ASPECT Social Science Innovation Fellowships

Deadline: 21 February 2022

The Social Sciences Division are looking to invest funding in up to four creative and enthusiastic individuals to be advocates for innovation and help drive an inclusive, supportive culture of innovation among social sciences researchers at the University of Oxford. The Innovation Fellowships will run for one year from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. 

The aim of the Innovation Fellowship Programme is to support academic-led culture change through funding a cohort of Fellows whose main objectives are to a) advocate for innovation, and b) provide academic input and leadership for new initiatives. 

Role
The responsibilities of the Innovation Fellows will include:

• Advocating for innovation, research commercialisation, business engagement and/ or entrepreneurship at the department and divisional level, soliciting views and opinions from the wider research community. 
• Helping drive an inclusive, supportive culture of innovation in your department the Division and the wider University.
• Providing academic input and leadership into thinking around innovation and new initiatives. 
• Liaising and networking with others with an interest in innovation in departments, other divisions and beyond the University.
• Running a programme of events/ activities, including workshops, training, seminars.
• Working with the divisional Research, Impact and Engagement team to develop materials explaining the value proposition around social sciences for businesses.
• Meeting regularly with the cohort from across the partner HEIs for specific sessions, which may include: professional development, the 'research ventures' programme, and evaluation.

Eligibility
Applicants must be current employees of the University (a Fixed Term Researcher or a permanent member of academic staff), and have the support of their academic department. Social scientists from any department and division are welcome to apply. Students are not eligible.

Funding
Applicants may apply for up to £12,500 to fund salary or buy-out, depending on contractual circumstances. Funds can also be used for direct costs, including RA time, related to impact or engagement activities. Funds must be spent by 31 March 2023. 

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via IRAMS. The following components must be submitted as a combined PDF: CV (maximum 1 page); a brief outline of proposed activities; a short statement of why you are interested in this role and your particular strengths and experience (maximum 2 pages); a short supporting statement from your Head of Department; and an X5 costing for your proposed budget.

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to make a short presentation to a small assessment panel sometime in March – date to be confirmed.

Queries should be directed to innovation@socsci.ox.ac.uk.