University announces major investment in postgraduate researchers
The University has announced plans to invest over £10 million in postgraduate research scholarships over the next four years.
For two years from September 2014, £2.7 million a year from central funds will be matched by funding from individual faculties and external partners to create 110 new 'University of Leeds 110 Anniversary Research Scholarships' - so-called to mark the 110th anniversary of the founding of the University in 1904 - each year for home/EU postgraduate students.
In addition, over three years from September 2015 onwards, £540,000 from central funds will be matched by fee waivers from faculties to maintain the existing Leeds International Research Studentships.
Professor Ed Spiers, Acting Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies, said: "I am delighted by the University's decision to make this investment, the size of which marks a step-change in our ambitions for postgraduate research at Leeds."
Earlier this year Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands identified investment in postgraduate research as a key priority for the University in his 'My week' column, in which he said:
"The correlation between vibrant PhD and post-doctoral communities and research quality, impact and income is clear and the link between postgraduate education and economic growth is well-evidenced ...
"Here in Leeds we will have to build on the success of our taught postgraduate programmes, make sure that we secure maximum advantage from the doctoral training centres, and face the harsh competitive reality that we will need to invest further in postgraduate research if we are to boost the research success and reputation of the University. The future of postgraduate education will be a central plank of our strategy review and an important area for action and investment going forward."
This major programme of new investment, backed by all faculties, shows the University’s commitment to put these words into action. It will build on the success of the 12 new Centres for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Partnerships and appointment of the Leadership Chairs, which are already attracting high-quality research students to Leeds.