URSS: Information for staff

Source: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/staff_info/ Parent: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/

Two-stage selection process

URSS 2026 applications will be selected by a two-stage partial randomisation selection process.

The process offers a fair and transparent process which will help achieve a fairer distribution of URSS funds across all departments whilst maintaining the integrity of the URSS.

There will be an initial vetting process to ensure that all applicants have the support from their supervisor and meet a basic threshold of quality and merit. Those that meet the threshold will be chosen through a randomisation process.

Benefits of a randomisation approach

• Avoids a counter bias – reduces biases that might influence the decision-making process;
• Encourages diverse research – support for innovative project that might not score as highly in a merit-based system;
• Inclusivity – this system can ensure that underrepresented groups have a fair chance of receiving a bursary

Information for supervisors:

As a URSS supervisor you will be required to provide academic supervision for the student’s project, as well as advice on developing the project proposal for the application.

As part of the two-stage approach you will need to complete the supervisor's support formLink opens in a new window for each applicant you are supervising, confirming that you fully support the project and would like it to progress to stage two of the selection process.

WIE guidance to help students identify the Public Engagement element of their projectLink opens in a new window

Previous project examplesLink opens in a new window

URSS Supervisor Terms and Conditions

Key dates for supervisors:

• URSS 2025 Showcase: Wednesday 12 November 2025, 12-4pm

• URSS 2026 applications open: Monday 6 October 2025

• URSS 2026 student application deadline: Friday 6 February 2026
• URSS 2026 application deadline (for supervisors to complete their section): Friday 20 February 2026
• URSS 2026 Consultation Board: March 2026 (date tbc)
• URSS 2026 application outcome communicated: March 2026
• URSS 2026 bursary transferred: End of April 2026

Contacts

URSS

For any questions about the URSS, please contact .

Public Engagement Elements of Projects

For any questions about public engagement elements of URSS projects, please contact