STFC Doctoral Focal Awards Community Consultation

Overview

STFC has previously invested to support Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) to address research challenges within our Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics (PPAN) remit. Our latest round of doctoral funding placed a stronger emphasis on collaboration with industry, with the aim of equipping students with the skills and expertise necessary for careers both within and beyond academia.

From January 2024 all UKRI-funded doctoral training will be delivered through two types of awards as part of a new Doctoral Investment Framework. Doctoral landscape awards will support the UK’s overall doctoral capability and capacity needs, while doctoral focal awards provide support for areas that require some concentration of studentships in combination with a highly tailored training programme. 

STFC is keen to understand how it can continue to ensure the development of talented people through supporting skills training within the PPAN remit through the doctoral focal award mechanism.  To achieve this, it is important that we engage with all stakeholders.

The survey results will be instrumental in helping STFC shape future investments in skills and training, contingent on the availability of budget for future calls.