Support

Find out about what support Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research (CMI) can offer.

CMI Safe Space

CMI Safe Space for PGRs and ECRs

CMI Safe Space is a supportive initiative for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) and Early Career Researchers (ECRs), providing a dedicated forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with academic and research careers.

Facilitated by senior colleagues, the programme offers a confidential and collegial environment in which participants can seek guidance, share experiences, and build professional networks across the CMI community.

Sessions will address key aspects of academic life, including:

  • Academic writing and publishing
  • Research grant development and funding applications
  • Research project management
  • Building and leading research teams
  • Career development and progression within academia
  • Navigating the wider research and higher education landscape

The initiative aims to strengthen connections among emerging researchers, foster a culture of mutual support, and develop the next generation of research leaders within the CMI ecosystem. Informal peer-support groups will also be encouraged, creating opportunities for participants to collaborate, share expertise, and support one another in areas such as publishing, grant preparation, project delivery, and professional development.

The sessions will begin in December. Dates and times to follow.

CMI Rapid

The Cathie Marsh Institute has funding available for targeted activities that support grant generation. Members are eligible to apply for this funding to support with the costs of small scale activities that build collaborative networks.

Examples of activities the fund can support are: covering travel costs for visiting speakers, catering for small events, paid room booking within campus.

To apply, please complete this form.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and a member of the team will be in touch within a month of your application to inform you if you have been successful.

If you have any questions please email soss-research-operations@manchester.ac.uk.

We look forward to seeing your applications!