Aligned with the LSE Research for the World Strategy’s objective to ‘train and support future talent’, the aim of the LSE ECR Network Development Fund is to develop and empower the next generation of social scientists, strengthening an inclusive and supportive research culture and environment.
Development Fund priorities
The priorities of the Development Fund include to:
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provide financial resources for ECRs to access specialised personal and professional development opportunities to thrive in their careers within and beyond academia.
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promote inclusive and equitable access to development opportunities across the School.
- enhance the visibility and participation of the LSE ECR Network.
Scope of the Development Fund
The Development Fund will provide Network members with up to £300 towards:
- Conference attendance,
- Skill-building via specialised training or workshops that are unavailable at LSE,
- Professional Association membership fees.
Timetable
We are accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year on a rolling basis until 31 July 2026.
Eligibility to Apply
Early Career Investigators
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You must be a member of Research and Policy Staff, and LSE Fellows as listed in LSE HR Role Profiles on a fixed-term and / or open-ended subject to funding contract up to and including Band 7.
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You must have a minimum of 2-year continuous service at the School, and have a contract of employment with your Academic Unit at LSE in place for the entire duration of your proposed activity. Exceptions to this criterion may be granted in cases of parental leave, medical leave and caring responsibilities.
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Current Students, Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Emeritus, and Guest Teacher role holders may not apply.
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Applicants can apply to the Development Fund once per academic year. We will prioritise applications from candidates who have not previously applied or received funding. In cases where an applicant was unsuccessful, they will be able to re-apply to the Development Fund once within the same academic year.
Research Allowance
Current / Previous Development Fund Recipients
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Previous recipients of the Development Fund must confirm the submission of the final short report outlining previous activity support.
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Recipients can receive funding from the Development Fund once per academic year.
Application Process
All applications are submitted through the Development Fund Application Form.
You can find the guidance for the application form here (LINK).
General queries, feedback and comments on the Development Fund can be sent to the Senior Research Culture Manager at n.van-der-elst@lse.ac.uk.
Proposed Activities
Proposed activities must happen by 31 July 2026.
The following activities are eligible:
Specialist costs to make activities more accessible are also eligible, such as:
- Cost of child, parent or other caring responsibilities may be considered if the carer is conducting activities away from home and it is not possible to make alternative arrangements.
- Costs to make reasonable adjustments within travel and accommodation bookings for staff who need them.
- Costs to make activities more accessible including audio transcription services, specialist venues and supporting staff.
The following costs are not eligible:
Review and Selection
Applications will be received on a rolling basis until 31 July 2026, and funds will be awarded on a first come first served basis and reviewed by the Senior Research Culture Manager and ECR Network Steering Committee Co-Chairs.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be approved where applicants meet the eligibility criteria, the proposed costs are eligible, and the requested support cannot reasonably be provided by their host academic unit until the available Development Fund pot is exhausted.
Managing the Funds
Recipients must comply with the following expectations:
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The funding must be used for the approved activity and incurred within the agreed timeframe (on or up to 31 July 2026).
- Recipients will need to pay for costs upfront and reimbursements can be claimed via OneFinance using the provided budget code at the point of award.
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All activities are undertaken in accordance with LSE policies and procedures including LSE's Financial Regulations and Overseas Travel Policy.
Reporting
Development Fund recipients must complete a short report within 3 months of 31 July 2026. This report will outline how the funding supported your development, including any outcomes such as new collaborations, skills gained, or research outputs.
Full details of the reporting templates will be provided at the point of award.