A transnational mobility scheme to improve Scotland's research profile
Backed by the EU's Marie Curie COFUND programme, the project RSE IRAS(opens in new window) (Royal Society of Edinburgh international research awards scheme) has attracted researchers to Scotland and developed personnel through networking and international collaboration. The transnational mobility scheme also provided training. A total of 20 appointments (70 % acceptance rate) were made across 4 calls issued between 2009 and 2013; six, however, did not make use of their appointments. Based at universities in Scotland, the remaining 14 fellows travelled to Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands and the United States. The scheme was thus able to meet its objectives of fostering international collaborations and networks, enabling short visits abroad and assisting plans for longer visits. Interaction with fellow scientists abroad helped the fellows gain knowledge and expertise. It also supported complementary skills training, with fellows using funds for courses related to, among other topics, first aid for fieldwork, language courses and communication skills for researchers. Beyond travel, the five-year fellowships also covered equipment and consumables. However, some fellows were not able to travel as much as anticipated due to various commitments, meaning that not all financial resources afforded by the COFUND were utilised. Four of the five fellows who completed their fellowships in September 2014 secured permanent lectureship positions at their respective institutions. RSE IRAS efforts and outcomes have led to extensive funding support for research fellows, improving personal development activities and career opportunities. The work thus also contributed to an improved research profile for Scotland through the transfer of knowledge, skills and techniques to its universities.