Physics of Life Secondment Scheme

The Physics of Life Secondment Scheme provides funding to support Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working at the intersection of the physical and life sciences. The scheme enables short, collaborative visits to other institutions within the UK or worldwide, to foster meaningful scientific exchange and innovation.

Through these secondments, researchers can build new collaborations, develop interdisciplinary expertise, and access specialist facilities, skills, and resources that advance both their research and professional growth.
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By empowering ECRs to explore new ideas and partnerships, the scheme helps strengthen future research opportunities and nurture the next generation of Physics of Life scientists.

Overview of Details

Award: Up to £1,200 per applicant
Deadline: Ongoing but the call will close once all funds have been allocated. Please note all visits must occur before September 2028. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be based in the UK (visits can take place within the UK or internationally).
• Be conducting research at the intersection of physical and life sciences.
• Be a graduate student, post-doctoral researcher, or early established researcher (see our [definition of ECRs]).
• Receive support from their Supervisor/Head of Department and Host Institution.
• Ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
• Be a member of the UK Physics of Life Network, sign up for FREE here. 
• Declare any other financial support being sought for the proposed project.

Note: Each applicant may receive only one Travelling Fellowship during the current funding period (now until September 2028).

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the Physics of Life core management team and assessed based on:

• Excellence and potential of the applicant.
• Importance, innovation, and collaborative value of the proposed visit.
• Clear crossover between physical and life sciences.
• Strength and clarity of the proposal outline.

Allowable Expenses

The secondment may be used to cover:

• Travel costs
• Accommodation and subsistence
• Bench, user or consumable fees

All expenditure related to the secondment must be claimed within one month of completing the visit. Claims can be submitted upon receipt of incurred expenses, but payment will only be issued once the visit has concluded which is in accordance with University of York expenses policy.

Travel Dates & Conditions

• Travel must take place before September 2028.
• Retrospective applications will not be considered.
• If your visit is cancelled or delayed beyond six months of the award, please notify:
  📧 [email protected]

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A completed application form - submitted via the Google Form located here.
• A letter of support from your Supervisor or Head of Department.
• A letter of support from your Host Laboratory or Institution.

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants are required to:

• Submit a short report within three months of completing their visit.
• Provide at least two high-quality photographs and a 250–500 word summary describing the outcomes of the visit.
• Where possible, promote secondment by tagging Physics of Life on any social media posts to share your experience.