1. Returning Carers

Returning Academic Carers

Code: QA151

Title: Research Grant for Returning Academic Carers

Approval Date: 26 September 2016. Revised and extended Dec 2023

1.0 Purpose

The University wishes to support members of Academic staff returning from an extended period of leave (18 consecutive weeks or more) connected with caring – such as maternity leave, adoptive leave, paternity leave or leave to care for a dependent to re-establish or maintain their independent research careers. This grant was established as a result of University of Galway’s Athena Swan activity. It is intended that this grant will provide support to minimise the impact of an extended leave period on research activities.

2.0 Description

The Research Grant for Returning Academic Carers is valued at a maximum of €10,000 to be drawn down on immediate return from leave and is available to women returning from maternity / adoptive leave, and to any research active academic returning from unpaid carer’s/parental leave from 1 September 2016. The grant will be allocated on the basis of a short proposal, supported by the Head of School. The proposal should state clearly how the grant will help the individual re-establish or maintain their independent research and should link the grant directly with specific, time-lined, measurable research outputs. Some of the proposed outputs may take longer to materialise than the duration of the grant. However, these outputs should be articulated and monitored in the Performance for Growth process with oversight from the Head of School. Within 6 months of obtaining the grant, the academic staff member must provide a written report to the Head of School and present at a relevant staff meeting / seminar series if applicable. Academic staff who have previously availed of the grant may make additional applications following another period of extended leave (18 consecutive weeks or more).

All applications must be submitted via this form. Applicants should also email  OVPEDI@universityofgalway.ie to notify the OVPEDI office and ensure applications are processed in a timely manner.

3.0 Responsibilities