the experience of our graduate researchers (PGRs) in preparation for future careers in higher level roles and as future leaders.

The benefit of undertaking some form of placement during the PhD is also now generally recognised and evidenced by initiatives such as the UKRI Policy Internship Scheme, the BBSRC Professional Internships for PhD students (PIPS) and CASE studentships where the placement is developed in collaboration between academic and non-academic partners.

• The scheme been developed from existing best practice both within and outside of the university and in consultation with PGRs, Postgraduate Research Directors and supervisors
• It is not intended to replace existing established placement programmes which already form part of a doctorate at Surrey.
• One of the first steps for any post graduate researcher considering a placement will be the requirement for them to discuss with and seek the permission of their supervisor.

Work is currently nearing completion on having all of the information about the scheme including information on nearly 100 existing placement opportunities that have been identified which are either specifically for, or open to, doctoral researchers.

And in further exciting news, to help us further support this ambition, we have secured university HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Fund) funding to provide financial incentives to employers and financial assistance for PGRs for whom undertaking an unpaid work placement may be prohibitive

We will be able to support:

• 25 fully funded UK based, 3-month placements* for PGRs (£1,260 per month) – primarily for placements with SME’s, Start-ups and the third sector.  The monthly amount would be provided to cover living expenses in the same way as a salary.
• 15 PGR bursaries (£166.66 per week for 3 months*) – most likely for self-funding students who are keen to undertake a placement with a scheme that is already established but which is unpaid.

*there is some flexibility in the duration of placement or bursary, some may be shorter or longer

This project will launch towards the end of March 2021 and run to August 2022 so watch the DC Newsletter for further information.

In the meantime if you are interested to know more about the DC PGR Placement Scheme or the HEIF project then email Clare Wunderly (Researcher Employability & Engagement Manager) c.wunderly@surrey.ac.uk