Today we're opening applications for a new round of grants for early career academics seeking their first international collaboration. Over 40 Early Career Academic Grants, each of up to GBP 2000, will be available to staff at ACU member universities to attend a conference or visit a named colleague in another Commonwealth country. The grants are aimed at those who have not previously undertaken travel outside their home regions for academic purposes.

These grants form part of a growing programme of ACU activities focused on early career academic staff. In addition to direct grants, the ACU has been active in identifying the needs of early career researchers as part of the Nairobi Process, in collaboration with the British Academy. Other initiatives include the STARS project, working with universities in African countries to provide online training for researchers, and CIRCLE fellowships for early career academics in Africa working in the area of climate change, while the annual ACU Commonwealth Summer School provides new opportunities for postgraduate students to obtain their first international exposure.

According to ACU Deputy Secretary General Dr John Kirkland, the ACU’s strategic approach to supporting early careers has built on its earlier work in the area. ‘All the evidence is that proper support in the crucial first years of an academic career can be critical in determining future progress. Focusing efforts in this area is one way for an organisation such as the ACU to make a real difference.’

The deadline for applications for the Early Career Academic Grants is 22 February 2015. Travel should take place between June and December 2015.

To apply, please fill in this online application form. Information on terms and conditions and eligibility criteria can be found here.