Apply
Staff applications are open between October and December each year. To apply to run a project in 2024, please visit these pages. Applications are open until 15 December 2023.
If you would like to self-fund a project please contact urop@reading.ac.uk for more information.
How to apply
UROP projects are initiated by an online application from a member of staff, which are welcome from any academic department across the university. Proposals from staff in directorates are also welcome, provided that the key funding criteria are met. Applications open between October and December and all information and advice that you will need is detailed in the UROP Staff Guidance Notes on the right-hand side of the application page. You will also find an application template here, if required.
To apply, supervisors devise a six week research project which is either stand-alone (such as feasibility or pilot studies) or part of a larger, ongoing research programme. All applications will be reviewed by a specialist research panel during January, with final decisions communicated in February. Funding provides a bursary payment of £1,500 directly to the student selected.
For 2024, staff applying to be Principal Investigator (PI) on a UROP project should be a permanent staff member or a member of staff on a fixed term contract that runs until after November 2024. PDRAs can apply as a PI (with their supervisor as a Co-I) and PhD students may co-supervise projects only. Each supervisor can submit two applications per year as a lead Principal Investigator (PI).
Key Criteria
Applications will be assessed of the extent to which the project:
- The project will be able to support the student in developing a range of skills;
- The student will be exposed to a number of different steps of a research process;
- There is a clear structure to what tasks the student will be undertaking.
What support is on offer?
Please contact Tom McCann, UROP Manager (x4976) to discuss your proposal or for any further information about the scheme.