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Theo Murphy Blue Skies Award

This scheme is now closed and will not be opening to applications.
This scheme provided exceptional, independent researchers with an exciting opportunity to pursue innovative, bold and potentially transformational research within the Society’s scientific remit.

The objectives of Theo Murphy Blue Skies Award were to support:

  • innovative research that will lead to preliminary or proof of concept data for unproven or novel and transformative ideas
  • fundamental research in new and emerging areas or that have the potential to open up new areas of research
  • original and bold research that may lack a sufficient evidence base in the literature and so unlikely to fare well in the normal peer review process and be supported by traditional grants schemes

Who was eligible to apply?

Applicants were eligible to apply if:

  • they were an independent researcher or principal investigator with a strong research track record commensurate with your career stage
  • they were based at a UK university or not-for-profit research institution for at least the duration of the project

What was the scheme’s value and tenure?

The scheme provided £50,000 to £150,000 for a duration of 12 or 24 months.

The funding was to cover consumables, equipment, collaborative travel expenses and cost of teaching replacement to relieve academic researchers from some of their teaching and administrative duties.