In memory of the late Professor Geoffrey Petts, former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, the University has established a research fund to recognise the distinguished contributions he made to interdisciplinary river science research and his belief that all students, regardless of their financial situation, should have the opportunity to succeed.
The Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund offers two forms of financial support to doctoral researchers:
- Financial support to undertake fieldwork
- Financial support for the purchase of research equipment
The fund offers particular support for interdisciplinary research which addresses global challenges.
Funding available
The fund will cover expenses up to £1000.
The fieldwork fund is intended to offset additional costs incurred by doctoral researchers due to the need to conduct research outside of the University of Westminster. It is not meant to cover costs that would be accrued regardless of fieldwork status (e.g. books, conference costs, subsistence costs, tuition fees, other equipment and/or services considered a normal student expense).
Funding can be put towards
- Doctoral researcher travel costs necessary for the research
- Accommodation costs necessary for the research
- Incentive payments or token gifts to research participants
- Materials, supplies or other services essential to the research
- Costs for accessing datasets
Eligibility
The scheme is open to:
- All fully enrolled doctoral researchers, full-time/part-time and distance learning (i.e. at the time of application and undertaking the fieldwork, applicants should be fully enrolled),
- Applicants should not have been awarded their degree before the fieldwork takes place.
- Fieldwork that takes place between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.
- Self-funded doctoral researchers will be given first consideration in selecting the successful applications.
- Retrospective applications are not permitted (retrospective in this case means fieldwork done in the previous academic year or in a period coinciding with a previous call deadline)
Unfortunately researchers doing PhD by Published Work are not eligible for this scheme which is there to support fieldwork and research which has yet to be undertaken. The nature of a PhD by Published Work means that the research element is usually already done (and published).
Please note:
- An ethics application needs to have been begun for the proposed research/fieldwork
- Doctoral researchers must also complete a risk assessment prior to going on fieldwork
- Doctoral researchers on visas must make sure to report their change in location to the University and ensure that they continue to engage with their supervisors (via video conferencing, telephone and email) through the period of fieldwork
- Please note that the University is unable to offer advice to doctoral researchers on obtaining visas for other countries. Doctoral researchers are directly and solely responsible securing the necessary documentation themselves
When to apply
There are four calls for applications in 2025-26.
- Call 1: applications open 1 August 2025, deadline 27 October 2025 at 5pm, outcome by 10 November 2025.
- Call 2: applications open 1 November 2025, deadline 26 January 2026 at 5pm, outcome by 9 February 2026.
- Call 3: applications open 1 February 2026, deadline 27 April 2026 at 5pm, outcome by 11 May 2026.
- Call 4: applications open 1 May 2026, deadline 22 June 2026 at 5pm, outcome by 6 July 2026.
Please note:
- All applications will be reviewed following the deadline for submissions and applicants notified of the outcome as per the timetable above
- Late submissions will not be considered
- Successful applicants will be required to submit a multi-media report detailing how the experience has benefited their research and personal development. This report must be submitted within one month of their return from fieldwork
- This should be sent to their PhD Coordinator and the Graduate School. The Graduate School may then upload these reports onto the Graduate School website for promotional purposes
Completing the application
Applicants must complete an application form and submit information that demonstrates:
- The key aims and objectives of the funding request; justification for how this enhances doctoral research and leads to timely completion
- Supporting statement from Director of Studies/supervisory team that (1) the proposed fieldwork falls within the remit of the doctoral research and (2) student progression is on track for timely completion (3) that an ethics application for the proposed fieldwork is in progress/has been approved
- Confirmation of no outstanding APRs (i.e. student has met own APR deadline; no outstanding remedial action)
- Indicative budget and itemised list of anticipated costs, including travel, accommodation and equipment
Please note:
- Accommodation costs should not exceed a maximum of £100 per night.
- Travel options should consider environmental sustainability and be in keeping with University’s sustainability goals. For example, for travel within the UK, train travel should be considered before flying.
- Meals and/or subsistence are not eligible costs and should not be included in the indicative budget
Please ensure your application is submitted by the deadline to be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring Parts A and B are completed before submission to the School PhD Co-Ordinator.
Late applications will not be considered. Applicants will receive confirmation from the Graduate School when the application has been received and validated.
Further guidance
How to make a strong application
If you have a question about the Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund that is not covered on this page, please email [email protected]
Projects funded by the scheme