CAKE is seeking up to five KE Fellows who will lead projects to improve knowledge exchange within specific DRI subcommunities. Supported by a £4,000 fellowship grant (at 80% FEC), each fellow will develop and deliver a 12-month project starting 1 January 2026.

Fellows will:

• Join a national network of KE practitioners.
• Receive mentoring from the CAKE leadership team.
• Attend regular workshops and meet-ups.
• Help shape the emerging DRI KE community.

Applicants should propose a clear, achievable project that addresses key challenges in their community and supports sustainable knowledge exchange. Fellows are expected to participate actively in network activities, share findings, and contribute short reports during their term.

Assessment criteria include project relevance (30%), understanding of the target community (30%), resource justification (20%), and feasibility (20%).

Applications close 30 November 2025, with notifications by 18 December 2025. Applicants must be from UKRI-eligible institutions and have line-manager approval. Institutions must confirm they can cover the remaining 20% FEC.

Running from October 2025 to April 2028, the CAKE Placements and Visits Programme funds short-term collaborations and visits that promote knowledge exchange across the DRI community.

The scheme supports travel and subsistence (T&S) costs for:

• Collaborative placements between organisations
• Knowledge-sharing visits and workshops
• Cross-sector or cross-disciplinary activities
• Attendance at community training and events

Awards are granted at 80% FEC, with larger requests (over £6,000) requiring prior discussion with the CAKE management team at cake-management@mlist.ed.ac.uk.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis, with decisions communicated within 4–6 weeks. Review criteria include relevance, potential for long-term collaboration, impact, and value for money. Successful applicants will submit a short report and a recorded summary of outcomes.