The A*Star-University of Sheffield Research Attachment (PhD) Programme

Application 2018/19

Please see the guidance notes at the end of this document for details of the scheme. Please return this application to by noon on Monday 11th December

Department/ A*STAR details
Sheffield Department
Sheffield Supervisor
A*Star Institute
A*Star co-supervisor
Collaboration details
Details of supervisor collaboration – new or existing; fit with wider research strategy of groups in Sheffield and Singapore
Anticipated benefits of collaboration
Project Details
Please complete this form in Font Size 11. The completed form should not exceed 2 sides of A4.
Title of research proposal
Lay summary (200 words)
Details of research proposal (500 words max.)
Outline Workplan
Broad timings for student to be in Sheffield and Singapore
Main aspects of the research which will be undertaken in each location.
Sheffield Bench Fees/ RTSG
What costs (RTSG/ Bench Fees etc) are likely to be incurred for the project while in Sheffield? How are these to be covered?

Applications should be sent to: by noon on Monday 11th December 2017ensuring that your Head of Department is aware of the proposal and any costs associated with it.

A*STAR-Sheffield Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) Call for Proposals 2018-19

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) in Singapore, together with the University of Sheffield, have a Research Attachment Agreement for PhD students. The programme provides an excellent opportunity for doctoral students to experience research mobility in well resourced, high quality laboratories. It provides excellent opportunities for supervisors to build on existing collaborations or form new ones in Singapore.

Potential supervisors interested in the scheme should contact their potential co-supervisor directly. A list of A*Star research institutes and research interests is available on the A*Star web pages.

Period of Study

Submission of thesis is expected by the end of month 48 at the very latest. It is expected that students will spend approximately half of the programme in Sheffield and half in Singapore, with the distribution of time and research activity to be determined by the supervisory team at the outset as part of the proposal. Supervisory teams should think carefully about the split of time required for the research project to be undertaken and should be realistic in their proposal about this. The University needs a realistic estimate of this to enable it to determine how many awards it can make from the available funding. Students will be expected to adhere to the proposed split of time, unless there are exceptional circumstances (research facilities are unavailable due to fire, for example).

Supervision

Each student will have a supervisory team consisting of at least one supervisor from Sheffield and at least one supervisor from the A*Star Institute. Supervisors are expected to visit the student at least once per year whilst they are in the other location. (Sheffield supervisors may claim expenses from the scheme in Sheffield for this purpose).

Award details

For each student admitted to the 4-year programme, A*Star will provide the following financial support, whilst the student is in Singapore:

  • Living allowance: A monthly stipend of two thousand, five hundred Singapore Dollars (~£1,050) whilst in Singapore.
  • A one-off "settling-in allowance" of one thousand Singapore dollars (~£420).
  • A one-time airfare allowance of one thousand five hundred Singapore dollars (~£630).
  • Consumables and Bench Fees incurred by students when based at A*Star in Singapore.
  • Cost of medical insurance while the student is based at A*Star.

Whilst in Sheffield, students receive fees and stipend (at the RCUK rate, £4,194 & £14,296 in 2016/17).

In addition, students will be able to claim up to £500 from Sheffield towards the costs of an airfare back to the UK whilst they are in Singapore in order to make a home visit. This will normally be available for students who meet the normal expectations of spending approximately half of the programme in Singapore.

Please note that there is no funding for RTSG, conference expenses, or additional bench fees while in Sheffield. Any which is deemed necessary should be provided by the Supervisor/ Department as appropriate.

Eligibility of students

  • Academic requirements - applicants should have, or expect to achieve a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK in an appropriate area of study.
  • Allowed study options - applicants should be registering on their first year of study with the University for 2017-18 on an eligible programme of doctoral study.
  • Residency restrictions - awards are open to UK and EUapplicants only.

Application process

Stage 1:

Projects are proposed by the two supervisors, to Sheffield in the first instance, and, following panel assessment, subject to approval by A*Star.

Stage 2:

Supervisors with approved proposals will then be able to advertise for students. Proposed students have to be nominated to, and approved by A*Star, providing certain paperwork. Advice on this will be provided to successful supervisors.

The purpose of this change is to allow successful supervisors to advertise funded projects.

Supervisors should submit applications using the form available in the download box - deadline for applications from supervisors is 12 noon on Monday 11th December 2017

Further Information

If you have any questions about the A*STAR-Sheffield Research Attachment Programme please email .