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 PhD 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.
The scheme is open to:
- All fully enrolled doctoral researchers at the University of Westminster on full-time, part-time and distance learning programmes
- Applicants should not have been awarded their degree before the fieldwork takes place
- Self-funded students will be given first consideration in selecting the successful applications
Funding available
The fund will cover expenses up to £1000.
The fund is intended to offset additional costs incurred by students due to the need to conduct research outside of the University of Westminster.
The fund supports fieldwork or the purchase of research equipment that takes place between 1 August and 31 July in the current academic year.
Funding can be put towards
- Student travel costs to carry our fieldwork necessary for the research
- Accommodation costs to carry our fieldwork 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
Applications to fund any of the following will not be considered
- Books
- Conference costs
- Meals and/or subsistence costs
- Tuitions fees
- Other equipment and/or services considered a normal student expense
- Sums more than the maximum £1000
When to apply
There are three calls for applications in 2023-24.
- Call 1: applications open 1 August 2023, deadline 27 October 2023
- Call 2: applications open 1 November 2023, deadline 26 January 2024
- Call 3: applications open 1 February 2024, deadline 3 May 2024
Applicants are responsible for ensuring Parts A and B are completed before submission to the School PhD Co-Ordinator, who will make the final submission to the Graduate School via [email protected]. This must be submitted by the call deadline. 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