The Enrichment scheme offers students currently enrolled on a doctoral programme within the ESRC DTP network the opportunity to join us for up to 12 months at the ESRC Institute for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Students continue their PhD in conjunction with their current supervisor, while enriching their research and making new collaborations during their time at the Institute.

The aim of the scheme is to enhance the work of doctoral students by providing collaboration and learning opportunities, and to enhance our research community and networks with the inclusion of outstanding students from across the UK. It is our goal to build capacity in the social sciences in the UK more widely, and support and promote research that has a positive impact on society.

The Enrichment scheme offers placements of up to 12 months at the Institute for Fiscal Studies in London to students undertaking a PhD.

The scheme has been designed to give students the opportunity to enhance, refresh, and broaden their research by accessing the opportunities available at IFS. The placement should support and enhance the current work towards the PhD thesis and be supported by the student’s supervisor. Students will usually join us in their second or third years to further the work they are undertaking for their research project. There is no ‘typical’ Enrichment student and we welcome students from a broad range of disciplines.

Award

The award is based on the student spending five days a week at IFS. A contribution to relocation or other expenses may be available for students that require additional support. 

Students will receive a stipend at UKRI level, and fees will be paid to the university.

Annual leave, sickness and other allowances will be handled in accordance with the ESRC rules.

Students will be expected to abide by IFS policies: for example, regarding data access and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility criteria

Students must meet all the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the scheme.

• Students must be registered on a doctoral programme within the ESRC DTP network, and have the support of their university to study away for the duration of the placement. The relevant department at the university should sign this form, to be submitted with the application.

• Students must be in the “active research phase” which is defined as their second or third year of research (not including training years) and complete their placement at least 3 months before their submission date.

• The student’s supervisor (or equivalent) must support their application and be willing to continue supervising them while they are at IFS.

• Students must hold a valid Right to Study in the UK.

• Students must satisfactorily pass the Institute’s security screening process which includes a basic Disclosure check.

Application process

Applications open: autumn 2022

Application deadline: 22 January 2023

Interviews: week commencing 20 February 2023

Outcomes communicated: 6 March 2023

Enrichment placements begin: Autumn 2023 onwards

How to apply

Candidates should read the details and discuss the scheme with their supervisor and university department to gain their approval to participate. We recommend sharing the guidance note for universities with your department; you should get confirmation from the relevant department, by asking them to sign this document. Please attached it to the pdf of your CV that you upload as part of your application.

Candidates apply directly to IFS, including the following documents.

• A statement, of no more than 250 words, setting out why you are interested in applying to IFS and what you hope to get out of your time here; please refer to the assessment criteria outlined above. Please also let us know if there are any individual circumstances you would like us to take into account, such as a disability.

• An outline of your research in no more than 250 words.

• An indication of whether you are looking for a 6- or 12-month placement (placements would be expected to start in Autumn 2023, but this can be discussed to agree a suitable time).

• Copy of your CV. Please attach to the pdf a copy of your award letter if in receipt of a funded studentship and the signed document confirming that your department agrees to the terms of the scheme.

• Your supervisors’ details and the details of another referee (who will be invited to submit a reference).

The deadline for applications will be in 22 January 2023.