All ESRC funded students currently in their first year of PhD research are part of a cohort aligned to their chosen Challenge Pathway.
Challenge Pathways were developed so PhD students have the opportunity to develop the skills and capacity for interdisciplinary connections within the social sciences and beyond. In practical terms, SGSSS want students who are researching the same grand social challenge to be able to communicate their research, methods, theories and ideas to researchers in other disciplines and outside academia.
We want students to learn from one another about new methods and theories and knowledge exchange networks that are relevant to a grand social challenge. These cohorts will meet regularly through the academic year, as opportunities to discuss research, ideas, concepts, training and other aspects of PhD research and experience.
The purpose of the Fund is to encourage Challenge Pathway cohorts to design and deliver their own cohort and knowledge building activities. The Fund is intended to support group activities for cohorts; the activities must be demonstrably linked to Challenge Pathway related topics, and with an identifiable follow-up output.
The Fund can be used for a wide range of activities related to Challenge Pathways. Examples may include:
Outputs can be varied and may include a blog or brief written summary of key takeaways from the activity.
The fund is not to be used to organise disciplinary or core training, as this is otherwise funded and delivered through other SGSSS routes.
The Fund is open to all ESRC funded students in the first year (or part time equivalent) of PhD research. Applications to the Fund must be made on behalf of a Challenge Pathway Cohort, and in conjunction with support from the aligned SGSSS Associate Director.
Challenge Pathways Cohort Fund applications can be made at any point through the academic year, subject to the deadlines noted in the guidance. Full information on finance regulations and application processes can be found in the document below.
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