An annual initiative to get bright young minds together is looking for participants for 2009.

NESTA’s Crucible programme unites early-career researchers from all disciplines at three residential weekends. Here’s who they’re after:

This year we’re looking for 30 early-career researchers in science, technology, engineering, medicine, maths, science policy and social sciences. They must have a high level of achievement and an ongoing commitment to a career in research (within academia or industry). We’re particularly interested in people who have an interest in science and society beyond their own research.

Successful applicants can look forward to three residential weekends where they can explore the wider potential of their work with people from other disciplines:

Lab 1: 18-20 April 2009, London area
Lab 2: 26-28 June 2009, North of England/Scotland
Lab 3: 9-11 October 2009, West of England

To apply, visit NESTA’s website. And here’s a Nature Network report on previous years.