The Research Funding EnvironmentThe Research Funding Environment

Dr Gwen AverleyDr Gwen AverleyResearch Funding Development Manager (RFDM) FMSResearch Funding Development Manager (RFDM) FMS

gwen.averley@ncl.ac.uk0191 222 74600191 222 7460

OverviewOverview

The Dual Support SystemThe Dual Support System

The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)

Grant funders by type and their different focusGrant funders by type and their different focus

The costs of research: FEC, TRACThe costs of research: FEC, TRAC

Grant applicationsGrant applications

What can you apply for?What can you apply for?

What do you need to be aware of?What do you need to be aware of?

The Dual Support SystemThe Dual Support System

Basically there are two streams of research funding:Basically there are two streams of research funding:

Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

Project funding from all other fundersProject funding from all other funders

These two combined are often referred to as the These two combined are often referred to as the

dual support systemdual support system

These two streams of funding have changed over time and have These two streams of funding have changed over time and have had different consequences for Universitieshad different consequences for Universities

Dual Support SystemDual Support System There are four Funding Councils in the UK (England There are four Funding Councils in the UK (England HEFCEHEFCE, Scotland SFC, , Scotland SFC,

Wales HEFCW and Ireland DELNI), supported by the Department for Wales HEFCW and Ireland DELNI), supported by the Department for Education and Skills and the devolved Departments of EducationEducation and Skills and the devolved Departments of Education

Under the Under the dual support system:dual support system: HEFCE provides block grant funding to institutions to support the HEFCE provides block grant funding to institutions to support the

research infrastructure and enable institutions to undertake ground-research infrastructure and enable institutions to undertake ground-breaking research of their choosingbreaking research of their choosing

Other funders, e.g. the private sector, Government Departments, Other funders, e.g. the private sector, Government Departments, charities, the European Union and other international bodies, the charities, the European Union and other international bodies, the Research Councils and other funders provide grants to individuals for Research Councils and other funders provide grants to individuals for specific research projects and programmesspecific research projects and programmes

Funding CouncilFunding Council support for research (Quality Related or QR funding) is support for research (Quality Related or QR funding) is distributed on the basis of the excellence of individual departments in higher distributed on the basis of the excellence of individual departments in higher education institutions, using the results of the Research Assessment education institutions, using the results of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)Exercise (RAE)

Research Council and other bodiesResearch Council and other bodies funds are awarded on the basis of funds are awarded on the basis of applications made by individual researchers, which are subject to applications made by individual researchers, which are subject to independent, expert peer review.  Awards are made on the basis of the independent, expert peer review.  Awards are made on the basis of the research potential and are irrespective of geographical locationresearch potential and are irrespective of geographical location

HEI Research incomeHEI Research income

Insert the slide from the XCRand the IiI report

Expenditure by FCs and other funders

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00

HEFCs

Total project funders

The RAE (Research Assessment Exercise)The RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) Undertaken approximately every 6 years (1986, 1989, 1992, 1996, Undertaken approximately every 6 years (1986, 1989, 1992, 1996,

2001, 2008)2001, 2008)

Changes slightly from one time to another but in broad terms the RAE Changes slightly from one time to another but in broad terms the RAE is based on peer review of the quality of research in terms of its is based on peer review of the quality of research in terms of its academic impactacademic impact

Assessment is carried out on a broadly historic basisAssessment is carried out on a broadly historic basis

The primary drivers are research outputs primarily measured through The primary drivers are research outputs primarily measured through publications, esteem indicators, research environment, grant income, publications, esteem indicators, research environment, grant income, studentshipsstudentships

In RAE 2008 will be a ranking profile:In RAE 2008 will be a ranking profile:

4* World-leading4* World-leading

3* Internationally excellent3* Internationally excellent

2* Internationally recognised2* Internationally recognised

1* Nationally recognised1* Nationally recognised

UnclassifiedUnclassified

The RAE continuedThe RAE continued

Research areas are divided into Units of Assessment – broadly Research areas are divided into Units of Assessment – broadly discipline baseddiscipline based

Universities determine which units they wish to submit for Universities determine which units they wish to submit for assessmentassessment

Panels of recognised experts in the fields in that unit are Panels of recognised experts in the fields in that unit are appointed and they review each university’s submission and they appointed and they review each university’s submission and they form a view about the quality of their researchform a view about the quality of their research

The Funding Council then allocates their budget for research on The Funding Council then allocates their budget for research on the basis of the balance between quality and volumethe basis of the balance between quality and volume

Issues with the RAEIssues with the RAE

There are some concerns that as the RAE primarily works on a There are some concerns that as the RAE primarily works on a historic basis that it will lead to a reinforcement of historic positions historic basis that it will lead to a reinforcement of historic positions and views of disciplinesand views of disciplines

Issues of relevance and impact are often thought to be less than Issues of relevance and impact are often thought to be less than well served by the RAE by many in industrywell served by the RAE by many in industry

There are concerns over the pressures this places upon new There are concerns over the pressures this places upon new academic staff (early career researchers)academic staff (early career researchers)

The RAE impacts on funding but you don’t know how until the The RAE impacts on funding but you don’t know how until the results are knownresults are known

RAE effectsRAE effects

It is a very good way to assess what it aims to assessIt is a very good way to assess what it aims to assess

The question is whether or not it assesses the right thing in the The question is whether or not it assesses the right thing in the right wayright way

Assessment of inter-disciplinary areas is challenging and probably Assessment of inter-disciplinary areas is challenging and probably less than satisfactoryless than satisfactory

Many people believe it distorts behaviour and reinforces ‘ivory Many people believe it distorts behaviour and reinforces ‘ivory tower mentality’tower mentality’

Is it really about quality or is it about creating an algorithm to Is it really about quality or is it about creating an algorithm to distribute resources?distribute resources?

RAE – the futureRAE – the future

RAE is to be replaced by the Research Excellence Framework RAE is to be replaced by the Research Excellence Framework (REF)(REF)

The ratings initially to be derived from bibliometric-based indicators The ratings initially to be derived from bibliometric-based indicators rather than by peer-review, primarily journal article citationsrather than by peer-review, primarily journal article citations

Consultation on the issues currently underwayConsultation on the issues currently underway

Who funds research?Who funds research?

HEFCE (The Higher Education Funding Council for HEFCE (The Higher Education Funding Council for England)England)

Research Councils – AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, Research Councils – AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, STFC MRC, NERC, STFC

Charities – Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, Charities – Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Nuffield Foundation, British Heart Foundation, Nuffield Foundation, variety of variety of organ / disease specific charitiesorgan / disease specific charities

UK Government, local and health authorities – DoH, UK Government, local and health authorities – DoH, FSA, DTI, NIHR, Special TrusteesFSA, DTI, NIHR, Special Trustees

EUEU IndustryIndustry Overseas governments and agenciesOverseas governments and agencies

Funder aims – HEFCEFunder aims – HEFCE(The Higher Education Funding Council for England)(The Higher Education Funding Council for England)

HEFCE grant available for the 2007-08 academic year is £7,137 HEFCE grant available for the 2007-08 academic year is £7,137 millionmillion £4,510m recurrent funding for teaching (of which £354m is for widening £4,510m recurrent funding for teaching (of which £354m is for widening

participation)participation) £1,415m for research£1,415m for research £ 738m for earmarked capital grants£ 738m for earmarked capital grants £ 449m for special funding£ 449m for special funding £ 25m for very high cost and vulnerable science subjects£ 25m for very high cost and vulnerable science subjects

To support high quality research through provision of To support high quality research through provision of core funding on basis of peer review assessments core funding on basis of peer review assessments carried out on a retrospective basis through the carried out on a retrospective basis through the research assessment exerciseresearch assessment exercise

Funder aims – Research CouncilsFunder aims – Research Councils

To fund research of the highest quality as determined by peer To fund research of the highest quality as determined by peer review through project fundingreview through project funding

Prestigious source of fundingPrestigious source of funding

Emerging pressure on taking greater account of relevance and Emerging pressure on taking greater account of relevance and economic and social impact on UK plceconomic and social impact on UK plc

CharitiesCharities

Driven by the ‘objects’ of the charitiesDriven by the ‘objects’ of the charities

Some have education and advancing knowledge as key drivers but Some have education and advancing knowledge as key drivers but many medical charities are focussed on disease specific agendas to many medical charities are focussed on disease specific agendas to seek cures or better treatments or understanding of a particular seek cures or better treatments or understanding of a particular conditioncondition

Patient and public involvementPatient and public involvement

Most use a peer review system but not allMost use a peer review system but not all

Charities continuedCharities continued Charities contribute approx one third of all public expenditure on medical Charities contribute approx one third of all public expenditure on medical

and health research in the UK – a situation without parallel elsewhere in the and health research in the UK – a situation without parallel elsewhere in the worldworld

Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) charities (approx 114 Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) charities (approx 114 members) allocated £716 million in 2005/06members) allocated £716 million in 2005/06

Over 2,000 awards annually to institutions – of which UK universities Over 2,000 awards annually to institutions – of which UK universities receive 70% of the funding awarded (they don’t pay University overheads)receive 70% of the funding awarded (they don’t pay University overheads)

Much of this funding is delivered in partnership with other funders, and represents a key contribution to both strategic and targeted research programmes and facilities

Four charities: Four charities: Arthritis Research CampaignArthritis Research Campaign British Heart FoundationBritish Heart Foundation Cancer Research UKCancer Research UK The Wellcome Trust The Wellcome Trust

spent £615 million in 2005/06spent £615 million in 2005/06

The Wellcome Trust spent £2.5 billion over the last 5 years, plans to spend The Wellcome Trust spent £2.5 billion over the last 5 years, plans to spend £4 billion over the next 5 years £4 billion over the next 5 years

Government departmentsGovernment departments

To scope a problemTo scope a problem

To provide evidence for the effect of policy and regulationTo provide evidence for the effect of policy and regulation

For example, For example, Research in the NHS is crucial to supporting the Government’s health modernisation agenda, and to delivering better, more personalised services to patients. Over many years, the NHS has provided an authoritative and expert resource for the conduct of both national and international clinical studies

New publication Best research for best health is changing the landscape for clinical research with the NHS potentially beyond all recognition

NHS – Cooksey ReviewNHS – Cooksey Review

NHS – National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)NHS – National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

Health funding: NIHR and Medical Research Council (MRC)Health funding: NIHR and Medical Research Council (MRC)

European UnionEuropean Union

Maintain competitiveness of the EUMaintain competitiveness of the EU

Tackle major problems faced by the EUTackle major problems faced by the EU

Improve EU integrationImprove EU integration

Develop skills and competencies within the EUDevelop skills and competencies within the EU

Improve quality of life of EU citizensImprove quality of life of EU citizens

IndustryIndustry

Variety of motivesVariety of motives

to find out answers to problems they faceto find out answers to problems they face

to create technology of commercial worthto create technology of commercial worth

to provide information to support applications for regulatory to provide information to support applications for regulatory approvalapproval

to support an understanding of their to support an understanding of their marketplace, etc.marketplace, etc.

Conclusion – funder typesConclusion – funder types A variety of organisations and agencies fund research for A variety of organisations and agencies fund research for

different reasons different reasons

At Newcastle we have over 1,800 live projects with a total value At Newcastle we have over 1,800 live projects with a total value in excess of £200min excess of £200m

The style and goal of research funding varies by funder The style and goal of research funding varies by funder

All funders have terms of reference and methods of assessmentAll funders have terms of reference and methods of assessment

In preparing a proposal the researcher must aim to create In preparing a proposal the researcher must aim to create alignment between what research they wish to undertake and the alignment between what research they wish to undertake and the research that the funder wishes to fund – agile strategies are research that the funder wishes to fund – agile strategies are requiredrequired

Know your funder – understand the game Know your funder – understand the game

Identifying the costs of researchIdentifying the costs of research

Costing and pricing (pFACT)Costing and pricing (pFACT)

Directly incurred costsDirectly incurred costs

Directly allocated costsDirectly allocated costs

Indirect costsIndirect costs

Full economic costs (FEC)Full economic costs (FEC)

Industry 100% FECIndustry 100% FEC

Research Councils 80% FECResearch Councils 80% FEC

Charities 0% FECCharities 0% FEC

SustainabilitySustainability

The Transparency Review (TRAC)The Transparency Review (TRAC)

Audit / assuranceAudit / assurance

Value / qualityValue / quality

SubsidySubsidy Research in higher education is not sustainable on its ownResearch in higher education is not sustainable on its own

The level of subsidy of research nationally from other The level of subsidy of research nationally from other University activities is of the order of in excess of £1bn plus University activities is of the order of in excess of £1bn plus recurrent recurrent

Research has been sustained by additional one-off capital Research has been sustained by additional one-off capital streams (e.g. SRIF), by under-investment in infrastructure and streams (e.g. SRIF), by under-investment in infrastructure and by revenues from other sources (e.g. international student by revenues from other sources (e.g. international student revenue)revenue)

At Newcastle a further £40m would be required if we were to At Newcastle a further £40m would be required if we were to support research independentlysupport research independently

ConclusionConclusion

A University is a business – The University of Newcastle A University is a business – The University of Newcastle turns over a quarter of a billion poundsturns over a quarter of a billion pounds

Research is an expensive activityResearch is an expensive activity

The sector keeps having to undertake more analyses and The sector keeps having to undertake more analyses and justify its costsjustify its costs

Research and its impactResearch and its impact

Increasing tendency to look at securing value for money Increasing tendency to look at securing value for money from researchfrom research

Academic outputs - UK excelsAcademic outputs - UK excels

In innovation and translating research into impact on In innovation and translating research into impact on people, UK plc, etc. the UK lags behind many nationspeople, UK plc, etc. the UK lags behind many nations

Many research funders are turning their attention to high Many research funders are turning their attention to high quality research with impact – challenge is long and short quality research with impact – challenge is long and short term balanceterm balance

Overall conclusionsOverall conclusions

Research is a resource intensive activityResearch is a resource intensive activity

The research environment is receiving additional investment but still The research environment is receiving additional investment but still playing catch upplaying catch up

Universities are substantial businessesUniversities are substantial businesses

Universities must increasingly act in a businesslike fashion but will Universities must increasingly act in a businesslike fashion but will always depend on the drive and enthusiasm of individual always depend on the drive and enthusiasm of individual researchersresearchers

There are difficult decisions to be madeThere are difficult decisions to be made

A university must have a strategy which endeavours to be true to its A university must have a strategy which endeavours to be true to its mission whilst at the same time balancing the requirements of mission whilst at the same time balancing the requirements of different sponsorsdifferent sponsors

as postgraduate researchersas postgraduate researchers

what can you apply for what can you apply for now and in the near future?now and in the near future?

TravelTravel TrainingTraining PrizesPrizes Vacation studentshipsVacation studentships Small grants from some fundersSmall grants from some funders FellowshipsFellowships Named researcher on someone else’s Named researcher on someone else’s

applicationapplication

differing degrees of complexity and effort involveddiffering degrees of complexity and effort involved

How do you find out about funding calls?How do you find out about funding calls?

grant alert websitesgrant alert websites

funders’ own websites funders’ own websites

sign up for funder newsletterssign up for funder newsletters

join learned societiesjoin learned societies

University emails and websiteUniversity emails and website

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/business-directorate/funding/http://www.ncl.ac.uk/business-directorate/funding/ Coming Coming soonsoon

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Grant alert websites 1:

http://www.researchresearch.comhttp://www.researchresearch.comGrant alert websites 2:

Assessment criteriaAssessment criteria Track recordTrack record

Grant applicationGrant application

Assessment by refereesAssessment by referees

Assessment by Research BoardsAssessment by Research Boards

Explain scoring systemExplain scoring system

TravelTravel TrainingTraining PrizesPrizes Vacation studentshipsVacation studentships Small grants from some fundersSmall grants from some funders FellowshipsFellowships Named researcher on someone else’s applicationNamed researcher on someone else’s application

The sponsor wants to know how good you The sponsor wants to know how good you are AND why this mattersare AND why this matters

Research record (first and subsequent Research record (first and subsequent applications)applications)

Do not simply state how good you are – look at Do not simply state how good you are – look at what is required and align your track record to what is required and align your track record to the grant proposal and its content and focus, the grant proposal and its content and focus, typically this might be related to ‘how well and typically this might be related to ‘how well and what you have delivered on other projects.’what you have delivered on other projects.’

The Sponsor wants to make a decision for them The Sponsor wants to make a decision for them not for younot for you

Research Council Panel AssessmentResearch Council Panel Assessment Two panel members assigned to speak to proposal (an expert Two panel members assigned to speak to proposal (an expert

and lay person)and lay person) They do not re-referee the proposalThey do not re-referee the proposal

They focus on the referees comments and the applicants They focus on the referees comments and the applicants response.response.

They provide a ‘score’ which assists in the determination They provide a ‘score’ which assists in the determination of the ranking of the proposalof the ranking of the proposal

This stage is not a lottery, it is based on a clear and fair This stage is not a lottery, it is based on a clear and fair judgement in terms of qualityjudgement in terms of quality

Panel members are not allowed to say such things as ‘I would Panel members are not allowed to say such things as ‘I would have done it differently and therefore the research is not have done it differently and therefore the research is not appropriate’appropriate’

What criteria are used to assess applications?What criteria are used to assess applications?

EPSRC Advanced Research FellowshipsEPSRC Advanced Research Fellowships The criteria used as part of the overall assessment process include:The criteria used as part of the overall assessment process include:

Intellectual ability of the candidate Intellectual ability of the candidate 

Quality and originality of the research proposed Quality and originality of the research proposed 

Qualities of the individual as an independent researcher Qualities of the individual as an independent researcher 

Awareness of the broader context surrounding the proposed research Awareness of the broader context surrounding the proposed research 

Current standing within the international community Current standing within the international community 

Timeliness of the Fellowship Timeliness of the Fellowship 

Ability to plan and manage resourcesAbility to plan and manage resources

Ability to communicate to a generalist audienceAbility to communicate to a generalist audience

Referee Prompts Referee Prompts BBSRCBBSRC

Scientific excellenceScientific excellenceClarity of hypothesis or aims and objectivesClarity of hypothesis or aims and objectives

Strengths and weaknesses of the experimental designStrengths and weaknesses of the experimental design

Feasibility (as related to both the work programme and the Feasibility (as related to both the work programme and the relevant track-record of the applicant)relevant track-record of the applicant)

Strategic RelevanceStrategic Relevance

Timeliness and promiseTimeliness and promise

Prosperity and Quality of LifeProsperity and Quality of Life

Cost EffectivenessCost Effectiveness

CompetitivenessCompetitivenessInternationally competitiveInternationally competitive

Nationally competitiveNationally competitive

Not competitiveNot competitive

What criteria are used to assess applications?What criteria are used to assess applications?

MRC Reviewers HandbookMRC Reviewers Handbook ImportanceImportance Scientific potentialScientific potential Environment and peopleEnvironment and people Research plansResearch plans Justification of resources requestedJustification of resources requested Ethics and Research GovernanceEthics and Research Governance Risks of research misuseRisks of research misuse Public understanding of sciencePublic understanding of science Preservation, sharing and re-use of research dataPreservation, sharing and re-use of research data Commercial exploitationCommercial exploitation Dissemination of research resultsDissemination of research results

Research Council harmonisationResearch Council harmonisation Research Councils' core harmonised t&c to grants announced from 1 March 2008Research Councils' core harmonised t&c to grants announced from 1 March 2008

Each Research Council has its own version of the grants handbook with their own grant call Each Research Council has its own version of the grants handbook with their own grant call additional t&cadditional t&c

AHRCAHRC http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/apply/research.asphttp://www.ahrc.ac.uk/apply/research.asp http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/files/applicants_files/research_files/http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/files/applicants_files/research_files/

research_funding_guide_dec_2007.asp?SourcePageID=96009&popup=1#1research_funding_guide_dec_2007.asp?SourcePageID=96009&popup=1#1

BBSRCBBSRC http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/apply/grants_guide.htmlhttp://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/apply/grants_guide.html

EPSRCEPSRC http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/HowToApply/FundingGuide.htmhttp://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/HowToApply/FundingGuide.htm

ESRCESRC http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/research_funding/index.aspx?http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/research_funding/index.aspx?

ComponentId=4924&SourcePageId=5964#0ComponentId=4924&SourcePageId=5964#0

MRCMRC http://www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ApplicantsHandbook/index.htmhttp://www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ApplicantsHandbook/index.htm

NERCNERC http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/researchgrants/http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/researchgrants/

Is the sponsor right for you?Is the sponsor right for you? Do both you and your proposed project meet the eligibility criteria?Do both you and your proposed project meet the eligibility criteria? Is the sponsor likely to offer funding at a sufficient level, and for Is the sponsor likely to offer funding at a sufficient level, and for

long enough?long enough? Can you meet the application deadlines and are you certain of the Can you meet the application deadlines and are you certain of the

application procedures?application procedures? Will you have freedom to publish or are there likely to be Will you have freedom to publish or are there likely to be

confidentiality restrictions?confidentiality restrictions? How far are you prepared to tailor your research to a sponsor’s How far are you prepared to tailor your research to a sponsor’s

requirements?requirements? Is the sponsor compatible with your own conscience and the Is the sponsor compatible with your own conscience and the

mission of your department/institution?mission of your department/institution? Are the sponsor’s interests likely to conflict with any other work Are the sponsor’s interests likely to conflict with any other work

that you or your immediate colleagues are undertaking?that you or your immediate colleagues are undertaking?

Do not distort the scheme to fit your needsDo not distort the scheme to fit your needs

Proposals are often unsuccessful because they have been Proposals are often unsuccessful because they have been submitted to the wrong funding scheme. submitted to the wrong funding scheme.

If you’re going to take the trouble to write a proposal it is If you’re going to take the trouble to write a proposal it is important to submit it to the right scheme. important to submit it to the right scheme.

Too often, too much time is spent writing the proposal and not Too often, too much time is spent writing the proposal and not enough time is spent analyzing the key features of a given enough time is spent analyzing the key features of a given funding programfunding program

Know your audienceKnow your audience

When making any presentation, the best advice that is usually When making any presentation, the best advice that is usually given is to know your audience. This is also true when given is to know your audience. This is also true when submitting research proposals. submitting research proposals.

Think at the outset: who is actually going to read my proposal? Think at the outset: who is actually going to read my proposal?

What are they looking for? What are they looking for?

What will make them warm to my ideas and produce a positive What will make them warm to my ideas and produce a positive response to the funds that I needresponse to the funds that I need

Analyse your sponsorAnalyse your sponsor One of the most important things to remember is to read and One of the most important things to remember is to read and

inwardly digest any information that is sent to you from the funder - inwardly digest any information that is sent to you from the funder - this will ensure that your project falls within their areas of interest this will ensure that your project falls within their areas of interest saving a lot of time for everyonesaving a lot of time for everyone

Consider, seriously, whether your project is innovative, of sufficient Consider, seriously, whether your project is innovative, of sufficient interest and importance to merit fundinginterest and importance to merit funding

Ask yourself if the project is feasible in the given time periods. If not, Ask yourself if the project is feasible in the given time periods. If not, be realistic, - you will be in with a greater chance of funding if you be realistic, - you will be in with a greater chance of funding if you are genuineare genuine

Strictly follow the guidelines of the organisation to which you are Strictly follow the guidelines of the organisation to which you are applying - there is nothing more annoying than receiving applying - there is nothing more annoying than receiving uncompleted quality proposalsuncompleted quality proposals

Finally, and it may sound obvious, do tell us how to contact youFinally, and it may sound obvious, do tell us how to contact you

The Sponsor wants to fund the right ideaThe Sponsor wants to fund the right idea

There is nothing more difficult to do in life than to write a There is nothing more difficult to do in life than to write a proposal on a bad ideaproposal on a bad idea

Before proceeding with any proposal researchers must really Before proceeding with any proposal researchers must really convince themselves (and their bosses) that the idea is goodconvince themselves (and their bosses) that the idea is good

Also remember that the idea must be good in the eyes of the Also remember that the idea must be good in the eyes of the researchers AND the funding agencyresearchers AND the funding agency

The why?The why?

In most proposals the writer spends considerable time In most proposals the writer spends considerable time explaining how the research will be undertakenexplaining how the research will be undertaken

Before you do this you must first educate the evaluator as to Before you do this you must first educate the evaluator as to why the research should be undertakenwhy the research should be undertaken

This education should be written in simple and clear language This education should be written in simple and clear language and most importantly it should be interesting and most importantly it should be interesting

What do you need to do?What do you need to do? Plan aheadPlan ahead Ask for help from:Ask for help from:

Your PIYour PI Your Research Support Officer / AdministratorYour Research Support Officer / Administrator Grants & Contracts OfficeGrants & Contracts Office RFDM (that’s me)RFDM (that’s me) Staff Development Unit (SDU)Staff Development Unit (SDU) Graduate School / Contract Researchers Support teamGraduate School / Contract Researchers Support team

Why ask?Why ask? Can direct you to suitable funding callsCan direct you to suitable funding calls Can help improve your applicationCan help improve your application There may be internal approval processes, ethical, research There may be internal approval processes, ethical, research

governance, IP issuesgovernance, IP issues Provide accurate costings for youProvide accurate costings for you Training coursesTraining courses