The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) invites applications for the Funding for STFC core summer schools for 2027 opportunity. This scheme supports five established core summer schools that align with the STFC core science programme.

Overview

Funding is available exclusively for the following five core summer schools taking place in 2027:

• Introductory Course in Astronomy
• British Universities Summer School in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics (BUSSTEPP)
• Introductory Course in Solar and Solar-terrestrial Physics
• Nuclear Physics Summer School (held every two years)
• High Energy Physics (HEP) Summer School

Applications for other summer schools or online training events will not be considered under this funding opportunity.

Funding and Benefits

A total fund of £500,000 is available. Organisers should aim to keep the cost per student below £150 per day. Specific financial restrictions apply, including:

• Lecturer fees: maximum of £170 per day or £85 per half day
• Conference dinner: maximum of £50 (£60 in London) per delegate
• Management fees: £1,000 one-off fee
• Contingency costs: 5% of total cost or £1,500, whichever is the least
• Accommodation: not to exceed £170 per night (Edinburgh and London) or £120 per night (all other locations)

If costs exceed the limits set out in the summer school costs template, any additional expenses must be covered by the organiser and cannot be claimed from the funding body. Applications may include costs for reasonable adjustments.

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from STFC-accredited UK universities and research organisations. Summer schools must be aimed primarily at STFC-funded PhD students, with every student provided an opportunity to attend an STFC-supported summer school.

Organisers must ensure compliance with UK Research and Innovation’s key principles on equality, diversity and inclusion. This includes ensuring no barriers to participation from any protected group, no discrimination in the selection of lecturers, and that all tutors and lecturers have appropriate experience to deliver their sessions effectively.

Research Areas and Activities

Summer schools must align with the STFC core science programme, which includes astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, and accelerator science. The programme should address key STFC scientific questions and contribute to the development of expertise in these areas.

All schools must include sessions on public engagement and broader issues of undertaking a PhD, including mental health. Introductory courses should include a session on careers advice covering both academic and non-academic careers. There is an expectation that Ernest Rutherford Fellows and UKRI Future Leaders Fellows will be invited to participate as lecturers or tutors.

Organisers must submit a detailed risk management plan, including contingency arrangements for delivering the programme remotely if a residential school cannot take place. A separate risk assessment is required for any excursions or off-site activities.

Application Process

Applications must be emailed to studentships@stfc.ukri.org using the official format and templates provided in the supporting documents. The layout of the summer school costs template must not be changed.

All applications must include:

• Course organiser details, dates, and venue of the proposed summer school
• Detailed justification for the summer school in terms of the relevant STFC studentships programme
• The number of STFC PhD students who will benefit
• A detailed budget breakdown using the summer school costs template
• Details of proposed lecturers and sessions

Organisers are strongly encouraged to contact previous organisers of the school to ensure continuity and share best practices. Final reports and student feedback from previous years can be requested from the STFC Studentships team for reference during planning.

Deadline and Timeline

• Opening date: 4 June 2026, 9:00am UK time
• Closing date: 17 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time
• Notification: Late November 2026 or early December 2026

Applications cannot be changed after submission and will not be returned for amendment. Applications that do not follow the guidance may be rejected. Organisers should be aware of any internal institutional deadlines.

Contact Information

For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact: studentships@stfc.ukri.org