Applications are now open for the prestigious Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme.
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme, part of the Science, Industry, and Translation program, aims to increase knowledge and awareness in UK universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research, and innovation. This exceptional opportunity allows enthusiastic, highly experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to spend one day a week at a university, developing bespoke projects. Their goals include exposing university staff and students to state-of-the-art industrial research, providing support and expert advice for innovation, and fostering understanding of business and entrepreneurship. The scheme contributes to the EiR's basic salary and covers travel and project costs.
Scheme's value and Tenure
The EiR awards are for two years. The value of the scheme is up to a maximum of £25,000 per year (including VAT where applicable), and is expected to cover the following:
Salary equivalent to 0.2 FTE of the award holder’s current salary to spend 20% of their working time at the host. The EiR's basic salary only will be paid during the secondment; the EiR's employer will continue to pay national insurance and pension contributions
Travel and project costs for award holder to travel to and from their host, and accommodation if required. Project costs to help deliver the aims of the project plan can also be included, as can conference attendance, meeting workshops and training
EiR Scheme Benefits
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme offers several benefits to recipients:
• Professional Development: EiRs gain exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation within universities. They expand their knowledge, network, and expertise.
• Impact: By sharing their industry insights, EiRs directly impact students, researchers, and faculty. They inspire entrepreneurship and drive innovation.
• Collaboration: EiRs collaborate with academics, industry partners, and startups. They contribute to joint projects, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
• Visibility: Serving as an EiR enhances an individual’s profile. It showcases their commitment to bridging academia and industry.
• Financial Support: EiRs receive compensation, covering their time and travel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
While The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine, the scheme is open to:
Aapplicants of any nationality, who are eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the award.
Applicants should have a background in science and engineering.
Demonstratable significant experience of working in science in an industrial research context.
Applicants can be either employed full-time, part-time, or self-employed
Host Organization eligibility
• The scheme supports applications in collaboration with a UK University or not-for-profit research organisation. Typically, the host organisation where the EiR will be placed to be a single University School or Department, however, other arrangements (e.g. working in a cross-disciplinary research institute within a University, across a Faculty or even University-wide) are welcome, as long as the proposal clearly describes how the aims of the scheme will be met.
• The EiR scheme is not aimed at establishing a new or furthering an existing collaboration solely between an applicant's employer and the University.
• Successful applicant (or their company) is expected to enter into a consultancy agreement with the Host Organisation prior to payment of the first instalment of the Grant.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates are invited to apply online through the online application portal
It is expected that applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application 3 months after the closing date.
Application Deadline: 18 September 2024
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