To enable researchers to devote time to research that directly impacts on Understanding Society, we run a Fellowship Programme. Fellowships allow researchers to take time out to focus on projects based on Understanding Society data or methodological challenges. The Fellowship programme provides funding for a 12-month full- or part-time project, with additional resources for follow-on dissemination and impact generating activities. Fellows can be based anywhere in the world. Practical support is available from the Study team to advise on data and analysis plans, communication and impact strategies
Applications from experienced researchers and early career researchers are welcomed. The value of the Fellowship is up to £70,000 for staff and dissemination related-costs.
Call for Fellowship applications 2021
Specifically in this round of funding, we are seeking applications on two themes:
Event histories
Understanding Society collects data on key events in people’s lives annually in the questionnaire on topics such as employment, partnership, health, fertility, residential moves, political allegiances. For some key topics complete histories of data are collected retrospectively as well. This means researchers can build a picture of the full histories of different domains of people’s lives, enabling them to examine trajectories and how they interact over the life course, as well as factors that cause turning points or interrupt them. Information on some of the event history datafiles already created is being showcased at an event on 29th September. We would welcome Fellowship applications based on the Study’s event history data to address important social and economic questions about long and short run changes in people’s lives. This research should be based on new event history data that you construct from the existing data files for the project.
Mixed mode measurement
Since Wave 5 in the Innovation Panel and Wave 7 on the main survey, we have collected data via sequential mixed mode (face-to-face, web and telephone). This provides participants with choices about how to complete the survey, reduces costs, and in 2020 when the pandemic hit, allowed us to continue collecting data seamlessly without face-to-face interviews. Research has been carried out on the measurement issues associated with mixed mode data collection, which we have used in the survey design to minimise mode effects. The research that has already been done with the Study on mixed mode data collection can be found here. However, we feel there is much more that we, and our data users, need to know about the effects of mode of response on measures of change and stability in key domains across the Study and between different sub-groups within the Study. Until the pandemic, both the innovation panel and main survey have included a random sample issued face-to-face since mixed mode data collection was introduced, creating significant opportunities for investigating these issues in a range of ways. In addition, the mid-wave changes in mode in 2020, with the suspension of face-to-face interviewing affecting Waves 11,12 and 13, create unique opportunities to further explore these effects. By the end of this year Wave 11 and year 1 of Wave 12 (within the 2020 data release) will be available as well as IP13 which was conducted in 2020. We would welcome Fellowship applications that create new insights on mixed mode measurement issues and provide advice to Understanding Society users on how to manage these in their analyses.
How do I apply?
People wishing to be considered for a Fellowship under this call should apply using the application form by 5pm on 25 October 2021. You are strongly advised to discuss your ideas with a member of the Understanding Society team in advance of submitting your application. Please contact Victoria Nolan vlnolan@essex.ac.uk in the first instance who will put you in touch with the appropriate person to discuss your ideas with you.
Please feel free to seek guidance on the scientific direction of your proposal, data issues, communication and impact plans as well as practical queries. A signed statement of support from your Head of Department must be included with your application.
You can read the full call for Fellowship applications here. Apply for a Fellowship using this application form.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of their scientific merit and potential to enhance the usefulness of the Study as a research resource and/or generate policy impact. Any researcher based in a higher education institution is eligible to apply (except the University of Essex), but people can only have an Understanding Society Fellowship once, so previously successful applicants should not apply. We welcome applications from researchers at any career stage. Please note these Fellowships are not open to Masters or PhD students.
Closing date for applications: 5.00 p.m. 25 October 2021. If you have any questions about applying for a Fellowship, please contact us.
