The Virdee Grant
Thanks to a donation from Professor Sir Tejinder Virdee, the Institute of Physics (IOP) is looking to awarda number of small grants (£500 to £2,000) in 2018that will enable members of the physics community, based in the UK and Ireland, to undertake activities that will support the development of science and technology in sub-Saharan Africa.
The grants can be used as travel awards, to purchase materials/software/equipment or to pay for services for existing collaborations or preferably to kick-start new initiatives.
For example, this could include:
- Field trials of theoretical/experimental ideas or the demonstration of equipment/technology with the long-term aim of improvingquality of life
- Development of innovative physics teaching ideas or educational resources partnering with a secondary school, university or a teacher training college
- Collaborative physics-based research with auniversity contributing to a postgraduate or postdoctoral research project
- Provision of skills training to physics-based postgraduate students in universities or other academic/research centres
Within a month of completing the project/activity, successful applicants will be required to submit a short report (around 200 words), including high resolution photos that capture the nature of the work undertaken for use in any publicity material.
Where possible, we would encourage applicants to seek match funding in order to scale up any proposed projects that may help to increase the chances of positive impact and outcomes.
Eligibility
The grant is open to all applicants with an association with STEM disciplines who are based in the UK and Ireland.Proposals that align with the IOP’s strategic objectives for 2015-19 and applicants/projects that have an existing connection to sub-Saharan Africa will be prioritised.
Applications
To apply for the Virdee Grant email with your name, contact information, CV/biography, details of your proposed project (a maximum of 500 words), and a budget detailing how you will spend the funds. Please place ‘Virdee Grant Application’ in the email’s subject line. Applications will only be accepted by email.
You will also need to provide a short supporting statement (a maximum of 100 words) from someone familiar with your work who is a member of the IOP (i.e. MInstP or FInstP) or your line manager. The application should also be accompanied by a letter of support from a local contact/organisation from thesub-Saharan African country in which you intend to undertake your project.
The application deadline is 30th April 2018. In the event of any funds being left over post this date, the deadline will be extended.
Please note:
- Before applying, please take a look at the IOP’s 2015-19 strategy gain an understanding of the strategic objectives the VirdeeGrant aims to support
- Applications will be assessed by an external panel of experts including the IOP’s international champion. No interviews will be held for this award
- You should expect to be contacted about whether your application is successful two weeks after the deadline closes
- If you are awarded the Virdee Grant, you will be expected to complete your project within 12 months of receiving the funds (start date will be agreed with successful applicants). Grants not taken up within one year will be withdrawn
- If successful applicants themselves need to visit sub-Saharan Africa as part of the project, they will be required to take out travel insurancebefore departure and the grant can be used for that purpose