The 2021 Expert Network application process is now complete
NERC is inviting applications for membership of the Expert Network within the Constructing a Digital Environment Programme. This is the second year of intake for these positions and, along with current members of this network, new members will help support the Digital Environment programme activities, working closely with the existing Digital Environment Champions and other programme members.
Expert Member Recruitment:
There are three categories of experts, each with differing arrangements:
Early-Career Stage Fellows
The UK-based early career stage Fellows are employed or affiliated with a UK university. These individuals will become “UKRI NERC Digital Environment Fellows”. For these positions, a £10k supporting grant will be made available via the host institution. Currently there are 8 early-career Fellows.
UK-Based Senior Experts
The UK-based experienced senior experts have a proven track record in the digital environment themes. Experts are drawn from across the digital environment sector and wider. For these positions, we will cover all reasonable expenses up to the sum of £4k. Currently there are 17 Senior Experts.
International Experts
The International experts, with a proven track record in the digital environment themes. Experts can be drawn from across the digital environment sector and wider. For these positions, we will cover all reasonable expenses up to the sum of £10k GBP. Currently there are 4 International Experts.
Period of term: Annual 12 months with the opportunity of re-appointment.
Terms of Reference: A Terms of Reference document outlines the expectations and responsibilities of the positions.
Applications: Applications are two-stage – i. application forms submission and if selected ii. interview, (noting the three member categories).
| Timeline | Date |
|---|---|
| Issue of Opportunity | 1 March 2021 |
| Application deadline | 25 March 2021 |
| Shortlist date by | 26 March 2021 |
| Interviews to conclude by | 7 April 2021 |
| Outcomes date | 12 April 2021 |
| Public announcement date | 14 April 2021 |
| Commencement date | End April 2021 |
Particular highlights and achievements of the network over the past year include strategic initiatives and activities including:
- A series of COVID-related hackathons exploring the environmental consequences of the pandemic;
- A series of free, live webinars attracting leading experts on topical issues related to the digital environment, with specifically the first ‘series’ of talks having focused on data driven decision making;
- Environmental data discovery trails focused on improving the accessibility of data collected through NERC-funded research, focusing initially on the BODC and UKCEH portals;
- A horizon scanning pilot on ‘emerging issues shaping environmental monitoring’ that will inform the future digital environment landscape.
If you would like to join our Expert Network we look forward to hearing from you!
~~
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
We have received a number of queries relating to the applications for the Expert Network, presented here as an FAQ,
Q1. With regard to the call for experts under the ‘Constructing a Digital Environment’ programme, what would be the position of the members of the Expert Network during a call for proposals? Would they be able to be involved in the preparation of research proposals to a call under this programme?
It would be helpful to know if a staff member of [name of organisation removed] does become a member of the network, would this have any effect on [name of organisation removed] applying for other funds in the future.
A1. Membership of the network will not preclude an organisation or individual from applying to our other funding streams, you would still have the usual NERC eligibility.
Q2. I have a question regarding the “Early-Career Stage” and if I am qualified to apply to this section. I got my PhD a few years ago, but very recently I got my first research permanent position (non PostDoc) at a University. Before that, I was working as a Senior Data Scientist at a research institute.
What criteria are being used to define “Early Career” researchers? I think this would be the most appropriate category for me, but I’m aware that I often don’t fit ECR criteria for many organisations. I’m an engineer, so have spent a number of years in commercial practice since completing my PhD, and have only come back to academia recently. I would hope to qualify on the basis that I don’t have a tenure-track job and this is my first academic post-doc position despite my PhD being completed quite a few years ago!
A2. We will be using NERC’s eligibility criteria for early career fellowships to assess candidates’ eligibility. See relevant criteria on NERC website: https://nerc.ukri.org/funding/available/fellowships/eligibility/.
Q3. My PhD was awarded slightly less than eight years ago. I’d appreciate a clarification about the definitions of “full-time postdoctoral experience” and “research career break” though – since I’ve been working in the private sector from completion of my PhD, does that count as “postdoctoral experience” or is it considered a “career break” since I wasn’t working in academia?
A3. We would consider your role as an engineer in the commercial sector (since completing your PhD) as a ‘career break’ and would count your postdoctoral experience from the time in which you assumed your role as a ‘post-doctoral research associate’.
Q4. The application form doesn’t make it clear whether to submit a CV or professional biography as part of the application process – would you expect this, or do I simply make reference to my past experience in the text of my answer to the question “Please state why you wish to join our network of experts”.
A4. You are correct, a CV is not required for this application. Applicants can document current and past experience, roles and professional activities that qualifies them for membership of the network in their response to the question “please state why you wish to join our network of experts”.
Q5. It is not clear to me what qualifies for Early-Career Stage and Expert UK Senior Expert status. Are you able to give any guidance on this?
A5. Further to the NERC definition used for early career fellowships (see https://nerc.ukri.org/funding/available/fellowships/eligibility/), we will consider in addition for this category those applicants who are employed as a researcher or academic with a permanent appointment of 5 years of less.
Q6. Is the £10k supporting grant for travel/public engagement or can this be used to pay for staff/indirect costs? If this is the latter is this allocated at 80% as per other NERC research grants?
A6. The £10K supporting grant (at 100% FTE) is paid directly to the institution and will cover T&S and other direct / indirect expenses associated with involvement in the network. Where there are significant activities requiring for example, substantial travel, then a case can be made for funding to support such activities; this will be independent of the grant received.