The University of Sheffield
Faculty of Science
The Crucible ProgrammeThe Crucible ProgrammeThe Crucible Programme

What is Crucible?

Crucible is a professional development program for researchers, developed by NESTA with the aim of "creating outward facing researchers".

It is designed to introduce researchers to new ways of thinking and working, with the ultimate goal of creating long-term shifts in attitude towards collaboration.

It aims to develop the competencies required to initiate and develop interdisciplinary working, knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial activity and creative thinking. 

At the end of the programme, Crucible participants can bid for seed funding to initiate collaborative projects with other participants. These awards provide successful candidates with a track record of successful cross disciplinary fundings.

Aims of The Sheffield Crucible

The University of Sheffield ran for the first time in 2012 a Crucible programme for its early career researchers and academics. Our aim is:

  • To provide an opportunity for professional development in interdisciplinary workings, innovation and collaboration.
  • To create a network of peers within the research community to fuel potential for interdisciplinary working
  • To offer a cross-disciplinary environment and a chance to form unexpected collaborations
  • To highlight the importance of developing a wider view of the world of research and the power research has to influence society

Structure of the Crucible programme

The programme is run as a series of three residential workshops, called Labs. The Labs foster creative conversations that have the opportunity to be developed, encouraged and turned into potential multi-disciplinary research proposals. The Crucible is not a "taught programme" but an experience.

Dates of the 2014 Labs: TBC

More on the Sheffield Crucible
Impact of the Crucible

Application process

We will be reviewing the programme, which took place in 2012, and will keep you informed for the next round of selection.