Secondment Scheme

The QEPNT Hub is offering support for secondments to give the opportunity to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

This programme offers opportunities for:

  • PhD Students,
  • Early Career Researchers
  • Research Technical Professionals, and
  • Staff at QEPNT external partner organisations

to spend a period seconded either outside of the Hub (for PhDs, ECRs, and RTPs) or seconded into the Hub (for external staff). Successful candidates would be expected to undertake a secondment for a period of up to three months full-time, or up to six months part-time. Eligible costs include salary, travel, accommodation, research consumables and subsistence. The maximum award as part of the scheme is £40,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

We can offer funding for researchers, PhD students, and technical staff working within the NQTP hubs, whose work is aligned to the goals of QEPNT. 

Application Process

  • Please complete the  and return it to info@qepnt.ac.uk. Provide as many details as possible including proposed activities, and a full breakdown of costs (including salary costs, expected accommodation, travel, and subsistence costs), as well as intended outcomes. The deadline for the first round of applications is 5pm on Friday 27 February 2026.
  • Both the university (Head of School and Line Manager) and external organisation involved are required to provide a letter of support (with match funding commitment outlined if applicable).
  • Deadlines for applications will be six-monthly, until all funding has been awarded. Calls will be publicised across the NQTP programme.
  • Submissions will be considered by a panel of reviewers comprised of members of the QEPNT Hub Management Team, ECR committee, and independent advisory board.
  • We will accept applications from any PhD Student, Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA), or Research Technical Professional (RTP) based at any QEPNT member institution working in a relevant discipline.
  • Applications are also welcome from staff members at UK-based companies or policy-based organisations.
  • External organisations for secondments or secondees must be based in the UK.
  • External applicants (i.e. those from UK Industry or policy organisations) must be placed within the research group of a QEPNT Co-Investigator.
  • Priority will be given to applications which have co-funding (either from host university of external, either in-kind or cash).
  • You should expect to receive a response to your request within one month of application.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The QEPNT Hub is committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and our funding programmes are designed to align with our EDI Strategy.  We therefore aim to provide funding as flexibly as possible, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to professional development opportunities; especially for under-represented groups and individuals with caring responsibilities.

 

Apply Now

 Secondment Scheme Application Form

Secondment Scheme Guidance

Funding Conditions and Payment Terms

  • QEPNT will pay to the recipient 80% of the full economic costs directly incurred by the recipient.
  • Total funding request cannot exceed £40,000 (this does not include match funding from partners), at 80% FEC.
  • Funding will be paid directly to the home institution as a grant. We are unable to pay any costs (including personal expenses) to a personal bank account.
  • Standard IT equipment (e.g. laptops and PCs) cannot be included in the funding request.
  • The funding must be used only for the purposes of the activity outlined in the application form and must be spent in accordance with the project budget set out therein.
  • The fellowship should last up to three months full-time, or six months part-time.
  • A letter of support must be provided by the external partner and Head of School, alongside the application form.
  • The award is deemed to be inclusive of VAT and represents the maximum amount payable by QEPNT to the recipient.
  • The award must be spent in accordance with EPSRC grant award Terms and Conditions https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UKRI-28032025-UKRI_fEC-Grant-Terms-And-Conditions-April-2025.pdf.
  • Upon completion of the secondment, a short report should be submitted to QEPNT, containing:
    • An outline of what was completed during the secondment
    • Benefits to QEPNT Hub, as well as the wider National Quantum Technology Programme
    • Proposed future work and collaboration between the organisations
    • IP developed (if applicable).