Innovator Circles

Do I have to be a scientist or researcher to apply?

No, you do not need to be a scientist or researcher, or have an institutional affiliation, but we expect groups to be technically grounded, so some technical expertise or deep interest is expected. We're looking for people who can lead and facilitate deep technical discussions.

Can students (undergraduate, masters, PhD) apply to be an Innovator Circle Lead?

Absolutely. We welcome applications from students who have a compelling vision for a group and the motivation to bring it to life. We care more about your idea and your commitment than your career stage.

Do I have to be based in the UK?

Yes, Innovator Circle Leads and the activities of the group must be based in the UK.

My proposed topic is very niche, counter-intuitive, or doesn't align with ARIA's current opportunity spaces. Should I still apply?

Yes, please do. We’re explicitly looking for groups focused on topics that may be underappreciated or not yet mainstream. Our goal is to discover future directions and surface exceptional talent in new areas.

I already run an informal group that fits this description. Can I apply for support to grow it?

Yes. We’re keen to support individuals who have already taken the initiative to build these kinds of communities, as well as those who want to start something new. In your application, please be clear about how ARIA's support would be additive and help you achieve your goals.

Do meetings have to be in-person?

We’re open to applications proposing virtual or hybrid Innovator Circles. However, we believe that creating high-trust groups benefits greatly from in-person interaction. Proposals for virtual-only groups should clearly outline how they plan to build a similar level of trust and community.

Can members of my circle be based outside the UK? 

Yes, your members can be from anywhere. However, the core of the group and the lead organiser must be in the UK. If you’re requesting support, please note that it cannot be used for international travel for your group’s members.

How many people should be in a circle? Is there a minimum or maximum?

We have no strict rules on size. History shows these groups can be small and intimate or larger. The key is to propose a size and format that you believe will best facilitate high-trust, high-ambition technical discussions.

Do I need to have all the members of my group identified before I apply?

No. We're interested in your vision and your plan for curating the group. Part of your role as a Lead will be to find and convene the right people. We’re particularly interested in how you will reach beyond your existing networks to find exceptional talent.

What happens if our discussions lead to a new invention or startup idea? Who owns the Intellectual Property (IP)?

For ideas generated collaboratively within the circle, we expect the circle members to agree on ownership amongst themselves.

What can the support be used for?

The support (up to £2000/month) is intended to cover the materials costs of convening your group. This includes things like venue hire, food and drinks for gatherings, relevant software, reading materials, and travel costs for guest speakers. It cannot be used for personal expenses or any lab experiments.

Can I use the support to pay myself for the time I spend organising the circle?

No, this support is not a stipend or salary for the organiser. It’s designed to cover the material costs of running the circle's activities.

What are you looking for in a successful application?

We’re looking for a clear vision for a technically-focused group that feels additive to the UK ecosystem. We want to see your motivation for leading it, a thoughtful approach to curating members and designing formats that build trust, and a focus on a scientific topic that is perhaps underappreciated or unconventional.

Will I receive feedback on my application if I’m unsuccessful?

Due to the volume of applications we anticipate, we won’t be able to provide feedback for applicants who aren’t selected for the shortlisting or award stage.