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What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is required to assure the Springboard Population Science Fellowship selection panel that the candidate, if appointed, will be welcomed into the host department, and will be given the necessary research space, support and supervision to enable them to establish their own independent research programme. Sponsors must provide a letter of support as part of a candidate's Springboard Population Science Fellowship application, undertaking to provide these requirements.
Who can be a sponsor?
A sponsor can be any academic member of staff who is in a position to provide the assurances specified above. A sponsor may be a Principal Investigator leading cohort research, or a Head of Research Department or a Division / Institute Director. You are encouraged to contact your Head of Research Department or Division/Institute if you are considering sponsoring an applicant.
How can I become a sponsor?
You may already be aware of an exceptional candidate who would be suitable to apply for a Springboard Population Science Fellowship. In this instance you can encourage them to apply to the Programme.
Alternatively, you may be contacted directly by prospective applicants with a request for sponsorship.
Do I have to sponsor a prospective applicant who has contacted me?
No. It is entirely at the discretion of the UCL academic whether they wish to, or are able to, sponsor a prospective candidate.
UCL academics should pay particular attention to the Programme's requirement for excellence in research track record and future vision when deciding whether to sponsor particular candidates.
Can I be a sponsor if I'm not in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences?
Springboard Population Science Fellowships are only available within the Faculty of Population Health Sciences, so the lead sponsor on all applications must be based within the Faculty. The candidate will be appointed within the Division / Institute of the lead sponsor. It is possible to add an additional sponsor, for example where the candidate's research spans disciplines; the additional sponsor may be from anywhere within UCL and must be able to provide the same assurance in a letter of support.
How many Springboard Population Science Fellows can I sponsor at any one time?
No limit is prescribed, however prospective sponsors should contact their Head of Research Department or Division / Institute to ensure they may sponsor an application.
