Flexible dependent care grants

ISSF will support the careers of investigators by establishing life and health sciences Flexible Dependent Care Grants

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The aim is to encourage and support the professional development of academics, postdoctoral staff, postgraduates and undergraduates working in Life and Health Sciences who have primary carer responsibilities.

Academic Staff

Within the scheme funds are available to:

  • Provide research assistant support to academics who are on maternity/paternity leave or who have primary caregiver responsibilities to enable their research to continue whilst they are away from the lab.
  • For additional short-term dependent care expenses incurred when attending workshops, or professional development opportunities, including conferences.  The awards are to defray costs of approved expenses to cover additional caregiving required as a result of travelling for or participating in career development activities, for up to a maximum of £750-1000 per annum.
  • For additional short-term dependent care expenses incurred when attending academic meetings or other core work activities, the purpose of which is not career development.  In accordance with HMRC guidance, expenses paid in this category will be subject to tax and national insurance deductions.

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from academic staff working in Life and Health Sciences within the Wellcome remit. 

Calls: Open all year.  Applications are considered on a monthly basis, and therefore we aim to respond with an outcome within ~ 4 weeks.

The Head of Division should be aware of any request and applications will be assessed by a panel to ensure appropriate use of funds. 

Please complete the following application form ‌and return to the SLS Dean's Office (ISSF@dundee.ac.uk).

Postdoctoral Researchers and Postgraduate Students

ISSF also aims to support the professional development of postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students working in Life and Health Sciences who have primary carer responsibilities.

Funds are available:

  • For short-term dependent care expenses incurred when attending workshops, or professional development opportunities, including conferences.  The awards are to defray costs of approved expenses to cover additional caregiving required as a result of travelling for or participating in career development activities, for up to a maximum of £750-1000 per annum.

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from all postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students working in Life and Health Sciences within the Wellcome remit. 

Calls: Open all year. Applications are considered on a monthly basis, and therefore we aim to respond with an outcome within ~ 4 weeks.

The Head of Division should be aware of any request and applications will be assessed by a panel to ensure appropriate use of funds. . 

Please complete the following application form and return to the return to the SLS Dean's Office (ISSF@dundee.ac.uk).

Undergraduates Students participating in our Summer School Programme

ISSF aims to support undergraduate students with caring responsibilities who wish to participate and have been offered a place on our Summer School Programme.  Additional funds will be available of a case-per-case basis to help defray these costs.  Please contact ISSF@dundee.ac.uk for further information and advice.

Enquiry or idea?

Contact issf@dundee.ac.uk