Postgraduate-led Initiatives

• Postgraduate students can apply for funding from the beginning of September until the end of June.

All initiatives must aim to bring together the wider communities within postgraduate taught and research student bodies at Queen's. They should fit one or more of the following themes:

• Research Culture
• Skills Development
• Community Impact
• Health & Wellbeing
• Digital Transformation
• Cultural Exchanges
• Green Impact

Initiatives could include, but are not limited to:

• Virtual research forums, networking and social events.
• Career planning initiatives.
• Talks/webinars between research students and professionals/experts in their field.
• Specialist training involving internal or external training facilitators.
• Virtual events which build relationships between postgraduate students
• Organisation of a conference or seminar.

The applicant must effectively demonstrate how the proposed initiative relates to the skills outlined in the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. 

• To apply for funding, students must complete the online application form outlining the purpose and scope of the initiative and the funding required.
• Your submission must be endorsed by your Head of School or Postgraduate Co-ordinator. Their signature or e-signature must be included in your application form or it will not be considered.
• Please note, applications submitted during July and August will not be reviewed until the panel meets at the end of September.

• We request the application to be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance of your initiative taking place.
• Acknowledgement of your application will happen within 5 working days of it being received.
• Any decisions regarding the approval of funding for a Postgraduate-Led Initiative will be taken by a panel comprising of senior management members of the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School.
• The panel meets on the last Monday of the month. A decision regarding your application will be fed back to you in the days that follow.
• A thorough risk assessment must be completed and submitted alongside the application. 

• The maximum amount the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School will award towards a Postgraduate-Led Initiative is £400 (up to £800 for in person events during the month of June).
• As total costs for the proposed initiative may be more than the amount of funding awarded, the support agreed may be a contribution towards the proposal.
• Each School has been allocated a set amount of funding. Once this allocation has been met, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Funding should not be used for direct financial assistance to individuals.
• In line with University business needs, the most cost-effective methods should be used.
• Two quotes will be required for travel and accommodation, identifying any airline carriers / taxi companies. 
• QUB designated hospitality providers to be utilised (Great Hall, Junction/Krem). Max hospitality contribution of £150 for one day event/£300 across two days. Alcohol will not be covered.
• PGLI funding does not cover prizes.
• The applicant is responsible for sticking to the budget they've outlined in their application. Additional spending will not be covered by the Graduate School PGLI fund.

• The Thomas J. Moran Graduate School is happy to contribute towards the costs of one guest speaker.
• Additional guest speakers will have to be supplemented by other means, e.g. your School.

• Successful applicants must submit a short Evaluation Report after the initiative has taken place.

• Receipts for all monies outlaid on the initiative must be submitted to the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School along with your Evaluation Report.

• Please ensure any staff members involved in the delivery of your initiative are outlined.