Researcher Career Development Scheme

Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme 2024-2025

The scheme is supported through the Research England QR Enhancing Research Culture Fund.

In 2024/25 there were 18 researchers that applied for the scheme and of these seven researchers were offered and five took up a place, with two researchers securing employment opportunities in the meantime.

In 2025/26 there were 17 researchers that applied for the scheme and of these six were offered and took up a place on the scheme.

Those supported received up to 3 months of contract extension. In this time they took up professional and career development opportunities and made contributions to enhancing the research culture at Lancaster.

Read the case studies below to find out how the scheme has supported researchers at Lancaster.

Headshot photo of Dr Ignatious Ezeani

Dr Ignatius Ezeani - Research Fellow

I applied to the bridging scheme as whilst I had several grant applications submitted and underway I faced a gap between employment contracts. The bridging period gave me both financial security and focused time to work on a significant grant application. I also contributed to my department through organising a 3-day conference on AI.  
A headshot photograph of Julia McDowell

Dr Julia McDowell - Research Associate

I was a named researcher on two bids at the University, either of these bids, if successful, would have guaranteed my retention at the university for a number of years. Without bridging funding, the time-limited nature of my contract meant I would not have been able to contribute to bid preparation as requested by both leads, due to financial insecurity. 
Peter Hodson - headshot picture

Dr Peter Hodgson - Senior Research Associate in Physics

Job security as a postdoctoral researcher is often uncertain, with funding gaps frequently arising between grants. I found myself in such a situation and although several grant applications were underway, their start dates were several months away. Therefore, I applied to the Researcher Career Development Scheme to bridge this period.

Headshot photo of Dr Serder Tekin

Dr Serdar Tekin - Research Associate

At the time of applying, to the scheme I was actively involved in an ongoing ?1.1M Innovate UK project. While multiple funding applications were in progress, there was a potential short-term funding gap due to timing, leaving me in a precarious financial situation. The Researcher Career Development Scheme provided me with the financial support in the period between one contract ending and the next starting.  
A headshot of Dr Claire Mason

Claire Mason - Research Fellow, Centre for Child and Family Justice

I am committed to a career in research, but this leaves me open to the uncertainties of external funding. The bridging scheme provided me with financial security during a period when there was a gap between my research contracts. It was very useful to have dedicated time to develop grant applications to enhance my success in securing external funding.  

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