FAQ
Q: Do I have to have a Phd?
No, but you must have a first degree in a science, engineering, technology or mathematics (STEM) discipline and then at least three years work experience prior to a career break to be eligible to apply for a Fellowship.
Q: Do you guarantee a job at the end of the Fellowship?
No, your Fellowship removes the disadvantages inherent in a career break, thus enabling you to apply for employment on a level playing field with your peers following successful completion of your Fellowship.
Q: Do I have to work part time or can I work full time for one year?
The majority of Fellows work part time for two years. However, on occasion, Fellowships may be completed in one year providing your supervisor and scientific experiments allow for this.
Q: My career break was 18 months. Am I eligible for a Fellowship?
No, a minimum two year break is required.
Q: I am a science teacher, do I fit the criteria for a Fellowship?
No, three years work experience in research is required.
Q: Do I have to remain in the UK after my Fellowship
Fellowships are for those who are resident in the UK and intend to remain in the UK following their Fellowships.
Q: I am in the UK on a five year visa. Am I eligible?
No, you must have permanent residency status.
Q: My English is very poor, am I still eligible?
To maximise your chances of obtaining a Fellowship, you must be able to speak and write English fluently. It is advisable to obtain some lessons to improve your language skills if your English is not fluent.
Q: I am not English, do I still qualify?
Yes, but you have to have permanent residency status
Q: I don’t speak English, am I eligible?
No, you have to be able to speak English fluently.
Q: How long a career break must I have had?
A career break of two years or more is required
Q: How long must I have worked before having a break?
You must have three years work experience in research. Completing a PhD counts as three years research.
Q: Ho much will I get paid?
Fellows are paid on a scale equivalent to a postdoctoral research assistant who is age 27 or over. Each host organisation has different pay scales and you will be paid on a scale appropriate to other researchers in the department or organisation.
Q: Do you give grants?
No
Q: Will I have to work set hours?
Your hours are decided between you and your supervisor and can be flexible to suit your work.
Q: Will I be involved with my sponsor?
Not usually, however copies of all reports produced are sent to the Sponsor
Q: Are the Fellowships just for women?
The Fellowships are for men and women
Q: Is it a competitive process?
No, the process is unlike any other Fellowship, however a certain standard of proposal is required.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to attend conferences?
Yes, attendance at conferences is normal during the Fellowship and can often help with networking and making contacts that will help in securing a position after completion of the Fellowship. The extraordinary Expense account of £1000 per year is usually used for costs involved in attendance at conferences.
Q: Does it matter what my break was for?
No. Fellows have career breaks for many reasons, such as having children, relocating, illness or looking after elderly relatives. The break from your career must have been for at least two years.
Q: How long will it take from when I apply for a Fellowship to when I start?
The application process can take anything up to one year depending on many factors. Please see the application process guidelines on the website for further details.