Currently we do not expect to make a call for proposals until at least Spring 2011.
However when we do make a call, BUFI will look most favourably at those proposals that offer the most exciting science, clear indications of excellent BGS–university collaboration, a fit to our science strategy and cost effectiveness — and BGS expects to be involved in the science.
We like to see a clear indication that the student will spend at least six-weeks doing their research at BGS. This can be in our laboratories or undertaking fieldwork with their BGS supervisor. We are also dedicated to excellence in supervision and a well-thought out and logical programme of research is key indicator of this commitment.
BUFI is seeking to maximise peer review publications resulting from our collaboration and here proposals with a clearly marked publication pathway are viewed very positively. For more information see Funding routes and publishing.
Benefits of BUFI to students
We concentrate most of our funding towards PhD-level researchers. Our BUFI funded students have access to the broad range of BGS facilities including in-house training.
The BGS keeps a wide range of geological information at the NGDC and maintain state-of-the art laboratories and IT infrastructure; our facilities include a wide range of isotopic and elemental analytical techniques at the NIGL.
We are world leaders in digital geological mapping (SIGMA) and have a 3D visualisation and immersion suite that can be used to create and interrogate a range of 3D geology Earth models.
Our students have the opportunity to undertake their research in an environment that is focused towards the business end of earth science . Our Keyworth, Edinburgh and Wallingford sites are the largest resources of professional earth scientists in the UK.
In addition, we sponsor and encourage our students to attend international conferences and training workshops. BUFI students were represented at Goldschmidt 2006, Melbourne and attended industry standard short courses in mineral exploration techniques. At least once a year, we sponsor a networking workshop where all BUFI students can meet each other — last year’s workshop was at Milos Island, Greece.
Like universities, we are extremely interested in the publication and promotion of our science. In the past we have offered prizes of up to £500 to BUFI sponsored students for early submission of their research to international scientific journals.
Contact Dr Jon Naden for further information
British Geological Survey
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG
