The Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) Fund helps to develop innovative activities which will support your career development and that of your peers.

The RLI  Fund provides funding opportunities in one of the following categories:

• Establish, develop or support networks which cross discipline boundaries.
• Run a professional development activity or event which supports the development of leadership, communication, networking, writing and/or other transferable skills within or across disciplines.
• Organise an activity or event which allows participants to explore the potential impact of their research.
• Organise an event which allows researchers to engage with industry*.

Industry is defined broadly, as organisations which are not in the public sector.

Applications should be in the region of £250. All activities should have a clear benefit to postgraduate researchers within the University. Proposals should have realistic and achievable goals, and a clear budget which demonstrates value for money and reflects the cost of the activity proposed.

Who can apply?
University of Aberdeen postgraduate research students are eligible to apply to this scheme.
The application should be made by a team of at least two people. The lead applicant must be registered at the University of Aberdeen for the duration of the project.
Each application needs one lead applicant. This person will be the main point of contact and will be responsible for overseeing the budget and submitting the evaluation form and financial summary at the end of the project.

You can apply for funding for:

• Event catering.
• Venue hire (if University rooms are not appropriate or available).
• Expenses for a speaker or tutor.
• Workshop materials.
• Promotional materials.
• Small prizes for competitions or thank you gifts.

What we don’t fund:

• Individual conference travel, accommodation and registration fees.
• Direct financial assistance to individuals.
• Events for which funding is available elsewhere.
• Hardware, software or other design, art, lab and technical materials that your School would normally be expected to purchase as part of their ongoing budgets.
• Reimbursement of University of Aberdeen student/staff time.

Decisions:

Applications to the RLI Fund will be reviewed by a panel of academic staff and PGR School representatives. Decisions will be communicated by 2 February 2023.