If I’m awarded a place on the programme, how much time do I have to commit?
You are expected to attend all sessions (including lunches and evening events) as well as stay the night in the venue hosting the Lab. There might also be a small amount of preparation work before each Lab.
Where will South West Crucible take place?
Three out of the four Labs will take place in the South West region, near Bath or Bristol. One of the Labs will take place in London. Please note that travelling to London will be organised as part of the programme so participants will not have to pay towards travelling to and from London.
How experienced do I need to be to be eligible to apply?
We are looking for applications from researchers who have a minimum of 3 years of research experience (or equivalent) after acquiring their PhD. For University applicants we are particularly interested in experienced postdocs/research officers/research staff, research fellows, prize fellows and those in their 1st lectureship position or lecturers in probation. The programme is designed for researchers who are soon to become or have recently become independent.
At the University of Bath applicants are expected to be experienced research staff, research fellows, prize fellows or academics in probation (lecturers).
At the University of Bristol applicants are expected to be on Profile levels b or c, i.e. Lectures, Research associates or Research Fellow.
At the University of West of England, Bristol participants are expected to be on Grades F to H i.e. Lecturer, Research Associate, Senior Lecturer, Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow.
If your job title doesn’t directly fit the description above but you believe you would benefit from participating on this programme, please contact us to discuss your situation.
I don’t have a PhD but have worked in research, am I eligible to apply?
If you are a lecturer (possibly working towards a PhD) you can apply. If you think that you are of the right level, please contact your institution champion/representative to discuss.
Why do I need my line manager’s/supervisor’s permission?
The programme requires you to commit a total of 7 working days. You therefore need them to agree to you spending that time taking part in South West Crucible.
If I apply will I automatically get a place?
We expect this programme to be highly competitive, the best 30 applicants will be awarded a place.
Who will be looking at my application?
A selection panel composed of senior academics from all 3 Universities and chaired by a member of the Steering Group – who together represent a variety of research backgrounds – will be scoring each application and selecting the top 30 to participate in South West Crucible.
How much do I have to pay to participate?
South West Crucible is an investment in you. All the fees to attend the programme, including accommodation and food are paid by the Universities of Bath, Bristol and West of England.
Can I attend only one of the Labs?
No, the programme is designed for the same group of researchers to attend and work together in all 4 Labs.
Are applicants from certain disciplines given priority to participate?
No. We welcome applications from all disciplines.
When will I hear back after submitting my application?
Soon after submitting you will receive an e-mail from our team confirming we have received your application. After the Selection Panel meets in early March, you will hear from us once again regarding the results from the selection process.
If you have any further questions please contact us on sw-crucible@bristol.ac.uk or on (0117) 92 88269.