Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme

2025/26 scheme

Picture of a women on a sofa having a conversation

The Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme offers financial and tailored support to researchers/research-related staff who are coming to the end of their contract and expect a gap before starting a new contract at Lancaster. By providing a period of financial security and allowing an opportunity for professional and career development it helps to address the challenges faced by researchers on time limited contracts. For Lancaster, the scheme supports the retention of talented researchers, a focus of our Research-excellence Culture Action Plan.

The scheme is funded through the Enhancing Research Culture fund. Two panels have been held in 2025/26 to to prioritise the allocation of funding. Six researchers have been funded through the scheme.

Further information

There is a recording of the .

Email: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk

Application Form


Tab Content: Eligibility Criteria and Terms

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

  • have been employed at 抖阴探探App for at least 18 months when your current contract comes to an end;
  • be employed at Lancaster up to the application submission;
  • have an indefinite with end date (indefinite contingent) or fixed term contract, which will be coming to an end on the 30 July 2026 or earlier;
  • be based in the UK for the duration of the scheme;
  • have as a minimum an application for an externally funded research project (or equivalent external income source) submitted or in progress on which you will be the/a researcher employed at Lancaster.

Terms

  • The funding will be offered on the same spinal point as on application.
  • The funding will typically be offered for a period of up to 3 months.
  • The scheme will offer the equivalent full time equivalent (FTE) as on application, which could be across one or more contracts.
  • You must declare other employment, so that the scheme and any other employment does not exceed the equivalent of 1.0 FTE.
  • You are expected to make a positive contribution to research culture at Lancaster during the funded period.
  • You must have an identified mentor for the period of the scheme, ideally someone other than your PI/project lead.

Tab Content: When to apply

You can make an applications at any time, providing it meets the eligibility criteria, through completing the

You are strongly encouraged to make an application to the first panel. If a research grant award has already been made, and the start date known it may be subject to approval outside of a panel process.

In all other circumstances, the application will be reviewed and ranked by a panel.

If your application cannot be funded initially you are encouraged to provide updates to the research culture team: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk in cases where there are a change in circumstance that could affect the ranking of your application e.g. if your grant application is successful.

Deadline for application to be received (by noon) Date of Panel Date of outcome to applicants
Panel 1 1 Dec 25 w/c 8 Dec 25 w/c 15 Dec 25
Panel 2 9 Mar 26 w/c 16 Mar 26 w/c 23 Mar 26

Tab Content: Applicant information

Application Process

You will be asked to provide the following information on the which will be used to rank applications:

  • Evidence of future employment at Lancaster - to include information about research grant applications and/or other external income sources.
  • Intended activities over the period of the scheme including your researcher training, skills and career development plans, the development of research funding applications and the contributions you will make to enhancing research culture at the Lancaster campus during the bridging period (e.g. within research group, team, department or institutionally) (max 500 words). The Researcher Development webpage has current development opportunities.
  • An identified mentor, who will support you during the bridging period. Ideally this will be someone who can provide additional support, other than your PI/project lead. Mentoring Guidance.
  • A Statement of support from your current PI/Project Lead/Line Manager – no more than 300 words corroborating the value of the funding applications detailed and the research teams track record with the funder, as relevant, and corroborating your performance. The statement should be submitted to:?researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk?with the title 'RBS Application<Applicants name>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

accordion