Professor Geoffrey 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 PhD Researchers:

  1. Financial support to undertake fieldwork
  2. 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 students 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 student expense). 

Funding can be put towards

  • Student 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 2024 and 31 July 2025.
  • Self-funded students 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. 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
  • Students must also complete a risk assessment prior to going on fieldwork
  • Students 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
  • Please note that the University is unable to offer advice to students on obtaining visas for other countries. Students are directly and solely responsible securing the necessary documentation themselves

When to apply

There are four calls for applications in 2024-25.

  • Call 1: applications open 28 August 2024, deadline 28 October 2024, 5pm
  • Call 2: applications open 1 November 2024, deadline 27 January 2025, 5pm
  • Call 3: applications open 3 February 2025, deadline 1 May 2025, 5pm 
  • Call 4: applications open 2 May 2025, deadline 27 June 2025, 5pm 

Please note:

  • All applications will be reviewed following the deadline for submissions and applicants notified of the outcome as per the timetable below
  • 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) student 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. student has met own APR deadline; no outstanding remedial action)
  • Indicative budget and itemised list of anticipated costs, including travel, accommodation and equipment

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
  • Evidence that an ethics application for the proposed fieldwork is in progress (if applicable)

Application form

Applicants are responsible for ensuring Parts A and B 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

How to make a strong application

If you have a question about the Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund that is not covered on this page, please email

Projects funded by the scheme