SUPER GCRF PhD Researcher Exchange Scheme

The SUPER DTP has been awarded funding from NERC under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) CDT/DTP Flexible Funding Award. Since a proven mechanism of increasing DEI awareness is “to share direct experience across cultures”, SUPER postgraduate researchers (PGRs) were invited to apply for funds to support reciprocal exchange visits between a SUPER partner institution and an institution in a developing economy.

The final call for applications is CLOSED. We would like to offer an opportunity for SUPER PGRs to apply for up to £8,000 for a reciprocal exchange visit between your university and an institution in a developing economy. These exchanges need to take place before the end of 2023.

This funding will allow you to develop intercultural understanding and communication skills as well as expand your doctoral research in a diverse and inclusive international environment through networking and collaborations. It will also be a great opportunity to enhance your CV and contribute significantly to your PG Cert.

Any SUPER PGRs wishing to submit an application for the call can find more information in the application form. Please return the completed form to [email protected] by 4.00 pm BST on Friday 25 August 2023. We encourage you to first speak with your supervisory team as they are very likely to have contacts that could be relevant and helpful for an application.  

Previous exchanges

Successful applicant Alex Houston from Cohort 3 traveled to the Global Centre for Environment and Energy, Ahmedabad University, India (read more). Their exchange partner Shrutika Parihar was received to the School of Geography and Sustainability, University of St Andrews. The exchange took place in late 2022. Their work focuses on Blue Carbon. Shrutika was able to attend and present a poster at the MASTS Annual Science Meeting (ASM) alongside Alex.

Alex presenting their research at the MASTS ASM 2022.

Shrutika presenting their research at the MASTS ASM 2022.

Alex and Shrutika carrying out fieldwork on the coast in India. They are joined by researchers from Ahmedabad University and the University of St Andrews.

Alex and Shrutika collecting data in a mangrove in India.

Successful applicant Albert Bonet Bigata from Cohort 4 traveled to Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, and received Gabriela Tamara Gabarain to the School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen. The exchange took place in early 2023. Their work focuses on invasive mink.

Albert running a workshop to Argentinian researchers on methods to estimate animal abundance and distribution.

Gabriela’s first Scottish fieldwork experience.

A mink trap on a river in Argentina.

Albert retrieves a trap from a river in Argentina whilst on fieldwork.

We look forward to their reports of their time on the exchanges.