At-Risk Scholars and Professionals membership scheme
Launched in 2024, the At-Risk Scholars and Professionals membership scheme is a separate route for membership applications to the UK Young Academy for individuals considered to be “at-risk”, whether due to forced exile or migration, or entry into the UK under refugee status. Applications have now closed for this route to membership.
What is the ARSaP scheme?
The At-Risk Scholars and Professionals (ARSaP) scheme is a separate application route for membership to the UK Young Academy. It aims to support academics and professionals from marginalised and underrepresented communities to apply for membership at the UK Young Academy, provide skills development, and amplify their voices for positive change.
In the first instance, and run in collaboration with the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), the ARSaP scheme is currently open to academics who are part of as part of the Cara Fellowship Programme or Alumni network. Future plans include engaging with new project partners to expand the initiative to support at-risk individuals across various sectors beyond academia.
In the meantime, at-risk applicants working in non-academic fields can apply for membership through the general application route. At-risk academics within Cara’s network are invited to apply for membership through the ARSaP scheme and can read more about eligibility and how to apply below.
This initiative is part of a global programme successfully implemented by other Young Academies around the world, and is part of a wider member-led project at the UK Young Academy. See our project pages for more information about the wider ARSaP project.
What is the definition of ‘at-risk’?
In the context of the ARSaP scheme, an individual is considered ‘at-risk’ if they have been displaced due to forced exile or migration, or entry into the UK under refugee status.
Who is eligible for the ARSaP scheme?
To be eligible for this scheme, academics at-risk must be based in the UK with a valid visa or refugee status and are part of the Fellowship Programme or Alumni network for Cara (Council for At-Risk Academics), a collaborating organisation for this initiative.
Non-academic at-risk individuals who work in other fields can apply for membership through the general application route.
Applicants to the ARSaP scheme must also adhere to the general eligibility criteria for UK Young Academy membership.
More general information about applying for UK Young Academy membership can be found on the ‘How to apply’ page.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the ARSaP scheme.
How is applying via ARSaP different to general membership?
In recognition of the alternative and potentially challenging circumstances of applicants to the ARSaP scheme, we have made two key changes to the application process:
- You do not need to provide a permanent address
- You do not need to provide references in support of your application.
- Some personal information will be shared with Cara for the purpose of confirming applicant eligibility to the scheme. This will be stored and used in line with our privacy policy.
Applications to the ARSaP scheme are made through the same portal as our general applications. Further guidance on applying for membership through the UK Young Academy ARSaP scheme can be found below in the ARSaP applicant pack, including guidance on using the application portal.