Kent researchers announced as new Future Leaders Fellows

A calm see and blue skies

Three University researchers have been awarded Future Leaders Fellowships from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Kent is one of only nine institutions to secure three or more Future Leader Fellowship awards in this latest round.

Dr Connal Parsley (Kent Law School), Dr Sweta Rajan-Rankin (School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research), and Dr Daniel Ingram, soon to join the School of Anthropology and Conservation, are part of a cohort of 84 promising future leaders in research and innovation selected for UKRI Fellowships in round six of the £900m scheme. The Fellowships were created to provide researchers from diverse backgrounds and career paths with the flexibility and time they need to make progress in addressing some of society’s most pressing issues.

On their success, Professor Shane Weller, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) said: ‘I am absolutely delighted for Connal, Sweta and Daniel. The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme is highly competitive, and it is a testament to very high quality of their work that they have received these awards. Their success will enable them to make a very significant contribution in their respective fields.’

UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: ‘The Future Leaders Fellowships provide researchers and innovators with the freedom and generous long-term support to progress adventurous new ideas, and to move across disciplinary boundaries and between academia and industry.

‘The fellows announced today [16 June] provide shining examples of the talented researchers and innovators across every discipline attracted to pursue their ideas in universities and businesses throughout the UK, with the potential to deliver transformative research that can be felt across society and the economy.’

Building on the success of the £900 million invested in the first six rounds of the Future Leaders Fellowship scheme, UKRI has committed £100 million for a seventh round.

The scheme helps universities and businesses in the UK recruit, develop and retain the world’s best researchers and innovators, regardless of their background. Researchers can apply for substantial long-term funding to support their research or innovation and develop their careers, with each fellowship lasting for between four and seven years.

The projects will be an important part of the Government’s ambition to cement the UK’s status as a global leader in research and innovation.

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