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Securing independent funding can be a key concern for postdocs, so this section highlights some places to look for different types of funding, from major research grants to public engagement seed funds.

 

Major research funding

The Research Operations Office website provides information about the major funders of University of Cambridge research, as well as details on how to cost research projects and apply for funding. 

They also provide access to the Research Professional Database, which allows you to search for discipline-specific funding from UK and international sources.

The office is organised into School teams, which provide dedicated support to researchers applying for grant funding.

 

Funding databases

eLife worldwide database - a detailed list of funding schemes and opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships around the world, curated by eLife Ambassadors.

UKRI Funding Finder - funding opportunities from the UK research councils, including fellowships, grants and loans.

eLife travel database - a searchable database of travel funding opportunities for postdocs curated by eLife Ambassadors.

EURAXESS UK funding database - search for funding opportunities based on location, discipline and type of funding (includes travel to conferences, meeting organisation, short visits, longer fellowships, and PhD studentships).

British Council Researcher Links - funded workshops and travel grants to allow early career researchers to spend up to three months in a partner country.

 

Funding for public engagement

The Public Engagement Starter Fund is an exciting opportunity for University of Cambridge researchers to apply for small grants to undertake innovative public engagement with research activities.

The fund supports novel projects based on contemporary research at the University of Cambridge which aim to do one or more of the following:

  • reach a specific target audience
  • develop a partnership with a community of interest
  • create an innovative activity for any of the Cambridge Festivals.

Applicants can apply for grants up to £2,000.

Applications for 2023-24 closed on Tuesday 5 September.

Find out more