SPIE Global Early Career Researchers Programme

SPIE Global Early Career Researchers Programme

The University of Glasgow is a world-leading centre in the field of quantum photonics. Our aim is to develop the careers of a diverse pool of early career researchers who will drive the future of this industry. 

With the generous support of SPIE, the University of Glasgow has established the SPIE Global Early Career Researchers Programme. This initiative will support Early Career Researchers (ECR) and Post-Graduate Students working in quantum photonics to develop their careers through two-way exchanges.   

The fund is now open for applications. The deadline for submission is  30 June 2026. The start date of the exchange will be 1 October 2026.

APPLY NOW: SPIE Global Researchers Programme Application Form

To be eligible to apply, you should: 

  • be a post-graduate student (PhD, MRes, MPhil, MSc by Research or similar) currently enrolled at the University of Glasgow and/or an early career researcher (ECR) currently employed at the University of Glasgow. The definition of ECR include those with 2-7 years of experience since completion of their first PhD or equivalent doctoral degree. 
  • Apply together with another researcher (post-graduate student or ECR as per eligibility criteria above) based anywhere outside the UK, in academia or industry. 
  • Propose an exchange in the field of quantum photonics that will encompass travel of both researchers to each other’s laboratories over a total period of 6-months. The exchange can focus on any aspect of quantum photonics in an academic or industrial research setting. 

For more information, please contact Dr Bharat Pokhrel (bharat.pokhrel@glasgow.ac.uk ).  

Apply Now

SPIE Global Researchers Programme Application Form

Guide for applicants

Applicant Eligibility 

To be eligible to apply you should: 

  • be a post-graduate student (PhD, MRes, MPhil, MSc by Research or similar) currently enrolled at the University of Glasgow and/or an early career researcher (ECR) currently employed at the University of Glasgow. The definition of ECR include those with 2-7 years of experience since completion of their first PhD or equivalent doctoral degree1.  
  • Apply together with another researcher (post-graduate student or ECR as per eligibility criteria above) based anywhere outside the UK, in academia or industry.  
  • Propose an exchange in the field of quantum photonics2 that will encompass travel of both researchers to each other’s laboratories over a total period of 6-months. The exchange can focus on any aspect of quantum photonics in an academic or industrial research setting.  

Costs Covered by the Scheme 

Eligible costs under the scheme will be the travel and accommodation costs of the researchers to a maximum of £10,000 which will be split equally between the two participants unless agreed otherwise by both parties. This will include contribution towards: 

  • Accommodation 
  • Travel expenses 
  • Visa expenses 
  • Local travel during the exchange 

Not allowable expenses are: 

  • Conference attendance 
  • Tuition fees or routine living expenses  
  • ECRs returning to their home country for their exchange, unless clear evidence is provided to show that it would add significantly to their career.  
  • Research expenditure or equipment purchase 

The award will be valid for travel up to 1 year from the 1 October 2026, unless otherwise agreed. Placements that are already underway will not be eligible for funding. 

Terms of the Award 

  • Each awardee will be required to submit a report to the University within 1 month of the end of the exchange. Further guidance on writing the report will be made available to successful applicants.  
  • It is the responsibility of the applicants to manage their expenditure according to the allowance allocated. The award amount will not be increased to cover unexpected expenses incurred during the exchange.  

Evaluation Criteria 

Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria: 

  • Benefit to the applicant’s careers. 

In interpreting this criterion, the panel will score against: 

  • Additionality of the exchange to the career’s prospects, skills and experience of each participant. 
  • Opportunities to broaden the professional horizons of the participants. 
  • Enhancement of diversity of quantum photonics community 
  • We strongly encourage exchanges that support the careers of underrepresented groups; 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion 

An equality, diversity and inclusion assessment has been carried out for this scheme and it is available here.  

Timescales and Deadlines 

  • Applications open 16 March 2026 
  • Deadline for submission 30 June 2026 
  • Decision communicated to applicants July 2026 
  • Start date  1 October 2026 

The selection committee will comprise: Prof Miles Padgett, Prof Daniele Faccio, Dr Bharat Pokhrel and a representative of the ECR community. 

Applications will need to be submitted by the deadline by email to: bharat.pokhrel@glasgow.ac.uk. 

Data Protection 

University of Glasgow Data Protection Policy.