CoSeC introduced the Impact Ward in 2019 to recognise the outstanding research achievements by master’s and PhD students, as well as early career researchers who have benefited from support by CoSeC and its associated communities.
This award highlights the impact of CoSeC-supported research and raises awareness of its computational communities and their contributions to science, society, and the economy through advanced computational methods and software.
You can read more about previous winners and their work here:
2025 – David Lusher
2024 – Thomas Zillhardt
2023 – Iwan Mitchell
2022 – Claire Delplancke and Catherine Disney
2021 – Ryan Warr
2020 – Natalie Tatum
ELIGIBILITY
Open to master’s students, PhD students and early career researchers (in academia or industry) with up to five years post-doctoral experience.
CRITERIA
applicants must have received support from CoSeC or its associated communities. This may include:
- User support
- Used a CoSeC code
- Participation in training sessions or workshops organised by CoSeC
- One-on-one training from CoSeC staff
Applicants must be able to demonstrate how any of the above (or other CoSeC-related support) has benefited work.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the application form here.
Applicants should align with the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) definition of impact used in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), defined as:
“An effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life in the UK or internationally”
For example, impact may include:
- Advancing scientific knowledge across disciplines
- Contributing to new methods, theory applications or academic practice.
Applications should clearly describe the science behind the impact, not only the impact itself. The winner will be selected by an independent panel.
AWARD
The winner will be awarded the CoSeC Impact Fellowship (valued up to £3,000) and travel bursaries to attend the Annual CoSeC Conference and Community Forum
Along with the title “CoSeC Impact Award Winner” or “CoSeC Impact Fellow”, the winner can also choose one or more from the following options:
- The opportunity to spend time with CoSeC staff, either learning a specific skill or finding out more about the work of a CoSeC scientist.
- Be a guest at the Scientific Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and present a seminar of your work, virtually or in person at Daresbury laboratory or Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
- The opportunity to present your work at the CoSeC Community Forum, a meeting with the Chairs of all Collaborative Computational Projects (CCP) and High-End Consortia (HEC).
- Receive a laser-cut glass award engraved with the winner’s name and “CoSeC Impact Award Winner 2026”
The winner’s research will be made into a case study by our Research Community Manager and featured on the CoSeC website and in the 2026 Annual Review Report.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All applicants agree to any information they provide being used in publicity materials and to be available to provide a presentation on their impact at the CoSeC Annual Conference 2026.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Applications open: May 2026
- Application deadline: 17 July 2026
- Assessment period: 20 July – 14 August 2026
- Applicants informed of outcome: late August 2026
- Winner announced: early September 2026
For further information, please contact CoSeC@stfc.ac.uk