We believe that researchers must be supported throughout their careers to fulfil their potential. Our SUSTAIN programme is part of our work to make the UK the best place in the world to have a career in medical sciences.
Summary
Our SUSTAIN programme is a one-year programme that supports women to develop their research career. It offers interactive skills training and career development sessions, tailored mentoring and networking with research leaders.
What we offer
Interactive career development workshops
We tailor workshops to support you through the challenges of combining research, teaching, clinical practice and caring and other responsibilities where relevant.
Peer support work
You are part of a small cohort and matched in co-coaching trios. This enables ongoing peer support and safe discussion, and helps embed key learning points.
One-to-one mentoring
You can choose to be paired with a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences or the Royal Society, and/or a previous participant of the SUSTAIN programme. Mentees and mentors receive tailored and ongoing support.
Leadership shadowing
You have the opportunity to learn leadership strategies from people at the top of their careers who have overcome challenges and achieved success. You are matched with a leader in academia, industry, government, or a third sector organisation, to gain insight into their day-to-day work and leadership.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a woman scientist or engineer and hold one of the following active grants or fellowships:
Academy of Medical Sciences
- Springboard grant
- Starter grant for clinical lecturers
Royal Academy of Engineering
- Research Fellow
- Engineering for Development Research Fellows
Royal Society
- Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
- Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
- University Research Fellowship
- Career Development Fellowship
You must be available to participate in the online career development workshops. Arrangements for the in-person media training workshop will take your availability into account.
Duration
One year
When to apply
March – April; July – September
Key dates
Online application: March – April; July – September
Outcome notification: April; September
In-person launch and online mentor workshop: June; November
In-person media training workshop: October; March
Online career development workshop: February; June
In-person career development workshop and closing event: May; October
How to apply
Application information is available on the Royal Society SUSTAIN webpage when applications are open. If you have questions about the application process, please contact [email protected].
Selection process
Places are allocated from the pool of applicants by a random generator overseen by staff at the Royal Society.
Supporters
Academy of Medical Sciences
The Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Society
What alumnae say
Professor Charlotte-Eve Short, SUSTAIN participant and Clinical Associate Professor in GU/HIV Medicine, Imperial College London
You can’t underestimate the impact the Academy has had on researchers like me, who may not have had the most straightforward career. SUSTAIN is enabling very talented people, who may have given up, to continue their research.
Professor Charlotte-Eve Short
Dr Soma Meran, SUSTAIN participant and Head of the Wales Kidney Research Unit Laboratories in Cardiff. Clinical Reader, School of Medicine, Cardiff University and Honorary Consultant in Nephrology at Cardiff and Vale Health Board and Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
Researchers need support and networks and for me that’s what the Academy provides. Of all the leadership programmes I’ve been through, SUSTAIN was undoubtedly the best. I’m so grateful to those who make it possible, and I hope it will continue for generations to come.
Dr Soma Meran
Further information
For further information about the SUSTAIN scheme, please contact [email protected].