Conference & Training Funding Scheme

We are excited to announce a new funding initiative to recognise and support Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) engaged with the UK RAS STEPS community. All UK-based RTPs working in robotics or autonomous systems are eligible to apply.

This funding can be used for conference attendance, training fees, professional body membership fees or networking opportunities over the next year, with the aim of enhancing the skills and knowledge of RTPs. All awards will be made on a first come first served basis until the funding pot is exhausted. 

Funding is available to cover or contribute towards: 

• Conference registration fees 

• Training course fees (technical and non-technical, including transferable skills) 

• Networking opportunities and local engagement (e.g., away days, sandpits, internal conferences) 

• Career development opportunities 

• Professional Body Application/Membership fees 

• Travel, accommodation and subsistence (in accordance with the UK RAS STEPS Expenses and Funding Reimbursement Policy)

• Other costs as agreed with the Programme Manager.

Applicants must: 

• Be an RTP on a permanent or fixed-term contract, from a UK university or institution.

• In the form, applicants must provide a brief description of how this opportunity will enhance their skills, knowledge, and/or experience (individual or collective), detail expected outcomes and outputs, cost estimates and value for money.  

• Applications will be reviewed by the UK RAS STEPS Programme Manager

• Payments will be made in the form of reimbursement of expenses after the event. The following documents will be required as part of your claim: 

• • Receipts  

• • Evidence of attendance (e.g., certificate of attendance or email confirmation)  

• • A brief report on the course or event attended. This may be used as a blog post on the UK RAS STEPS website.
• Spend the funds before the end of September 2026. 

For any queries or difficulties with your submission, please contact info@ukras-steps.org. 

• A maximum of £1,000 is available per RTP.

• All costs must be supported by receipts.

• All travel subsistence and accommodation costs supported will be in accordance with the University of Leeds Expenses Policy.
• All expenses must be submitted within one month of the activity.

• All activities must be booked and paid for by end of September 2026.

• Retrospective applications will not be accepted.