The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership is keen to provide opportunities for postgraduate research students across our partner institutions to establish and build communities of shared interest across pathways and disciplines. We also seek to support networks that explore and enhance the on-course experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) research students (and align with the goals of the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education).
Our Student-led Networks and Events Scheme offers funding (normally up to £500 per application, though exceptions will be considered) for social sciences students to run activities and events that will bring students together across pathways and disciplines, and which address important societal challenges. We also welcome applications that seek to build communities of practice, facilitate or deliver student-led research training, or bring together students from under-represented backgrounds.
Funding is available to support the running of network activities and events – including, for example, costs associated with room bookings; speaker fees/expenses; catering; printing and publicity costs; travel costs associated with the development of the Network. Expenses must be incurred in accordance with the financial regulations of the lead applicant’s host institution.
Key information
- Applicants must be PGR students based in WRDTP accredited departments across our 7 partner institutions (see list of eligible departments).
- Each application must name one lead applicant plus a minimum of two other research students who will assist in the coordination of the network or event. (Note: Applicants do not need to hold a WRDTP Studentship in order to apply.)
- All Networks or Events should be open to all WRDTP Social Sciences doctoral students. The WRDTP team can assist with advertising activities/events to WRDTP students.
- WRDTP events normally need to be planned at least 6 weeks in advance, in order to allow for a minimum of 3 weeks for events to be open for bookings. For all applications, we expect the first activity or event to take place within 6 months of confirmation of funding.
- When proposing activities/events, applicants are encouraged to take into account the geographical reach of WRDTP and YCEDE institutions as well as the varied life commitments of postgraduate research students. With this in mind, applicants may wish to propose different types and formats of activities/events (i.e. in-person, hybrid or online as appropriate).
How to apply
If you wish to submit a request for support, please complete and submit an application form:
- Application form
- Application form preview (for information only, not to be submitted)
There are multiple submission points throughout the year. In 2023/24, the following submission deadlines will operate.
- 01 December 2023
- 26 January 2024
- 26 April 2024
- 21 June 2024
Assessment and award process
Submitted applications will be checked for eligibility and reviewed by the WRDTP team on behalf of the AQC. Funding decisions will normally be announced within 2 weeks of submission, and communicated to lead applicants and key contacts at their institution. Please note that no adjustments will be made to awarded amounts after funding has been confirmed, unless under exceptional circumstances. All claims must be made no later than 1 month after the end of the activity via the relevant finance contact.
Previous awards
In previous years, the WRDTP has supported a ‘Women in Academia’ network, which aimed to provide a space for women within the postgraduate research community to reflect on their positionality within academia, and to come together as a collective to provide advice, support and encouragement from and for other women in the DTP. Activities included a one-day networking event and online workshops.
If you have any questions, please email: enquiries@wrdtp.ac.uk
