Research Development Fellowships offer £130,000 for practitioner research

The Institute for Learning (IfL) and the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) have launched Research Development Fellowships, a bursary scheme to fund practitioner-led research projects during the 2009-10 financial year. The scheme will fund research that can be translated into practical messages to help teachers develop as professionals and ensure that every learner has an excellent learning experience. Operating in tandem with the IfL Hewett/Driver fund, the scheme will boost the number of opportunities available for IfL members to engage with action research in the further education and skills sector.

IfL's chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, "We are committed to supporting our members with their continuing professional development, and are very pleased to be working with LSIS to support practitioner-led innovation, professional development and self-improvement. The Research Development Fellowships scheme will help build capacity for action research, which is important in helping raise the status and professionalism of teachers and others working in the sector. It offers teachers and trainers an excellent opportunity for personal development and to make a significant impact on their institutions and local communities.

"We are looking for projects that examine ways in which the sector can respond to the economic downturn and prepare for recovery, but welcome other topics too. We are keen to fund projects that can produce learning for the whole sector, support improvement in learning and skills and make a positive difference for learners."

Details about Research Development Fellowships and how to apply are available on the LSIS Excellence Gateway (opens in new window).