Additional funding for FEPS PGRs
The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS) is offering extra money to supplement that available through the Turing Scheme with the aim of enabling more postgraduate researchers (PGRs) to further their research abroad.
Doing research abroad is an invaluable part of a PhD, offering post-graduate researchers (PGRs) chances to build their networks, expand their research, find motivation and inspiration and see more about the context of their work.
Here in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), we’re keen to make sure as many of our students as possible benefit from experience abroad and bring their discoveries, connections and confidence back to Surrey. But a consultation within the Faculty showed that even with the funding offered through the UK government's Turing Scheme, spending time abroad was too expensive for some.
In response to this, FEPS is offering extra money to supplement that available through the Turing Scheme with the aim of enabling more post-graduate researchers to further their research internationally. Eligible PGRs can claim an additional £1,000 or £1,500, on top of the money offered through the government scheme, depending on the cost of living grouping of the country where the placement takes place – people doing research in a country in the cost of living group 2 will get £1,000, while people spending time in a country under cost of living group 1 will get £1,500.
Eligibility criteria
- Open to all students in Year 1-3, but not beyond Year 3 (the rationale being that after Year 3 the students should focus on writing up and any trailing students run the danger of not submitting). Student to complete placement by the end of Year 3.
- Any first-time applications (defined as first-time application to Turing mobility fund) *and* for placement outside their home country/territory are referred to the ADI, who intends to approve as they arrive.
- Any applications not meeting item 2 will be referred to the next Faculty International Committee meeting, for deliberation (quality of proposed placement, potential strategic values, etc.) and decision.
- Applications are open until the fund is fully spent.
Any FEPS Mobility Fund received but unused due to placement cancellations must be reimbursed to the FEPS ADI budget.
“I had a placement at an Australian telescope soon after I began my PhD and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It opened my eyes to new possibilities, motivated me and helped give my PhD focus. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t got on that plane.
“Spending time conducting research abroad makes PGRs stand out from the crowd and helps you start to build your own international network. Working abroad opens doors to collaboration, impact and funding, and is also a lot of fun.”
Bob Nichol, Executive Dean of FEPS.
The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme to support students at all levels – undergraduate, masters and post-grad researchers – with living expenses to enable them to study and work abroad, but the additional funding available through the FEPS Mobility Fund is specifically available to PGRs in FEPS.
Boost employability and earnings
Conducting research abroad offers many benefits. Figures show studying or working abroad increases future earnings, with certain groups of those who do so earning 7% more than their peers who study or work only in the UK. Internationally mobile students and researchers are 20% less likely to be unemployed.
More confidence
And the benefits go further. People who spend time abroad say it boosts their confidence: 88% reported greater self-confidence and 69% stated that it built their confidence in the academic ability.
Transferable skills
Study or work abroad also improves transferable skills, with 89% of participants saying their experience abroad developed their intercultural and interpersonal skills, 93% reporting greater adaptability, and 93% saying they had increased their understanding of different cultures.
Turing placements can take place in any country outside the UK and last for anything from 28 days up to 12 months. Funding for this year applies to placements which take place between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025, but placements attracting the extra FEPS funding must be awarded by 31 July.
“We received feedback that some PhD students felt the Turing Scheme funding wasn’t enough, so brought in a dedicated Mobility Fund offering extra money to ensure people aren’t excluded. We’re keen that as many PGRs as possible benefit from spending some time conducting research abroad.
"Having done two placements during my PhD – one to MIT in the United States and one to Denmark – I know first-hand how opportunities like these expand minds and networks. My placements were highly productive, leading to new skills, better research, joint articles and deep, long-lasting connections. My host in Denmark is currently visiting professor here at Surrey!"
Prashant Kumar, Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, Professor and Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).
FAQs
Student testimonials
Yongrui Xiao
"I made the most of the extra funding that first and second year PGRs in FEPS get and spent three months in Belgrade. A colleague there helped me find accommodation (near the renowned Red Star Stadium) and I had lots of support with my research.
The academics in Serbia were fantastic. Their enthusiasm not only deepened my understanding of the experiments but also introduced me to the warm-hearted nature of the Serbian people, leaving me with friendships I’ll always cherish. Although it was just a three-month visit, my time there was truly unforgettable. And the research work has formed a major part of my confirmation report and a journal manuscript I’m preparing!"
Mamatha Tomson
"The great thing about receiving a Turing grant is the opportunity I got to explore the world class research experience at SMART Infrastructure Facilities, University of Wollongong. The amount of brilliant people I met from all over the world including the PhD students and the research fellows; it is compelling and enriching. I would advise anyone considering applying for a Turing grant and doing a placement abroad - I would definitely recommend it! It is a great way to enhance your skill set, gain confidence, improve your cultural awareness, and explore the world!"
Jo Herschan
"I did a one-month placement at the University of São Paulo (USP) to build and test a Household Slow Sand Filter, a particular expertise of the laboratory I visited. The facilities were some of the best in the world for my specific area of research and I worked with equipment I wouldn’t be able to access elsewhere. My colleagues’ expertise was invaluable for my research and I’ve built many professional contacts, even beyond USP as my colleagues were keen to share their networks. I’ve developed different perspectives and ways of working and worked with researchers from different subject areas that I wouldn’t normally work with at Surrey, opening up other interdisciplinary work opportunities."
Marian Kusi-Appiah
"I travelled to Ghana, for my data collection on solid waste management and to also undertake a survey of disposal sites and solid waste treatment facilities available in the country for my research work.
I am appreciative of this grant and the opportunities I have enjoyed due to this grant. Without a doubt, I would encourage other research students, who intend to embark on such a journey but have financial constraints to apply for the grant and enjoy the full benefits the grant presents."