MRC postgraduate handbook

1Last Updated 28/05/2012

Postgraduate Studentships Handbook

A Guide to the Doctoral Training Account (DTA) Terms and

Conditions

May 2012(V1)


CONTENTS

Introduction 5

1. MRC Postgraduate Studentship Schemes 1.1 The Doctoral Training Account 6

1.2 Research Studentships 6

1.3 Capacity Building Studentships 7

1.4 Industrial Collaborative Studentships 7

1.5 Masters Studentships 7

1.6 Studentships within MRC Centre and Partnership grants 8

2. Student Qualifying and Eligibility Requirements 9

2.1 Academic Qualifications 9

2.2 Residence Eligibility 9

2.3 UK Residence 10

2.4 Visa/Work Permits 11

2.5 Nationals of EEA Member States 11

2.6 Nationals of the European Union 11

2.7 Nationals of the Isle of Man 11

2.8 Residents of the Channel Islands 11 3. Financial Support 12

3.1 Financial Package 12

3.2 Capacity Building Studentships 13

3.3 Collaborative and Industrial Collaborative Studentships 13

3.4 Part-time Studentships 14

3.5 Income Tax 14

3.6 National Insurance 14

3.7 Disabled Students Allowance 14

3.8 Overseas Fieldwork Allowance 15 4. The Training Programme 16

4.1 Research Topic 16

4.2 Skills Training 16

4.3 Courses and Support for Researcher Development 16

4.4 Internships 16

5. Collection of Data 18

5.1 Registering Studentsl 18


5.2 Thesis Submission Data 19

5.3 Next Destination Data 19

6. During the Studentship 20

6.1 Teaching, Demonstrating and Other Paid Work 20

6.2 Holidays 20

6.3 Absence through Illness 20

6.4 Maternity Leave 20

6.5 Paternity Leave 20

6.6 Abeyance 20

6.7 Transfer and Extension of Studentships 21

6.8 Early Terminations 21

6.9 Grievances 21

7 Exploitation of Research Results 22

7.1 General 22

7.2 Partnerships with Industry 22

7.3 Protection of Patentable Material 22

7.4 Protection of Non-Patentable Material 22

8. Specific Conditions and Considerations 23

8.1 Use of Animals 23

8.2 Home Office Licences 23

8.3 Use of Simians/Tissues 23

8.4 Mouse Strains 24

8.5 Human Participants in Research 24

8.6 Clinical Trials 25

8.7 Human Fertilisation 25

8.8 Medical Records 25

8.9 Use of Human Fetal Material 25

8.10 Removal of Human tissue 25

8.11 Use of Radioactive Substances and Neutron Irradiation Humans 25

8.12 Genetic Modification 26

8.13 Dangerous Pathogens 26

8.14 Controlled Drugs 26

8.15 Data Protection Act 1998 26

8.16 MRC Use of Data/Information 26


9. Further Enquiries 28 Annex 1 Recruitment of International students in MRC Key strategic areas 29 Annex 2 Overseas Fieldwork Banding 30 Annex 3 Data Capture Requirements to Create Studentship Record (Applicable to MRC Units and Institutes only) 34 Annex 4 Guidance on How to Handle Reconciliation of Centre Grants with Students that Complete after the end date of the Grant 36


INTRODUCTION High quality research training is core to the MRCs mission1. MRCs strategic role is to train and develop future research leaders and to help meet the UKs strategic skills needs. To achieve this, the MRC makes significant investment in early postgraduate research training in the form of studentship awards. The MRC does not provide funding to students directly. Since October 2004, MRC Studentships have been allocated through Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs) held by Research Organisations, mainly universities and MRC units and institutes. Since 2011, each Doctoral Training Grant is awarded as a grant in its own right, therefore Block DTG Awards, Advanced Masters Grants, CASE Studentship grants etc are each awarded as a grant in their own right with a separate grant reference number and should be administered as separate grants by the RO. Prior to 2011, these were awarded as an annual Doctoral Training Award which included all Studentship Awards (except for Centres and Partnership grants) on one grant. Although a student can still be funded on more than one grant, the Financial Expenditure Statement (FES) on completion of the grant must reflect who/what was funded from it. Please Note that since MRC migrated to a new grants system in March 2011, previously awarded Doctoral Training Awards have now been split into separate grants and ROs will need to complete a separate FES for each of the grants. Research Organisations in receipt of a MRC Doctoral Training Grant must be able to demonstrate an excellent quality training environment that provides students with a broad range of subject-specific, generic research and transferable skills, as well as a track record in good management of students. This handbook is intended to operate alongside the Research Development Frameworkwhich sets out guidance regarding expectations for both the student and the research organisation. For the most part, this handbook is applicable for all MRC funded students (including students on Centre and Partnership grants). Where sections only relate to either HEIs only or HEIs (including Centres) or MRC Units/Institutes, this is clearly shown. This handbook is intended to provide guidance for student supervisors and administrators at Research Organisations on the Terms and Conditions under which Doctoral Training Accounts operate.

1 http://www.mrc.ac.uk/About/Missionstatement/MRC002337

http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/428241/Researcher-Development-Framework.html


1. MRC POSTGRADUATE STUDENTSHIP SCHEMES 1.1 The Doctoral Training Grant

The MRC allocates block Doctoral Training Grants (DTG)s to qualifying Research Organisations annually. For HEIs this is currently awarded via the process below. For MRC Units and Institutes, Doctoral Training Grant is allocated as part of their annual budget (as previously awarded at their quinquennial review) A Doctoral Training Grant provides the finance associated with each cohort of students starting their doctoral training programmes, usually from October onwards. For HEIs it includes the stipend, Fees, Research Training Grant Support (RTSG) and a small amount for travel and subsistence. For MRC Units and Institutes, the RTSG may be supplemented from the main budget (in kind eg resources/consumables) although each MRC-funded student should receive at least 1k of RTSG support.

Qualifying HEIs for DTGs

Qualifying HEIs are determined by MRC periodically [currently every two to three years for ROs] according to the qualifying institutions level of MRC peer-reviewed fellowship and research grant income. There are three outcomes from this analysis of RO income:

ROs with an income above an upper threshold are allocated a block DTG without

competition. The size of the DTG is related algorithmically to the size of the fellowship and grant income.

ROs with an income above a lower threshold, but below the upper threshold are invited to compete for a DTG of fixed size.

ROs with an income below the lower threshold receive no DTG. The algorithm was run in February 2012 for the 2013 intake. Eligible ROs should be notified of their 2012/13 allocation by the end of June.

Permitted uses of the DTG at HEIs and MRC Units/Institutes Doctoral Training Grants can be used to fund:

PhD Research studentships Research Masters as part of a 1 + 3 year studentship Collaborative studentships with industrial or other partnership funders. Advanced Masters Research Organisations are able to decide on the level of stipend (at or above the RCUK minimum); the duration (up to 4 years full time support for Doctoral Students or One Year for Full Time Masters Students); the format (e.g. part-time, industrial placement), and to adjust the number and timing of awards within year and between years. Decisions on stipend and project duration can be balanced with considerations of the discipline, location and overall student numbers. Students funded on Centre or Partnership grants can only be funded for PhDs.

1.2 Research Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutes and Centres

MRC Research Studentships enable outstanding graduates with good honours degrees to undertake a three to four year training programme in research and transferable skills, under the guidance of named, experienced committed supervisors. The training includes a substantial, original and challenging research project capable of leading to the


submission of a doctoral thesis within predetermined period of three to four years, and the award of a PhD/DPhil. The training programme should help students equip themselves with the skills necessary to develop their careers as researchers, or in other research-related occupations, in academia or the wider UK economy.

In the case of a four year Research Studentship, the PhD programme may be linked to a Masters (MSc or MRes) Studentship (1+3 award). The Masters course will usually be taken in the first year of the four-year award, and should be in a discipline relevant to the PhD project. These awards are funded from the Research Organisations DTG. 1.3 Capacity Building Research Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutesand Centres

MRC periodically run a studentship competition for Capacity Building Research Studentships which aim to provide extra provision for research training in selected strategic research areas, where the MRC has identified a need for an increased research workforce capacity. There are no plans to run this in 2012/13. 1.4 Industrial CASE Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutes and Centres

The aim of the MRC Industrial CASE awards is to provide PhD students with a first rate, challenging research training experience within the context of a mutually beneficial collaboration between academic and industrial research programme leaders. A successful CASE project takes the time and personal commitment of busy research leaders in industry and academia. Feedback from students and supervisors alike emphasises the added value to all parties of a well-considered, soundly managed project and the benefits of a genuine partnership. Each CASE student will have two committed PhD supervisors, one academic and one from the industry partner. They will offer their outstanding student an experience of two research cultures and access to a wider than usual range of technology, facilities and expertise. The student will benefit from a diversity of experimental approaches with a translational and perhaps clinical dimension.

On completing their PhD training, the student will have sought-after research and generic skills and a CV that should enhance their future employability. Many will become research leaders in the future. MRC Industrial CASE awards are awarded through an annual competition. Further details can be found on the MRC website: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Studentships/IndustrialCASE/MRC004608

1.5 Masters Studentships for HEIs and MRC Units/Institutes

Full-time MRC Masters Studentships are tenable for up to one year and aim to provide students with the opportunity to undertake early research training relevant to subsequent research at PhD level, or employment in a research related capacity in academia or industry. All Masters Courses supported by the MRC must provide a significant element of practical research experience as well as formal taught modules. There are two types of masters studentships:

Advanced Course Masters these are targeted to priority areas that are not currently served by existing undergraduate courses, and where such training is likely to

http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Studentships/IndustrialCASE/MRC004608


strengthen the academic base of the field or discipline concerned. Studentships are awarded to Research Organisations via a competition (currently run every 3 years) offering such courses. The next competition is due in 2014 for 2015 start.

MRC Units/Institutes can only apply as Co-Applicants as the lead organisation needs to be a HEI.

Research Masters (MRes) these are courses that provide broad-based generic research training that may be used as a foundation for further research training leading towards a PhD. MRes courses must provide at least 60% of course time for the students own research usually two or more mini projects, plus personal key skills training. These awards are funded from the Research Organisations DTG, and must be part of a 1+3 programme. 1.6 Studentships within MRC Centre and Partnership Grants

MRC does not award studentships within its grant funding schemes with 2 exceptions:

MRC Centre Grants, that focus all or part of their award on research capacity building

MRC Partnership Grants, which are able to demonstrate that the proposed Partnership will provide distinctive added value to the students training experience, such as through access to a unique environment not accessible through other studentship support mechanisms such as the DTG.


2. STUDENT QUALIFYING AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The MRC values the diversity of all people, whether they are employees, students, Board members, recipients of grants or fellowships, suppliers, professional colleagues, research participants, visitors or the wider public. We will treat with respect all those with whom we interact.

Individuals who apply for MRC-funded studentships must be treated fairly, with dignity and respect regardless of their:

Race or racial group; colour; ethnicity; place of origin; or nationality.

Gender, marital status, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment.

Religion, faith or similar philosophical belief.

Age.

Disability.

Students and supervisors should not contact MRC directly to enquire about eligibility; it is the responsibility of the nominated person at the Research Organisation to contact MRC if advice on eligibility is required.

2.1 Academic Qualifications

Candidates for an MRC-funded studentship must hold qualifications at the level of, or equivalent to, a good honours degree from a UK academic institution, in a subject relevant to MRCs scientific remit. This should be a first or upper second class honours degree. Qualifications, or a combination of qualifications and experience, which demonstrate equivalent ability and attainment should also be considered. For example, a less than sufficient first degree may be enhanced to meet the requirements by the acquisition of a Masters degree to enhance the first degree, e.g. from 2(ii) to 2(i). It is the responsibility of the registering institution to verify that candidates possess the relevant qualifications. They are also responsible for ensuring that qualifications obtained outside the UK are of an equivalent level to those quoted above. 2.2 Residence Eligibility

For all MRC funded studentships, the Research Organisation must first take all reasonable steps to recruit a UK resident (see below). If it is not possible to recruit from the UK, then the RCUK has widened the residence eligibility criteria for studentships in key strategic areas to help meet employers needs. Please refer to Annex 1 for further information. Decisions on a particular students residency eligibility, as determined by the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997 and subsequent amendments, should be made by the Research Organisations registry. Heads of Department, supervisors and potential students needing advice on residence eligibility should contact the Research Organisations Registry in the first instance. Where there remains doubt about an individual's eligibility for an MRC Studentship, the Registrar should contact the MRC for a ruling. Whilst general advice can be given over

10 Last Updated 28/05/2012

the telephone, a formal ruling cannot be given without full written details on an MRC Eligibility Form http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC003265

2.3 UK Residence

To be eligible for a full MRC studentship (stipend and university fees), candidates must be able to demonstrate a relevant connection1 to the United Kingdom at the date of application.

UK nationals who have lived most of their lives in the UK will have demonstrated a

relevant connection Individuals who were not born in the UK but have been granted UK citizenship or have

come to settle in the UK (e.g. immigrant status, refugee or an individual granted humanitarian protection) need to demonstrate that they have a relevant connection through ordinary residence 2

European Economic Area3 citizens who are migrant workers4 (or their spouse or childrenQ) and can demonstrate ordinary residence in the EEA are eligible

EU nationals who have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this

can include residence while undertaking undergraduate study)

1. A relevant connection can be established if an individual has been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3 years preceding the date of application. Candidates may be classed as demonstrating ordinary residence when they are temporarily absent overseas (see below) where the nature of their profession demands that they spend periods overseas (e.g. research) or have been receiving full-time education overseas.

2. Lord Scarman defined ordinary residence as habitual and normalfrom choice and for a settled

purpose throughout the prescribed period, apart from temporary or occasional absence voluntarily adopted.. there must be some degree of settled purpose (and) a sufficient degree of continuity to be properly described as settled. Ordinary residence is proven if a candidate would have been in the UK (or EEA) if it were not for the fact that s/he, his/her spouse, parent or guardian is/was temporarily employed outside of the area.

3. European Economic Area means the areas comprised by the member states of the European

Union and by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 4. A migrant worker can be defined (for these purposes) as a citizen of a member state of the EEA

who is employed in the UK and who should be treated as a national of the UK. The employment should be full-time and of significant duration. Therefore a candidate engaged in part-time or short-term casual employment or who has been effectively unemployed cannot be considered to hold migrant worker status. Additionally, the employment should normally be expected to be relevant to the candidates previous or future course of study, although employment of a professional nature should be considered on its merits.

The employment should not be considered to be ancillary ie taken up with a view to engaging in subsequent studies (job and study are a package) or subject to the candidate being accepted for the training for which she/he is to be nominated. An example of this would be a candidate who has been employed as a Research Assistant in a Research Organisation department so as to qualify for a studentship at that RO.

5. With regard to the candidates who are children of migrant workers, it must be shown that the

candidates residency is as a consequence of the parents past or present employment. A child

http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC003265


who has not been resident in the UK during the parents employment or departed with the parent at the cessation of that employment, is not eligible to claim migrant worker status.

2.4 Visa/Work Permits

Candidates who are resident in the UK on a student visa, work permit or dependent visa which have restrictions on the time they may stay in the UK, and cannot demonstrate a relevant connection or settled status will not be eligible on residence grounds.

2.5 Nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) Member States

A migrant worker, or the spouse or child of a migrant worker, is eligible for a full MRC award (maintenance stipend plus fees) if they are employed in the UK at the time the application is made, and are either: (a) An EU national with a relevant connection to the European Union; or, (b) A national of a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA with a relevant connection to the EEA.

2.6 Nationals of the European Union

If a student is from an EU country, but cannot demonstrate a relevant connection through ordinary residence, they may be eligible for a studentship for tuition fees, but not for a maintenance stipend.

2.7 Nationals of the Isle of Man

Candidates from the Isle of Man are not normally eligible for an MRC Studentship and should apply to their education authority for support.

A candidate from the Isle of Man will not have established eligibility for consideration for an MRC Studentship through any period of ordinary residence in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland during which s/he has been in full-time education.

This relates to the tax status of an individual or their parents, if no tax is received from residents of the Isle of Man then they are not eligible for certain benefits. As tax is paid locally it is the Isle of Man that is responsible for the education costs of its subjects. 2.8 Residents of the Channel IslandsStudents who are ordinarily resident in the Channel Islands are now eligible for a full award.


3. FINANCIAL SUPPORT An MRC Studentship cannot be held at the same time as any other award which provides maintenance and fees for postgraduate training, but the studentship package may be jointly funded with another Research Organisation or external funding partner. 3.1 Financial package All MRC Funded Students

A fully-funded MRC student should receive a stipend at least equal to the MRC minimum rate, tuition fees, a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and an allowance for travel/conference attendance.

Payment Type Amount (starting Oct 2011 & Oct

2012) Description

Maintenance Stipend

2011 and 2012 - 13,590 (minimum

outside London)

2011 and 2012 - 15,740* (minimum inside London)

This is a tax-free payment made to the

student

University Fees

2011 - 3,732 pa 2012 - 3,828

Sessional fees including

tuition, supervision, registration and bench fees. Including from

2011, an uplift to support researcher development and transferable skills

training (Roberts Money)

Research Training and Support Grant

(RTSG) 2011 and 2012 - 5,000 pa

Contribution towards consumable costs of

training research students.

Note increased minimum from autumn 2011 studentship intake.

Travel/Conference Allowance

2011 and 2012 - 300 pa

Contribution to the costs of attending scientific

conferences and workshops

* London rates are payable to institutions located within the City of London and Metropolitan Police Districts

Notes From the studentship intake of autumn 2011, all MRC studentships should be

allocated a minimum 5,000 MRC-funded Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per annum. Exceptionally, the RO may allocate a lower MRC-funded RTSG, where 5k pa is in excess of individual project requirements (e.g. dry-lab based projects or where consumable funds have been leveraged from external sources). ROs are required to keep a record of such exceptional cases, which MRC may request for monitoring purposes. MRC Units/Institutes should award a minimum of 1k RTSG per student.

Where a student is eligible for a full award, at least 50% of the total cost of the

studentship must be drawn from the DTG of a single Council. The remaining costs


may be funded from other sources, such as the research organisations funds or from research partners. (Joint Research Council funding of multidisciplinary awards is possible on the basis of 50:50 funding from two Councils' Training Accounts; in that case one of the Councils must be designated as the majority funder for monitoring and information purposes.)

Payments for periods of less that 12 months are calculated pro-rata.

College fees are no longer provided as a separate, additional fund within MRC studentship awards and RCUK-approved tuition fees do not include payment for college membership costs. Research organisations may use the flexibility provided by the DTG to pay college fees, provided that (i) all other reasonable external sources of college fees have been exhausted; and (ii) the student benefits in terms relevant to their research training. Students should not be required to pay college fees from their MRC-funded stipend.

3.1.1 Financial Entitlement

MaintenanceStipend

Tuition Fees

RTSG Conference Allowance

Research Studentship Y Y Y YIndustrial

Collaborative Y Y Y YResearch Masters Y Y Y N

Advanced Course Masters

Y Y Y* N

Fees-only Studentship N Y Y Y

* The MRC will fund a minimum of 1,000 RTSG for the Advanced Course Masters studentship.

3.1.2 Fees Only Awards

Students from the EU who have not been resident in the UK for the three years preceding the application will ONLY be eligible for payment of fees. not stipends.

3.1.3 Thesis typing and binding

The cost of typing or binding a thesis or dissertation is taken into account in determining the level of the maintenance stipend. The MRC does not provide additional funds for this purpose.

3.2 Capacity Building Studentships

Capacity Building studentships are awarded a recruitment premium of 2,000 in addition to the basic stipend. 3.3 Industrial CASE Studentships

As a measure of its involvement, the industrial company is expected to make a financial contribution to the cost of the studentship as follows:


a minimum annual contribution of 1,400 in cash to the academic institution towards the cost of the project

a minimum annual contribution of 2,500 to the student as an addition to the

maintenance stipend access to special materials/facilities which the academic institution does not possess

all expense (e.g. travel and accommodation) incurred by the student as a result of visits to the industrial company

Companies that meet the definition included in Recommendation 1996/280/EC of a small to medium size enterprise (SME) are NOT required to make the contributions detailed in the first two points above. as these will be met by the MRC via increased levels of stipend and Research Training Support Grant payments to the academic partner. 3.4 Part-time Studentships

Part-time studentships should usually be awarded for no less than 50% of full time, and on the understanding that the approved programme of research training can be carried out effectively. 3.5 Income Tax

Payment of an MRC Studentship maintenance stipend (and associated allowances) below the maximum stipulated by the Inland Revenue (please check with your local Inland Revenue Office for current maxima) is not regarded as income for tax purposes. It should be noted, however, that earnings from sources such as teaching and demonstrating may be subject to income tax. 3.6 National Insurance

The MRC will not make any payment for students National Insurance contributions. Students may become liable for contributions in connection with any paid teaching or demonstrating which they undertake.

For information about a students position in relation to National Insurance contributions and benefits please contact the Department of Works and Pensions. ALLOWANCES

3.7 Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) All MRC Funded Students

Who can apply? Disabled students who, because of their disability, are obliged to incur additional expenditure in connection with their postgraduate training, may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance.

How to apply Please refer to the RCUK website http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/ResearchCareers/Pages/dsa.aspx

http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/ResearchCareers/Pages/dsa.aspx


3.8 Overseas Fieldwork Allowance3.8.1 for HEIs

Where it is an essential part of a student's training, the MRC will consider contributing towards the costs of overseas fieldwork or visits to foreign organisations. The MRC will only contribute in respect of projects that provide students with research training opportunities that are not available in the UK. Students will not normally be expected to spend more than 12 months in total overseas. The reasons for undertaking the Overseas Fieldwork and the justification for the period(s) overseas should be included in Form OB1. The RO should complete the OB1 form at least 8 weeks before the student is due to depart on their Overseas Fieldwork and submit to the MRC ([email protected]) for approval. The RO will be informed by email if their application is successful or not. The level of funds awarded to cover overseas fieldwork expenses are calculated using a banding system. The banding for individual countries can be found at Annex 2 of this handbook. This is currently under review, so please feedback to [email protected] any comments you receive regarding this. The banding structure is intended to cover all elements of the trip including an allowance for medical cover insurance. Students are required to arrange adequate insurance cover before their trip. How to claim Claims for Overseas Fieldwork should be completed on form OB2 (part one) by the student and sent to the DTG Coordinator at the Research Organisation who should scrutinise and pay the claim in the first instance. The upfront payment can be claimed as soon as the student has departed on their Overseas Fieldwork. Please include copies of receipts to cover flights, insurance etc as confirmation of the amounts claimed. A supplementary claim for the remainder of the allowance can be claimed when the student has returned from their overseas fieldwork using OB2 (part two). This should also include receipts and should then be submitted to the MRC for payment to the Research Organisation via the Doctoral Training Grant. Students who are in receipt of a fees-only studentship will not be eligible to apply for Overseas Fieldwork. 3.8.2 For MRC Units/Institutes MRC Units/Institutes will normally be expected to fund Overseas Fieldwork from internal budgets. Where this is not possible, they can apply to MRC headoffice to overspend their budget.



4. THE TRAINING PROGRAMME All MRC-funded students 4.1 Research Topic

The research project and training programme to be undertaken by the student must be within MRCs broad biomedical and health research remit, and may include interdisciplinary training with the physical, environmental and social sciences. The research project must be well structured, provide an intellectual challenge, opportunities for comprehensive research training and be achievable, leading to the postgraduate qualification within the permitted time period (see 5.2). MRC must be consulted if there is any possibility that a change of direction is contemplated in the research project which might take it outside the remit of MRC. 4.2 Skills Training

The MRC expects each student to have a thorough training in generic research skills (e.g. experimental design, data handling, statistics, intellectual property rights, exploitation), and training in transferable skills, (e.g. oral and written communication, IT skills and time management) during their MRC-funded training period, in addition to subject specific training. From 2011, additional funding (Roberts Money) to support researcher development and transferable skills training is incorporated within the fees for postgraduate research students (see Section 3.1).

4.3 Courses and Support for Researcher DevelopmentThe Research Councils expect that ROs will maintain availability of a broad range of career planning, training and development opportunities for Research Council funded researchers. MRC contribute along with the other Research Councils to Vitae, which champions the personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes. In addition to forums for postgraduate researchers, information and guidance on many aspects of a doctorate on the Vitae Website. Vitae runs a national programme of courses and events to complement those run by institutions. Courses are tailored to either research staff, postgraduate researchers or both and places are limited. For information see the Vitae website.

Vitae also runs a small programme of graduate schools which are designed to help postgraduate researchers in their 2nd year or above to reflect upon and develop their skills as a postgraduate researcher. The courses encourage postgraduate researchers to consider how they can apply their skills now and in the future and aim to help postgraduate researchers to make more informed choices about the next step of their careers. All MRC funded students are eligible for a funded place on a GRADschool subject to availability (note this does not include travelling expenses). 4.4 InternshipsThe Medical Research Council and the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) have teamed up to undertake a policy and communications internship scheme. The scheme is open to all MRC-funded students (based in a university, unit or Institute) in their 3rd or 4th year of study including Clinicians Undertaking a PhD as part of their Clinical Training Research Training Award. The scheme is designed to give students first hand experience of the medical science policy and communications environment to gain insights into how research and the way it is communicated can impact on policy. The internship will also provide an opportunity

http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/337551/Courses-and-events.htmlhttp://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/337551/Courses-and-events.htmlhttp://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers


to help build valuable networks with the UKs most eminent medical scientists and key science and medical stakeholders. Internships are supported by a 3 month extension to their PhD maintenance stipend. All eligible candidates will be assessed through a competitive application process. To be eligible to apply, students must have their supervisors support and confirm that they are funded by the MRC. It is expected this competition will be open for applications around September 2012. Further details are available on the Academy Of Medical sciences web site

http://www.academicmedicine.ac.uk/


5. COLLECTION OF DATA

5.1 Registering Students All MRC Funded students 5.1.1 Je-S Student/Researcher Data Portal

It is a condition of an MRC award that full details of the students who will be supported must be entered onto the Je-S Student Data Portal within one month of their registration date. This applies to ALL MRC funded students. This is essential to provide accurate and timely reports to MRC Council and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and to justify our continued support for studentships. This includes students at MRC funded centres, Institutes, Units as well as on Doctoral Training or Partnership grants awarded to HEIs and Independent Research Organisations. Students should be registered under the grant they are primarily funded under.

In cases where complete and accurate information is not received, MRCs Training and Career Group has agreed that this could impact on the award of future Doctoral Training Grants to an institution. Masters and 1+3 students should also be registered. Please indicate whether they are standalone or part of a 1+3 course. In place of the abstract, please state briefly the remit of the Masters Degree undertaken.

Guidance for completion of Abstracts within the Je-S SRDP The abstracts within the Je-S system are MRCs sole data source for determining the scientific breadth of the MRC PhD studentship portfolio as well as identifying the volume of strategic skills provision across the UK. For this reason it is a requirement that Research Organisations provide studentship abstracts within the Je-S system that are:

Up to date and accurate Written for a non-specialist scientific audience Clearly identify the skills gained by the student during the studentship Identify where the studentship meets an MRC strategic skill priority Utilize meaningful keywords at the start of the abstract to illustrate the research

area and strategic skills provided.

Research Organisations are expected to inform supervisors and students who provide abstracts for the Je-S system of these requirements. 5.1.2 MRC Internal Reporting Systems for MRC Units and Institutes Information relating to MRC Units/Institutes is not held on the grant IT system which holds all grant information relating to HEIs and IROs. Therefore in order to generate a reference number which can be used to register students and collect data required by BIS etc, the MRC need to create a record on LIS (Large Investment System). Each intake of students (NOT each individual student) will need to have a separate record. A record is created by completing the form in Annex 3. NB for this purpose an intake is described as a group of students who start in one academic year and are funded from the same source. For example:

(i) All students who are funded from your DTG and start between 1 Oct 2012 and 31 sep 2013 would count as one intake.

(ii) A student awarded through the CASE competition would consist of another intake

(iii) A batch of students which are jointly funded by the MRC and a joint funder


who start within one academic year would count as a third intake New records will need to be created for each academic year. Therefore, please complete the form in Annex 3 for each new intake of students. The Unit/Institute should expect to be notified of their reference number within 2 weeks of submitting the required information. This reference number can be used to register students on the Je-S student data portal. The future DTG of your Unit/Institute will depend on you providing the required data both for LIS and subsequently on the Je-S student portal as outlined below. Students at Units/Institutes should be registered as one of the following:

Unit Standard Research Students If funded totally or jointly from the Doctoral Training Funds

Industrial Collaborative Students CASE students Capacity Building Students Capacity Building Students Advanced Masters any Masters students or 1 + 3 students. Please state in the

title if it is a standalone course or part of a 1 + 3 Course. 5.2 Submission Data All MRC funded studentsMRC considers that the presentation of the results of a Research Studentship in a doctoral thesis within a reasonable time is an effective measure of whether the students training has been satisfactorily completed. To this end, the MRC expects that students will have completed their research training within 3 or 4 years from the start date of their PhD studentship award, and submitted their thesis within 4 years. Towards the end of each calendar year the MRC requires all host institutions to provide data on the Je-S Student Data Portal whether individual students have submitted their PhD thesis and the time taken to submit. These data are essential for reporting to MRCs Council and to government on the impact of MRCs significant investment in doctoral training. For this reason, all host institutions must provide accurate and timely data for all MRC-funded students.

5.3 Next Destination Data All MRC funded students

It is essential that all holders of MRC Studentships (HEIs, Units and Institutes) routinely record the next destination of all MRC studentships. The immediate next destination following completion of PhD studies (excluding any consolidation period for publication completion etc.) should be captured as a minimum. This data must be provided to MRC, upon request. In addition to this, each year HESA will collect First Destination data on behalf of all the Research Councils, including MRC. Research Organisations must comply with such requests. This system reflects the MRCs responsibility to safeguard the effective use of public funds. See also section 8.16 below.


6. DURING THE STUDENTSHIP 6.1 Teaching, Demonstrating and other Paid Work

Students may undertake teaching, demonstrating and other paid work, provided that the total demand made on their time, including time spent in preparation, does not normally exceed six hours a week. Any work that a student undertakes must be formalised with a proper contract of employment covering the work the student is expected to do and would need to conform to Home Office regulations regarding employment.

6.2 Holidays

Research Organisations should ensure that a clear policy on holiday entitlement exists and that this is made known to the student at the start of their studentship.

6.3 Absence through Illness

Research Organisations should ensure that a clear policy on a students entitlement during absence through illness exists and that this is made known to the student at the start of their studentship. The Research Organisation must ensure that it is aware of unauthorised absences, to ensure that correct payments are made to the student.

6.4 Maternity Leave

With effect from 1st April 2010, all Research Council funded students are entitled to take 6 months of maternity leave on full stipend and a further 6 months of unpaid maternity leave. Research Organisations should extend the studentship by a commensurate period. For part-time students leave payments should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

6.5 Paternity Leave

All Research Council funded students are entitled to take 6 months of maternity leave OR up to 6 months of additional paternity leave on full stipend and a further 6 months of unpaid maternity OR up to 6 months of additional paternity leave. Research Organisations should extend the studentship by a commensurate period. For part-time students leave payments should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

6.6 Abeyance

MRC expects students to complete their training in a single continuous period. However, Research Organisations should give sympathetic consideration to requests for abeyance arising out of personal or family reasons. Requests for abeyance should not be approved for the purpose of employment, temporary lectureships, exchange visits, voluntary service overseas or expeditions/sport. Studentships should not normally be held in abeyance for more than 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances prevail.


6.7 Transfer and Extension of Studentships

Extensions to the period of a students support may be awarded at the discretion of the Research Organisation. However, the DTA will not be amended to take account of the transfer of a student from one Research Organisation to another or an extension granted on a studentship. Students who are called for jury service are legally bound to attend. Extensions should be granted for this period by the Research Organisation.

6.8 Early terminations6.8.1 HEIs The Student/Researcher forms on Je-S must be updated to reflect the termination. If the studentship is a ring-fenced award e.g. Capacity Building or CASE, the Research Organisation may, with MRC approval, supplement the remaining funding from other sources to create a new studentship award as long as at least 50% of the funding is MRC. Where grants have been awarded for a nominal number of students and the Research Organisation is unable to recruit sufficient students or if a candidate fails to start their studentship, then the funds relating to that student can be held over by the Research organisation for up to one year to allow the Research Organisation to recruit the required number of students. If the Research Organisation fails to recruit the required number of students in this period then the MRC have the right to reclaim this money at the end of the grant. 6.8.2 Units/Institutes If a studentship is terminated early, then the payroll department must be advised as soon as possible to ensure no further stipend payments are made to the student concerned. The Unit/Institute must also update the Je-S student Data Portal with the required information. 6.9 Grievances6.9.1 HEIs It is the responsibility of the Research Organisation to ensure that students and supervisors have access to effective procedures for resolving problems, which might arise from the administration, management or supervision of an MRC studentship. Accordingly, MRC will not intervene unless the student has pursued any complaint or grievance through the available local channels. Students and supervisors should however bring to MRC's attention any situation where they consider that they have not had access to appropriate procedures. 6.9.2 Units/Institutes Students based in Units/Institutes should refer to the MRC Students Complaints Policy which is due for release in June 2012 and will be distributed to all Units/Institutes.


7. EXPLOITATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS 7.1 General

Host institutions, and the students engaged in research supported by an MRC Studentship should ensure that results with commercial potential obtained during the course of the studentship are protected and exploited wherever possible for the benefit of UK industrial competitiveness, whilst ensuring incentives and returns to the university/research institute and inventor(s). In any exploitation of research results reference must be made to the MRC.

Ownership of any intellectual property arising from MRC Studentships is vested initially in the institution administering the award. The institution may retain these intellectual property rights or assign or license them to industrial partners under exploitation arrangements. The institution is entitled to retain any income arising from exploitation agreements. In the case of MRC Studentships held within an MRC Establishment, the intellectual property rights will be owned by MRC.

Institutions are required to ensure that all those associated with the research are aware of, and accept, their procedures for the notification of any device, material, product or process, computer software or other result which it is considered might have commercial significance, whether patentable or not, in good time before publication or other disclosure. 7.2 Partnerships with Industry

Agreement between the partners should be negotiated on intellectual property rights before the studentship starts. Any licenses or assignments to partners should include a revenue-sharing arrangement and provisions to deal with the possibility of non-exploitation by the industrial partners. The agreement should not in any way prohibit the student from achieving a PhD within the prescribed time for their award (see 5.2). 7.3 Protection of Patentable Material

Institutions are reminded that potential patent rights are prejudiced by publication or non-confidential disclosure of the subject matter prior to filing a patent application. Publication is now interpreted very broadly and covers everything made available publicly in writing, orally, by use or in any other way, before protection is sought. Advice should be taken from the Institutions Technology Transfer Office to minimise any potential for delay in publication. 7.4 Protection of Non-Patentable Material

Institutions and students are reminded that whether or not the research leads to patentable inventions, it may lead to the creation of know-how, computer software or other results which, although they cannot always be formally protected, can be of commercial value.


8. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS 8.1 Use of Animals

Award holders are expected to abide by the core principles set out in the Councils booklet Mice and Medicine.

The objectives of MRC funded experiment(s) should be clearly defined and, where possible, award holders must adopt procedures and techniques which avoid the use of animals. Where this is not possible, the research should be designed so that: Species with the most appropriate physiology for the work are used; where possible

simple organisms should be used.

The number of animals used in an experiment must be the minimum sufficient to create adequate statistical power to answer the question posed.

The severity of the procedures performed upon animals is kept to a minimum. The

experiment should be kept as short as possible, and anaesthesia/analgesia used to minimise pain where possible.

8.2 Home Office Licences

It is the responsibility of the host institutions and students to ensure that the appropriate personal and project licences are obtained. Home Office licences (or amendments to existing licences) do not have to be obtained before an application for an award is made to the MRC, but if an award has been made then the necessary licences should be obtained before any animal experimentation begins. Institutions should note that the Home Office target is to process applications within seven weeks (excluding any time needed for revisions by the institution).

The provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (and any subsequent amendments) must be observed when undertaking any research training funded by the MRC. 8.3 Use of Simians/Tissues

When a project involves the use of simians or their tissues, the student should act in accordance with the guidance set out in the MRC Ethics Guide: Best practice in the accommodation and care of primates used in scientific procedures (2004) and in accordance with their institutions Health & Safety procedures.

Institutions contemplating the use of primates purchased from commercial suppliers should, wherever possible, use UK suppliers, to minimise the risk of suffering during transport. For cats, dogs and primates purchased, Home Office approved suppliers should be used.

Institutions are encouraged to put their proposals before a Local Ethical Review Process.

MRC is a public body legally obliged to provide information on its work to Parliament and to the public, and is committed to improving public communication on animals. MRC will make public information about animal experiments it funds when needed (e.g. as anonymous examples, or in response to direct queries). MRC will resist all requests for information that might lead to the identification of places or individuals, except with the express permission of the individuals concerned.

http://www.nc3rs.org.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=92http://www.nc3rs.org.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=92http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/hoc/321/321-xa.htmhttp://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC002431


8.4 Mouse Strains

MRC supports a central repository of mouse strains the MRC Mouse Frozen Embryo and Sperm Archive (FESA) at the Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell. Depositors retain ownership of strains and there is currently no charge for depositing strains to make them freely available to the academic community. FESA aims to ensure that valuable mouse strains are safeguarded, that the need to maintain colonies of live mice for long periods of time is reduced, and that the significant investment in engineering strains is capitalised upon fully. MRC students and their supervisors planning mouse research should contact FESA at their earliest opportunity. 8.5 Human Participants in Research

The MRC expects all work involving human participants to be undertaken in accordance with its statements, copies of which are available on the MRC website.

Institutions, students and supervisors have absolute responsibility for ensuring that they have approval from the appropriate authorities before undertaking investigations within an organisation such as a factory, school or service establishment or NHS premises. Payments to healthy volunteers participating in clinical trials are allowable, provided that the payment is for expense, time and inconvenience and is not at a level which would induce people to take part in studies against their better judgement. In the case of non-clinical investigations which do not involve invasion of the bodys integrity payment of a fee (not normally exceeding 4.00 per hour) plus travelling and other out-of-pocket expenses is permissible. Independent local research ethics committee (LREC) approval is required for research that involves human participants (whether patients or normal volunteers) or records. It is also required for certain studies of human tissues. In the case of research involving NHS patients, premises or records, this will be a Local Research Ethics Committee set up by the Local Health Authority or Board, or Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) as appropriate. In the case of psychological research on volunteers, the relevant institutions ethics committee will usually be appropriate. Institutions and supervisors have absolute responsibility for ensuring that approval is granted before any research is undertaken. Any serious incident arising in the course of an investigation that has been approved by the ethics committee should be reported immediately to the MRC as well as to LREC/MREC. The investigation must be suspended until the ethics committee has decided whether it may be continued or should be abandoned. Research involving human participants in developing societies presents specific ethical challenges and the MRC guidelines Research Involving Human Participants in Developing Societies must be followed.

http://www.mrc.ac.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=7458&dDocName=MRC002461&allowInterrupt=1http://www.mrc.ac.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=7458&dDocName=MRC002461&allowInterrupt=1http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Newspublications/Publications/Ethicsandguidance/index.htmhttp://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/services/fesahttp://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/services/fesa


8.6 Clinical Trials

If the research training project involves a clinical trial, the expectation is that trials will normally have been peer reviewed and funded, and service support costs secured before a studentship is sought. The host institution and the student are responsible for ensuring that any such research is conducted in accordance with the general MRC terms and conditions of an award, and that the principles set out in Council's Guidelines on Good Clinical Practice in MRC funded trials are followed. 8.7 Human Fertilisation

Students whose research involves the use of human gametes or embryos must act in accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (and any subsequent amendments). This will include obtaining a licence to undertake activities covered by the Act, prior to the research training taking place. Further information can be obtained from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, 30 Artillery Lane, London, E1. 8.8 Medical Records

Where a studentship involves the use of medical records, the student must act in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Councils statement Personal Information in Medical Research (2000).

Host institutions are responsible for obtaining from the student an undertaking to maintain confidentiality of any records being used. 8.9 Use of Human Fetal Material

Students whose awards involve the use of the pre-viable fetus, the whole-head fetus, fetal tissues, or fetal material (i.e. placenta, fluids or membranes) must have been granted approval for such work from an independent Local Research Ethics Committee. Students must also comply with the Health Department guidance issued in the light of the Polkinghorne Report.

8.10 Removal of Human Tissue

Students whose research training projects involve procedures for the removal of human tissue either from living people or at post-mortem examination must follow the law (Human Tissue Act 2004 or Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006) and the guidance detailed in the MRC Statement Human Tissue and Biological Samples for Use in Medical Research (2001).

8.11 Use of Radioactive Substances and Neutron Irradiation in Humans

Students whose research training projects require the use of radioactive substances or in vivo neutron activation analysis in humans must have obtained the approval of the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee before any research is undertaken. Approval and advice from the Unit does not remove the obligation to make separate approaches to independent research ethics committees. Institutions and supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that no research is undertaken before approval from both bodies has been granted.

http://www.arsac.org.uk/http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC002420http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC002420http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2004/ukpga_20040030_en_1http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1376200&blobtype=pdfhttp://www.mrc.ac.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=6233&dDocName=MRC002452&allowInterrupt=1http://www.mrc.ac.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=6233&dDocName=MRC002452&allowInterrupt=1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900037_en_1


8.12 Genetic Modification

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 and The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1996 require laboratories that intend carrying out genetic modification to be registered with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). All such work is subject to risk assessment and according to the assessment some work may additionally require specific consent. Institutions and award holders undertaking genetic modification must be registered with the HSE, have undertaken risk assessment and have been granted consent (where appropriate). All notifications and annual returns must be sent to the Directorate of Science and Technology, Unit E4, Magdalen House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, L20 3QZ (Tel: 0151 951 4772). Detailed guidance notes are provided by the Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (ACGM) to every registered Centre. It is important that award holders who carry out genetic modification are familiar with the legislative requirements and with ACGM guidance. Advice can be obtained from the Bootle address of the HSE or from HSE Health Directorate B2, Floor 7SW, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HB, (Tel: 020 7717 6348). 8.13 Dangerous Pathogens

Institutions/Departments accommodating project involving the use of dangerous pathogens must comply with the safeguards recommended by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens in their report Categorisation of Biological Agents According to Hazard and Categories of Containment, HMSO, 4th Edition, 1995. 8.14 Controlled Drugs

Award holders whose research requires the use of one or more of the drugs controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971 (and its subsequent amendments) must hold an appropriate Home Office Licence. Institutions and award holders have absolute responsibility to ensure that no research is carried out before a licence has been granted. 8.15 Data Protection Act 1998

The Act requires data controllers to register the processing of personal data with the Office of the Information Commissioner. MRC funded students and their supervisors should register with the Office through their host institution, and are expected to comply with the principles of good practice outlined in the Act.

8.16 MRC Use of Data/Information

The Research Organisation will be required to provide the Research Council with standard information on students and their training programme through the Je-S system for inclusion in the Research Councils management information system. Information should normally be entered within one month of the student starting their studies and by mid-November for October starts. Failure to provide this information may result in sanctions being imposed on future DTA payments. The MRC may make public in any form summary information about the award including the title and abstract of research as it sees fit. The number of awards will be posted on the MRCs web pages. Data on awards may also be made available to other publicly available databases.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm/acgmcomphttp://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm/acgmcomphttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19960967_en_1.htmhttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19960967_en_1.htmhttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/Uksi_19923217_en_1.htm


The MRC will comply with the principles and good practice outlined in Data Protection Acts 1998, and Freedom of Information Act 2005.


9. Further Enquiries Please direct any queries on the content of this handbook to [email protected]


ANNEX 1: Recruitment of International Students in MRC Key Strategic Areas The scarce strategic skills for which the MRC policy applies are as follows: 1. Advanced mathematics, statistics and computational skills 2. Physical and engineering sciences. Quantitative and other skills that can be considered a routine part of UK undergraduate training in biological, biomedical and health sciences are not sufficient to qualify for the purposes of this policy. Additional conditions apply, as follows: 3. The sought after skills must be critical to executing the PhD projects and well integrated with the students biomedical training and research. 4. The student projects must be aligned with MRCs Strategic Priorities (as identified in the Strategic Plan 2009-14 (or subsequent equivalents) and with the programme of training agreed with the RO (by means of the MRC-RO Studentship Portfolios once these are in place) approved for the Institute/Unit (through the Quinquennial Review). 5. The Research Organisation must be able to demonstrate in terms of (i) the demand for and career-destinations of previous PhD graduates (albeit they were not RCfunded); and (ii) evidence of a shortage of high quality UK candidates in relation to this demand. 6. The RO must be able to demonstrate that it needs to use MRC funds for this purpose. How to Apply If a RO has taken all reasonable steps to recruit a UK resident student and now are looking to recruit an international student that meets the requirements above, they should contact [email protected]. They will need to outline the steps they have taken to recruit a UK resident, be able to show the research fits within the Key Strategic Areas outlined above and provide details of the international student they would like to recruit. The MRC will review the application and will contact the RO within 2 weeks informing them of their decision. Once approved by the MRC, the RO can proceed in recruiting the student. ROs need to be able to demonstrate compliance at any time. Recruitment and destination data for these students will be presented through the ROs normal reporting mechanisms to MRC, as provided for by individual MRC-RO Studentship Portfolio Agreements


Annex 2: Overseas Fieldwork Banding System

Country Annual Rate

Front end element Weekly

rate

Afghanistan 7,800.00 600 144 Albania 5,400.00 400 100 Algeria 5,400.00 400 100

American Samoa 5,400.00 600 96 Angola 7,800.00 600 144 Anguilla 5,400.00 500 88

Antigua and Barbuda 7,800.00 800 140 Argentina 7,800.00 600 144 Armenia 3,000.00 500 50

Ascension Islands 7,800.00 800 140 Australia 7,800.00 800 140 Austria 7,800.00 300 150

Azerbaijan 3,000.00 500 50 Bahamas 7,800.00 800 140 Bahrain 5,400.00 500 98

Bangladesh 5,400.00 500 98 Barbados 7,800.00 600 144 Belgium 5,400.00 300 102 Belize 5,400.00 600 96 Benin 5,400.00 600 96

Bermuda 11,300.00 600 214 Bhutan 7,800.00 600 144 Bolivia 5,400.00 600 96

Bosnia & Herzegovina 5,400.00 600 96 Botswana 5,400.00 600 96

Brazil 7,800.00 600 144 Brunei 7,800.00 600 144

Bulgaria 5,400.00 400 100 Burma 7,800.00 800 140

Cambodia 3,000.00 600 48 Cameroon 5,400.00 600 96 Canada 11,300.00 500 216

Cayman Islands 7,800.00 600 144 Chad 5,400.00 600 96 Chile 7,800.00 600 144 China 7,800.00 600 144

Colombia 7,800.00 600 144 Congo, Republic of 11,300.00 600 214

Costa Rica 5,400.00 600 96 Croatia 5,400.00 600 96 Cuba 7,800.00 600 144

Cyprus 5,400.00 400 100 Czech Republic 5,400.00 300 102

Democratic Republic of the Congo 11,300.00 500 216 Denmark 7,800.00 300 150


Country Annual Rate


rate

Dominica 5,400.00 800 92 Dominican Republic 3,000.00 500 50

Ecuador 5,400.00 600 96 Egypt 5,400.00 400 100

El Salvador 5,400.00 600 96 Equatorial Guinea 7,800.00 600 144

Eritrea 5,400.00 400 100 Estonia 3,000.00 300 54 Ethiopia 5,400.00 600 96

Falkland Islands 7,800.00 600 144 Fiji and West Pacific 5,400.00 600 96

Finland 11,300.00 300 220 France 7,800.00 300 150

French Polynesia 5,400.00 600 96 Gabon 7,800.00 600 144 Gambia 7,800.00 600 144 Georgia 5,400.00 400 100 Germany 7,800.00 300 150 Ghana 5,400.00 600 96

Gibraltar 5,400.00 300 102 Greece 5,400.00 300 102

Greenland 7,800.00 600 144 Grenada 7,800.00 600 144

Guatemala 5,400.00 600 96 Guinea 3,000.00 600 48 Guam 5,400.00 600 96

Guyana 5,400.00 600 96 Haiti 5,400.00 800 92

Honduras 3,000.00 600 48 Hungary 3,000.00 300 54 Iceland 7,800.00 600 144 India 3,000.00 500 50

Indonesia 5,400.00 600 96 Iran 3,000.00 500 50 Iraq 11,300.00 500 216

Irish Republic 5,400.00 300 102 Israel 5,400.00 400 100 Italy 7,800.00 300 150

Ivory Coast 7,800.00 600 144 Jamaica 5,400.00 500 98 Japan 11,300.00 800 210 Jordan 5,400.00 400 100

Kazakhstan 7,800.00 500 146 Kenya 5,400.00 500 98 Korea 7,800.00 600 144 Kuwait 5,400.00 500 98

Kyrgyzstan 7,800.00 500 146 Laos 5,400.00 600 96

Latvia 5,400.00 300 102 Lebanon 5,400.00 400 100


Country Annual Rate


rate

Liberia 11,300.00 600 214 Libya 7,800.00 600 144

Lithuania 3,000.00 300 54 Luxembourg 7,800.00 300 150 Madagascar 5,400.00 600 96

Malawi 3,000.00 600 48 Malaysia 3,000.00 600 48 Maldives 5,400.00 600 96

Mali Republic 5,400.00 600 96 Malta 3,000.00 300 54

Martinique 11,300.00 600 214 Mauritius 5,400.00 600 96 Mexico 5,400.00 500 98

Mongolia 5,400.00 600 96 Montenegro 5,400.00 500 98 Montserrat 7,800.00 800 140 Morocco 5,400.00 400 100

Mozambique 5,400.00 600 96 Namibia 5,400.00 600 96 Nepal 3,000.00 500 50

Netherlands 5,400.00 300 102 New Zealand 5,400.00 800 92

Nicaragua 7,800.00 600 144 Niger 7,800.00 600 144

Nigeria 7,800.00 600 144 Norway 11,300.00 400 218 Oman 7,800.00 500 146

Pakistan 3,000.00 500 50 Panama 7,800.00 600 144

Papua New Guinea 5,400.00 600 96 Paraguay 5,400.00 600 96

Peru 7,800.00 600 144 Philippines 5,400.00 600 96

Poland 5,400.00 300 102 Portugal 5,400.00 300 102

Puerto Rico 3,000.00 600 48 Qatar 5,400.00 500 98

Romania 5,400.00 400 100 Russia 7,800.00 500 146

Rwanda 7,800.00 1,000 136 St Kitts & Nevis 5,400.00 600 96

St Lucia 7,800.00 600 144 St Vincent and The Grenadines 5,400.00 600 96

Saudi Arabia 7,800.00 500 146 Senegal 5,400.00 600 96 Serbia 5,400.00 500 98

Seychelles 7,800.00 600 144 Sierra Leone 7,800.00 600 144 Singapore 7,800.00 600 144

Slovak Republic 5,400.00 300 102


Country Annual Rate


rate

Slovenia 5,400.00 300 102 Solomon Islands 11,300.00 1,000 206

Somalia 7,800.00 600 144 South Africa 7,800.00 600 144

Spain 5,400.00 300 102 Spain (Canary Islands) 7,800.00 400 148

Sri Lanka 5,400.00 500 98 Sudan 7,800.00 600 144

Swaziland 5,400.00 600 96 Sweden 11,300.00 300 220

Switzerland 7,800.00 300 150 Syria 5,400.00 400 100

Taiwan 5,400.00 800 92 Tanzania 5,400.00 500 98 Thailand 5,400.00 600 96

Tibet 11,300.00 600 214 Togo 5,400.00 600 96 Tonga 5,400.00 600 96

Trinidad & Tobago 5,400.00 600 96 Tunisia 5,400.00 400 100 Turkey 5,400.00 400 100

Turks & Caicos Islands 7,800.00 600 144 Uganda 7,800.00 500 146 Ukraine 7,800.00 500 146

United Arab Emirates 7,800.00 500 146 USA 11,300.00 600 214

Uruguay 7,800.00 600 144 Uzbekistan 7,800.00 600 144 Vanuatu 5,400.00 800 92

Venezuela 5,400.00 600 96 Vietnam 5,400.00 600 96

Virgin Islands 7,800.00 1,000 136 Yemen 7,800.00 600 144 Zambia 3,000.00 500 50

Zimbabwe 3,000.00 500 50


ANNEX 3 Data Capture Requirements for Units/Institutes

MRC Unit/Institutes Student DTGs Data capture requirements to create your studentship record on LIS Please can you provide the following information in the spaces below so we can set up your Institute/Unit up on the system which will enable you to register students via the Je-s Student Data Portal and for the MRC to capture required information. NB This only needs to be completed once per Institute/Unit for this years intake and NOT for each individual student.

1. Name of Institute/Unit 2. Department (If relevant) 3. Actual Start date of studentship eg 1/10/11 (Not financial year) 4. End date of studentship eg 30/9/15 5. Call: Unit Standard research Student (DTA), Industrial collaborative student (CASE), Capacity Building student

6. Cost Code (If known) 7. Funding Source: QQR DTG, QQR (Non DTG vired funds), Mixed funding, staff PhD etc NB Please only include students that are at least 50% funded by MRC

8. Training Grant Holder (eg Head of Studentships) 9. Long Title - Full title of proposed research 10. Studentship Priority Area 11. Short Title -Not more than 30 characters 12. Abstract Scientific abstract not more than 4000 characters long

Please attach this so it can be uploaded

13. Lay Abstract Not more than 4000 characters long

Please attach this so it can be uploaded

14. Student Contact name and email address at Unit for correspondence

Please return the completed information to [email protected]


Guidance Notes

1. Name of Institute Please state the full name of the Unit/Institute 2. Department If the students are based in a particular department, please include here.

If the Unit/Institute does not have departments or the students are not based in a single department, please leave this section blank

3. Start Date of Studentship This should be the date the first student of the intake starts and not the date the finance commences

4. End date of Studentship This should be the anticipated end date of the last student of this intake and not the date the award finance ends

5. Call All students funded via your DTA should be listed as Unit Standard Research Students. In the case of CASE or Capacity Building students, please state accordingly.

6. Cost Code This should be the cost code used by the unit to record any expenditure against this intake of students.

7. Funding Source Please only include students that are funded 50% or more by the MRC. Usually funding will be QQR DTG, but this will not always be the case.

8. Training Grant Holder - This would normally be the head of studentships. They will become the Grant Holder and receive any correspondence regarding the grant.

9. Long Title This should be the generic title of the Research Training Programme 10. Studentship Priority Area For a full list and definitions please refer to the following

link MRC Strategic Skills Priorities(i) Advanced In Vivo Sciences (ii) Biomedical Imaging (iii) Mathematics, statistics and computation (iv) Stem Cell Science (v) Regenerative Medicine (vi) Clinical Pathology (vii) Clinical Pharmacology (viii) Toxicology (ix) Quantitative Systems Medicine (x) Whole Human Physiology (xi) Population Health Sciences and Public Health (xii) Health Economics (xiii) E-Health Informatics Research (xiv) Medicinal Chemistry (xv) Medical Physics (xvi) Social Science (xvii) Basic and Clinical research (xviii) Industrial collaborative research

11. Short Title An abbreviated version which can be used to populate the system. Can be the same as the Long Title if less than 30 characters.

12. Scientific Abstract - This should state the strategy and purpose of the student intake. NB This is separate from the Abstract required for each individual student on the Je-S Student data Portal

13. Lay Abstract A lay summary of the science areas covered by the students. 14. Student Contact details - This may be the same as Training Grant Holder or may be an

administrator at the unit who registers students etc

Thanks



ANNEX 4 Guidance on How to Reconcilliation of Centre Grants with Students that complete after the end date of the grant

1. Scope

If a student linked to a Centre Grant would complete their studentship after the end date of the grant (except in the case of early termination), the MRC agrees to waive the requirement of RCUK Terms and Condition GC3 which states that Funds cannot be used to meet the cost of an activity that fall beyond the actual end date of a grant for the Studentship element of the Centre Grant ONLY providing they comply with the principles set out below.

2. Objectives

2.1 To ensure that if the MRC closes a Centre, any students who are partway through their studentships are supported for the full duration of their studentships. 2.2 To ensure Centre Grants are dealt with in a consistent way at reconciliation 2.3 To remove the requirement to extend grants to accommodate the end date of the students who are funded beyond the end date of the Centre Grant 2.4 To remove the requirement for the University to return funds for students who are in the middle of their studentship when the Centre Grant is reconciled

3. Principles

3.1 This guidance applies when Research Organisations hold Centre Grants which have studentships whose completion date fall after the end date of the grant.

3.2 All the students must have accepted their offer, been registered with the host Research Organisation and have received their first stipend payment prior to the end date of the grant.

3.3 If the Research Organisation has not managed to fill its full complement of students [a studentship will be deemed to have been filled once a student meets the three criteria specified in 3.2 above] by the end date of the grant then any uncommitted funds for any vacant studentship will need to be repaid to MRC when the grant is reconciled, in the normal way.

3.4 If a student terminates their studentship (for any reason) after the end date of the grant then the Research Organisation must use any remaining studentship funds to supplement existing MRC funded students or to at least 50% part fund another student (who will then be classed as a MRC student).

3.5 Any students in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance (or other student supplement) can continue to claim in the normal way RCUK DSA Guidance.

3.6 The Research Organisation will need to fund any requests for Maternity/Paternity allowances etc from within the remaining funds or existing MRC Doctoral Training Grants.

http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/ResearchCareers/Pages/dsa.aspx


4. Procedure 4.1 When the Centre has reached the end of its grant (including any renewals or extensions),

the Final Expenditure Statement of the grant will need to show that all money committed for studentships (as laid out in the principles above) has been spent for this purpose alone.

4.2 If a Centre Grant is terminated before its agreed end date, the grant will be reconciled at

the date of termination and will only include any expenditure incurred up until that point. On termination of the centre, the students will revert to the Research Organisation that hosts the centre and the remaining studentship funds will be added as a supplement to the existing Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) for the host Research Organisation. If the Research Organisation does not have a current DTG, a new DTG will be created.

The value of the supplement/new DTG will be equivalent to the cost of a standard MRC studentship (stipend, Fees, Research Training Support Grant and Travel & Subsistence) based on the submission date being 3.5 years after the start date of the student, minus the length of studentship already completed under the Centre Grant. For example if a student had already completed 2 years of a studentship under a Centre Grant which was terminated, then a supplement/new DTG would be added at the equivalent value of a MRC studentship for 1.5 years.

Documents

MRC postgraduate handbook