Ignite Innovation: Connect, Collaborate, Create

The Doctoral Academy Ignite Innovation Fund is an initiative designed to empower postgraduate researchers (PGRs) through PGR-led projects. This competitive scheme invites PGRs in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) to apply for grants of up to £2000 to support initiatives that deliver a lasting, positive impact on the PGR community.

What we are looking for

We welcome well-defined, PGR-led proposals that demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. Funded initiatives should contribute meaningfully to the PGR experience in FSE and align with one or more of the following key themes:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA):
  Projects that advance EDIA within the PGR community, particularly those supporting underrepresented or marginalised groups across the faculty.
• Wellbeing:
  Initiatives that enhance the mental health, wellbeing, and overall experience of PGRs.
• Community building:
  Activities that strengthen research culture, connection, and engagement across departments and research areas.
• Promoting interdisciplinarity:
  Projects that bridge disciplines, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across different research areas within the Faculty.

These themes reflect priorities identified through PGR Voice Survey feedback, Athena SWAN commitments, and the UKRI New Deal for Postgraduate Research, which emphasises support for diverse and inclusive postgraduate research experiences, especially those of people with disabilities, those with caring responsibilities, and those with intersectional challenges.

Who can apply

Applications are open to individual PGRs or groups of PGRs across the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

While all eligible proposals will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that clearly demonstrate the following:

1. Meaningful and measurable impact
   • The initiative is designed to deliver a lasting, positive contribution to the PGR community within FSE.
   • The proposal includes a clear plan for evaluating outcomes and measuring impact (e.g. through feedback, participation data, or other indicators).
   • Projects that specifically enhance inclusion and engagement among underrepresented or marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.
2. Cross-community benefit
   • The initiative has the potential to reach and benefit PGRs beyond a single department, discipline, or research group.
   • Proposals that promote collaboration across research areas or foster interdisciplinary connections are particularly welcome.
3. PGR empowerment and skills development
   • The project is conceived, led, and primarily delivered by PGRs.
   • The proposal demonstrates PGR ownership and initiative, fostering leadership and independence.
   • The project offers PGRs the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as project management, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Sustainability and legacy
   • The project is designed with consideration for long-term value or continuity (e.g. through reusable resources, repeatable activities, or scalable models).

Measuring success and sharing impact

Successful applicants will collaborate with the Doctoral Academy Experience Team throughout the project. Awardees will:

• Present their work at PGR events (e.g. PGR Open Forum).
• Submit a short mid-year progress report and an end-of-project report detailing outcomes, impact, and budget expenditure.
• Have their project featured in the Doctoral Academy newsletter and other communication channels.

Awardees may also be invited to share their experiences at Doctoral Academy or Researcher Development events, contributing to a wider culture of innovation and peer learning.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a proposal of up to 600 words outlining:

• The initiative’s aims, rationale and outline of activities.
• Its expected impact and alignment with the themes and strategic objectives above.
• A clear, itemised budget detailing how the requested funds (up to £2000) will be used.

Application deadline

Please complete and return this form to FSE.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk by 5pm on Friday, 23 January 2026.

Get involved

This is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change within the FSE PGR community.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas, please contact:FSE.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.