Caring Support Fund
At C-DICE, we understand that caring responsibilities – whether for children, elderly relatives, or others – can sometimes make it difficult for postdoctoral researchers to attend events and fully engage in our activities. That’s why we’ve introduced the Caring Support Fund: a practical way to support you in balancing your research ambitions with your caring commitments.
This fund is designed to help cover the costs of care that you would normally provide, so you can participate in C-DICE events without added stress or financial burden.
Whether you’re arranging extra help at home or need someone to accompany you to provide care while you attend, the Caring Support Fund is here to make it easier.
Examples of what the fund can cover include:
- Additional home help
- Nursing or specialist care
- Travel expenses for a companion caregiver
- Extended hours with a childminder or care worker
Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines
- Maximum grant is £500
- You must be a postdoctoral researcher and not academic members of staff
- You must be attending a C-DICE event either virtually or face-to-face
- Applications are limited to three per person per year and only one award per activity
Postdoctoral researchers can apply for a C-DICE Caring Support Grant when a C-DICE activity:
- Occurs on what would not normally be a working day
- Involves hours longer than a normal day
- Incurs an overnight stay
You need to be registered on Inkpath to apply for a grant. Sign up for the activity on Inkpath and you will receive the application form via email. Contact C-DICE if you require further information.
The form will require basic information, such as details about the activity you are attending and what additional caring support you require. Payments will be made via an expenses claim to Loughborough University after the activity has taken place, so please retain any receipts. The claim form will be available to you once your application is approved.
Find guidance on registering for Inkpath here.