Aurora cross-disciplinary project studentships

Announcement of Opportunity

Closing date 2nd December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this scheme is to develop cross-disciplinary approach to planetary science and astrobiology. The Science and Technology Facilities Council is making major investments in facilities which will explore our and other solar systems. In order to fully exploit these facilities when the Research Council wishes to strengthen the community and bring in skills from other disciplines such as; microbiology, geology, atmospheric sciences, organic chemistry, geochemistry, planetary science, astronomy. To be eligible the project studentship must be cross-disciplinary but demonstrate a link to improving our ability to understand the evolution of planetary systems, the probability of the emergence of life elsewhere in the Universe and how this might be detected. Projects that sit purely within the astronomy area are not eligible. There are no preferred topics and the examples below are just to illustrate the wide range of topics that could be eligible:

• The origins and evolution of life and what signs might be preserved in ancient rock.
• The modification of the biosphere by evolving life and how can this be identified on exoplanets.
• Could complex metabolic mechanisms have evolved in non-terrestrial environments?
• Molecular adaptations to extreme environments and the implication on the definition of the habitable zone.
• The application of remote sensing techniques to other planets.
• Adaptive mechanisms of extremophiles and application to non-terrestrial life.
• Modelling of ancient martian terrains – constraining the formation of martian landforms and implications for climate development on Mars.
• The atmospheric chemistry of Venus.
• Geomorphology in an alien environment – the interaction between Titan’s atmosphere and its surface.
• Modelling volcanic flows on Io.
• Charged particle behaviour in magnetospheres and influence on early planetary formation.
• Modelling and determinants of stability in known exoplanetary systems: constraints on the emergence of life.

It is expected because of the interdisciplinary nature of the initiative the studentships would involve at least two departments which could be potentially at different institutes.

Potential applicants should be aware that STFC is currently undergoing a prioritisation review which could affect the funding available for the Aurora programme, hence it is not possible to state with certainty at this time that funding will continue. With completion of the prioritisation review the situation should be clarified in early 2010.

How to apply

Guidance notes for completion of application form (downloadable (Word document - 150kB - link opens in a new window) here (PDF - 176kB - link opens in a new window)). The completed form should not exceed the limits given and should contain the following elements:

1. Description of the Project

The title and description of the research proposed to be carried out under the studentship should be given. This should include its relevance to the work of the Aurora programme, describe its cross-disciplinary nature and justify the choice of the two or more named departments and/or institution(s).

2. Supervision

It is expected that there will be at least two supervisors to adequately support the cross-disciplinary aspect of the project. There should be a brief description of the experience the supervisors have. New lecturers are encouraged to apply and should indicate their experience as to how the institution will support them.

3. Monitoring of Progress

This should explain the monitoring process that will be put in place and the type of remedial actions that could be put in place if required. If the institution has an approved code of practice covering PhD student supervisory and monitoring procedures this should be stated.

4. Training Opportunities

This section should detail the training that would be provided to the student both compulsory and optional. This should include the number of lecturing (instruction) hours attended by the student over the duration of the award, excluding summer schools. The project must provide the student with training in the methods of research associated with the work to be undertaken. The student must have the opportunity to undertake at least ten days broader skills training per year during the course of the PhD.

5. Research Environment

Contextual information on the research environment should be given, including the number of PhD students.

6. Other information

Background information including a summary of the academic careers of the supervisors applying for funds should be stated including their supervisory experience, length of time in current post, the number of refereed publications in the last five years and the approximate proportion of their time spent on STFC-funded and other RCUK-funded research.

Duration

The studentship will be for three and a half years. STFC considers it normal practice for a student to complete a PhD, including the presentation of a thesis, within the period of the studentship award.

Resources

The award will be for a fixed sum over the three and a half years of the studentship which it is the university’s responsibility to manage; quarterly payments will be made by STFC. The award includes a sum for fieldwork which is varied at the discretion of STFC.

Student Eligibility

Please see the section on eligibility in STFC’s doctoral training grant awards.

Proposals involving two institutes

Aurora studentships should be cross-disciplinary in their aims and are expected to be spread across more than one department. Proposals that involve more than one institution are welcome. In these cases one proposal should be submitted by the lead institution. It will be the responsibility of the two institutions to apportion costs of the award between them.

Assessment Criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess the proposals:

• Quality, relevance and timeliness of the proposed research
• The cross-disciplinary nature of the proposal
• The quality of training and supervision

The Panel, in finalising the awards to be made, may take account of the distribution of awards in terms of subject and institution.

STFC Point of Contact

Lindsay Dannatt
Astronomy Division,
Science and Technology Facilities Council,
North Star Avenue,
Swindon,
SN2 1SZ

Tel: +44 (0)1793 413 185