The Paul Instrument Fund (PIF) provides grants for the design and construction of apparatus to measure phenomena in the physical sciences. Applications should contain genuinely new ideas, techniques or highly novel applications of existing ideas and techniques. The design and construction of a novel instrument as a result of combining several concepts and/or commercially available parts is only acceptable if the result is greater and more innovative than the sum of the constituent parts.
The instrument should, as far as possible, be a standalone device and might be an outcome of a previous extensive research programme. The fund requested should not be to acquire or part fund an instrument or facility to support an existing or future programme of research in the sole applicant's and collaborators' laboratory. Instead, the proposer must demonstrate the applicability of the instrument to others in the scientific community.
The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Society wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximise innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise policies and processes to embed EDI principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per the assessment criteria.
Applicants can apply for up to £200,000 over 1-3 years.
Funds can cover:
Staff costs: Up to 30% of the total amount requested. This can include a buy-out of a proportion of the PI’s time, or costed time for collaborators, PDRAs or technicians to work on the project
Research expenses: Including consumables and small items of equipment. Please note purchase of new instrument(s) will not be covered with this grant
This scheme is for you if:
You hold a PhD
You are based at an eligible UK host institution
You have sufficient tenure in your post to cover the duration of the award
Your proposed instrument will measure phenomena in the physical sciences, including pure and applied physics, biophysics and medical physics
