RSE/STFC Enterprise Fellowships

The STFC, along with the RSE, offer support for STFC funded scientists who want to develop a business idea based on STFC funded research. The fellowship gives one year's salary and business training, to the Enterprise Fellow - the aim being to give someone the time and skills to set up a viable business as a result of the STFC science programme.

The next closing date for applications is 11 May 2012

This scheme is run jointly by STFC and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (link opens in a new window) (RSE) and is part of the Council's Industry Programme.

Enterprise Fellowships are designed to encourage exploitation of the STFC research programme. Applications may be submitted on any subject provided that the original research or technological developments have their origin as part of a programme largely funded by STFC, or in the case of nuclear physics programme previously funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Fellowships include one year's salary costs and some additional support funding, and can be held at any UK Higher Education Institution or Institution that agrees to host the work. The Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for researchers to spend a year gaining business training whilst developing the commercialisation of their existing research. The training provided aims to support fellows through an active process of business planning and implementation.

Case study: Dr David Ramsden - Symetrica Ltd

Symetrica Ltd is a successful UK spin out company from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton. Set up in 2002 by Southampton's Dr David Ramsden, Symetrica commercialises proprietary, high performance gamma-ray spectroscopy, imaging hardware, software and the know-how developed by Dr Ramsden and his team at the University.

Key to the successful set up of Symetrica, believes Dr Ramsden, were the two RSE / STFC Enterprise Fellowships that were awarded to two of his post docs that played a significant role in the successful spin-off of the three companies that later merged to form Symetrica Ltd.

"They were so committed to launching and growing our business that they are still continuing to work with our company today, making very valuable contributions to the company through both their technical and business responsibilities. The Fellowships definitely helped the fledgling company to succeed and I rate both the scheme and the two Enterprise Fellows very highly."

For further information and application forms, please go to the RSE website (link opens in a new window). If you have any questions, please email Anne Fraser (RSE), or Rachael Jack (STFC).