Petts Memorial Fund
In memory of the late Professor Geoffrey Petts, former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, the University has established a research fund to recognise the distinguished contributions he made to interdisciplinary river science research and his belief that all students, regardless of their financial situation, should have the opportunity to succeed.
The Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund offers two forms of financial support to University of Westminster doctoral researchers:
- Financial support to undertake fieldwork
- Financial support for the purchase of research equipment
The fund offers particular support for interdisciplinary research which addresses global challenges.
Funding Available
The Fund will cover expenses up to £1000. The fieldwork fund is intended to offset additional costs incurred by doctoral researchers due to the need to conduct research outside of the University of Westminster. It is not meant to cover costs that would be accrued regardless of fieldwork status (e.g. books, conference costs, subsistence costs, tuition fees, other equipment and/or services considered a normal doctoral researcher expense).
Funding can be put towards:
- Doctoral researcher travel costs necessary for the research
- Accommodation costs necessary for the research
- Incentive payments or token gifts to research participants
- Materials, supplies or other services essential to the research
- Costs for accessing datasets
Eligibility
The scheme is open to:
- All fully enrolled doctoral researchers, full-time/part-time and distance learning (i.e. at the time of application and undertaking the fieldwork, applicants should be fully enrolled),
- Applicants should not have been awarded their degree before the fieldwork takes place.
- Fieldwork that takes place between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.
- Self-funded doctoral researchers will be given first consideration in selecting the successful applications.
- Retrospective applications are not permitted (retrospective in this case means fieldwork done in the previous academic year or in a period coinciding with a previous call deadline).
Unfortunately, researchers doing PhD by Published Work are not eligible for this scheme which is there to support fieldwork and research which has yet to be undertaken, whereas the nature of a PhD by Published work means that the research element is usually already done (and published).
Please note:
- An ethics application needs to have been begun for the proposed research/fieldwork.
- Doctoral researchers must also complete a risk assessment prior to going on fieldwork.
- Doctoral researchers on visas must make sure to report their change in location to the University and ensure that they continue to engage with their supervisors (via video conferencing, telephone and email) through the period of fieldwork.
- The University is unable to offer advice to students on obtaining visas for other countries. Doctoral researchers are directly and solely responsible securing the necessary documentation themselves.
When to Apply
There are four calls for applications in the academic year 2025-2026:
CALL 1 – AUGUST 2025
- Call opens: 01 August 2025
- Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm, 27 October 2025
- Outcome by: 10 November 2025
CALL 2 – NOVEMBER 2025
- Call opens: 01 November 2025
- Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm, 26 January 2026
- Outcome by: 09 February 2026
CALL 3 – FEBRUARY 2026
- Call opens: 01 February 2026
- Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm, 27 April 2026
- Outcome by: 11 May 2026
CALL 4 – MAY 2026
- Call opens: 01 May 2026
- Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm, 22 June 2026
- Outcome by: 06 July 2026
Please note:
- All applications will be reviewed following the deadline for submissions and applicants notified of the outcome as per the timetable above
- Late submissions will not be considered.
- Successful applicants will be required to submit a multi-media report detailing how the experience has benefited their research and personal development. This report must be submitted within one month of their return from fieldwork. This should be sent to their Doctoral Coordinator and the Graduate School. The Graduate School may then upload these reports onto the Graduate School website for promotional purposes.
Completing the Application
Applicants must complete an application form and submit information that demonstrates:
- The key aims and objectives of the funding request; justification for how this enhances doctoral research and leads to timely completion
- Supporting statement from Director of Studies/supervisory team that (1) the proposed fieldwork falls within the remit of the doctoral research and (2) Doctoral researcher progression is on track for timely completion (3) that an ethics application for the proposed fieldwork is in progress/has been approved
- Confirmation of no outstanding APRs (i.e. doctoral researcher has met own APR deadline; no outstanding remedial action)
- Indicative budget and itemised list of anticipated costs, including travel, accommodation and equipment.
- Evidence that an ethics application for the proposed fieldwork is in progress (if applicable)
Please note:
- Accommodation costs should not exceed a maximum of £100 per night.
- Travel options should consider environmental sustainability and be in keeping with University’s sustainability goals. For example, for travel within the UK, train travel should be considered before flying.
- Meals and/or subsistence are not eligible costs and should not be included in the indicative budget.
- Wages or salary are not eligible costs and should not be included in the indicative budget.
- Where the itemised list of anticipated costs exceeds £1000, the researcher should indicate which parts will be self-funded.
Application Form:
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring Parts A and B of the application are completed before submission to the School PhD Co-Ordinator.
- Late applications will not be considered. Applicants will receive confirmation from the Graduate School when the application has been received and validated.
Further guidance
Watch this short video on how to make a strong application
Read the Complete Guidelines at the link below:
If you have a question about the fund that is not covered on this page, please email graduateschool@westminster.ac.uk