PERCAT aims not only to support you during your time at the university, but also offer advice and prepare you for the future.
Careers advice
PERCAT offers advice to early career researchers at every stage, to ensure you make the most of your academic environment. There is training and support offered through mentoring programmes, research facilitators and 1-1 conversations with the early career researcher development team.
Contact us for more information.
Applying for funding
Funding applications are a key part of early career researcher life. You might wish to apply for grants to fund conference attendance, meetings that could lead to new collaborations and links with industry, consumables and staff costs to take further your new idea etc.
Personal transferable skills
Are you making the most of your academic environment? CMH offers opportunities to teach and become involved in translational research programmes for patient benefit. A connected researcher has valuable skills to promote a positive relationship with patients and the general public. Personal transferable skills training can serve beyond life as a researcher, for example promoting effective networking and negotiating skills.
Contact us for more information.
Science communication
is a non-profit organisation that brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research and findings with the public.
Public engagement
The (PER) Team provide researchers with resources, support, opportunities and inspiration to help them develop new and exciting ways to engage the public with their research.
Working with industry
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Enterprise team manages the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s technology transfer and academic consultancy, set up spinout companies, and run the business incubation services and the facilities at the Birmingham Research Park.
Science policy
The publishes working group reports, statements, consultation responses and discussion papers. The Academy connects their Fellows and other experts with policymakers through workshops, roundtables, private briefings and networking events.
Mentoring
We are running a for 12 early career researchers that will be matched to senior academics for a structured mentoring relationship. Contact Gaynor Miller (Researcher Development Manager) for further information.
Teaching opportunities
Teaching is an excellent way of testing what you know, reminding yourself of what you once knew, and gaining strong communication skills that will help you as you present your research to the scientific ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the public. Some of you might even decide it is the right profession for you.
Beacon professional recognition for staff who teach and/or support learning
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø has been accredited by Advance HE since 2015 to award fellowships to eligible staff in recognition of their continuing success in teaching and supporting learning. These fellowships are not just valued within our institution, they are externally and internationally recognised for developing and evidencing applicants’ commitment to professionalism in teaching and supporting learning in HE. Fellowships are embedded in the UK and have been adopted by increasing numbers of higher education institutions globally, with over 185,000 fellows now based in 114 countries.
To date, we have awarded over 800 fellowships at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. This impressive number is testament to the effective and inclusive practice of our fellows, who often tell us that their participation has benefited their confidence, knowledge, and sense of achievement.
For more information visit the or contact the Beacon team: beacon@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Funding opportunities
There are a number of funding and fellowship opportunities which are also advertised via the PERCAT Newsletter (link to newsletter when available). To find out details regarding other opportunities visit .
The provides financial support to underpin career development and research innovation within the College of Medicine and Health (CMH). This funding is a central College resource, overseen by a cross-College committee.
Networking
Making connections at conferences can be essential for developing networks, collaborations, and ultimately for strengthening your research – read more from Dr Zania Stamataki and Professor Julie Williams CBE FMedSci FLSW for their top tips on networking with .
- A masterclass in networking with courtesy and professionalism by Sue Tonks.
- Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.
MDS Athena SWAN - Our college Athena SWAN team is committed to equality in career progression and ensuring that our working environment is inclusive for all.
- Are you an early career researcher? Then you should know about Vitae, and the wealth of resources available through their web pages. Make sure you visit the link for the Concordat, that stipulates how best to provide the most nurturing environment for your career development.