Marine Institute Collaborative Research Visit Bursary

Financial support for current PhD students to explore new academic collaborations through research visits
Scenic view of train moving through rugged coastal area in evening at sunset. Credit: Lana2011, courtesy of Getty Images

Marine Institute Collaborative Research Visit Bursary

Financial support for current PhD students to explore new academic collaborations through research visits
The Marine Institute is offering funding towards travel and subsistence to explore opportunities for building lasting networks and strengthening emerging collaborations.
A new initiative, the bursary scheme will enable current 91porn (UoP) PhD students working on marine/maritime projects to visit another research organisation or industrial innovation partner to complete work towards a defined research goal related to their PhD. 
Given the level of internal funds available, it is anticipated that the scheme will predominantly support travel to UK-based destinations, but it can also be used to support overseas visits. 
To be eligible, the PhD supervisory team must identify clear potential for longer-term collaboration with the partner organisation.

The scheme

The bursary scheme aims to:
  • strengthen research capacity of University academic staff and PhD students by facilitating training and skill transfer
  • support excellent research by linking University researchers with related researchers and their groups at other research institutes for exploratory research (benefiting the PhD student by potentially enriching, diversifying or increasing the robustness of the research)
  • foster and catalyse long-term research links between both parties to ensure sustainable research capacity and benefit to the University research community in the longer term.
Annually, the scheme will award up to £1,500 to each successful applicant, likely supporting around three research visits to UK destinations each year (the actual number of visits supported will be determined by the total amount of funding available versus the amounts applied for). Visits are expected to last two weeks or more. Applications for overseas research visits must respect the maximum award but can be supplemented by alternate sources of funding.
Selection will be based predominantly on added value to the PhD studentship, to the UoP academic supervisor(s) and to the University as a whole, in terms of strengthening longer-term collaborative relationships with the research partner.

Applications

The scheme is currently closed to applicants and expected to open in autumn 2026.
When the scheme opens, applications must be made using the specified form, providing full details of the proposed activity and an anticipated cost breakdown. A written report (1,000 words) must be submitted upon the completion of the activity.
Applications should be submitted to marineinstitute@plymouth.ac.uk by the specified deadline. We anticipate contacting applicants regarding the outcome within a few weeks after the deadline.

Explore our other funding and development opportunities

The Marine Institute supports students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to maximise their potential by recognising talent and by providing access to funding, training and external opportunities through partnerships. It also provides more senior academic staff with access to various financial support and training. Available opportunities for all stages of the academic pathway are compiled on the website.
Emily Stevenson (co-founder of Beach Guardian - Community Interest Company based in Cornwall) standing on driftwood facing sea during a Beach Clean at Constantine Bay