As a sign of our joint commitment to basic research that is both excellent in quality and high in impact, and in recognition of the unpredictable nature of much great research (as with Fleming's discovery of penicillin), the Research Councils have joined forces with the THE to sponsor 'The RCUK Award for Serendipity' in the THE's annual awards.
The award will recognise entrepreneurial spirit in universities, and reward researchers who have seen and seized unexpected opportunities for economic and/or societal impact arising from research. The judges will be looking for:
- The unexpected nature of the research discovery (the research may have taken place some time in the past);
- The significant positive impacts arising from the research which have manifest over the last few years and made a demonstrable contribution to society and/or the economy.
- The contribution of the individual to achieving the impact.
Entrants should summarise in no more than 500 words how their example meets these three criteria.
The deadline for entries has been extended until 7pm on 11 June and entrants should apply online via http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/theawards.
RCUK are also pleased to announce that they are sponsoring the THE 2009 award for Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers.