Author Archives: Sharon

The British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants – Approach to Funder

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The British Academy’s Small Research Grants scheme is the academy’s most popular scheme both in terms of applications received and number of awards made. The grants stand as one of the Academy’s highest profile programmes with awards made to academics working at around 100 Institutions around the UK.

Awards are up to £10,000 for projects up to 24 months and are provided to cover the cost of the expenses arising from a defined research project.

The April round of this scheme opens on 10th April, with a closing date of 5th June. In previous rounds we have been inundated with requests to apply to the scheme.

In line with the academy’s guidance, the University permits up to 5 applications for each round. To understand our criteria and selection process we have put together an Approach to Funder  document.

If you wish to express an interest in applying to the April round, please follow the guidance in the document.

Small Grants Scheme for Early Career Researchers – Autumn 2023

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Our Small Grants Scheme for Early Career Researchers is one of the University’s most popular internal grant schemes and we are delighted to announce our Autumn 2023 round.

Applications are invited from our ECR community for funding up to £5,000 per project to support the next generation of talented researchers delivering on innovative research.

For this round of funding, we particularly invite proposals that address one or more of the following priorities:

  • Involve interdisciplinary collaboration between ECR staff in different Faculties and Institutes.
  • Pilot study research with the aim to build on this for future research projects.
  • Further development on an existing funded research project.
  • Aim to embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the research design.
  • Aim to achieve research impact (through scholarly output, public engagement, influence on policy or similar).

We encourage ECRs to submit project proposals that align with these priorities and research activities can include:

  • costs associated with a pilot study
  • costs associated with a specific project e.g., research assistant time
  • career development opportunities
  • hosting and dissemination events (research conference, workshop, seminar, etc)
  • public engagement activities
  • travel and subsistence (e.g., attending conferences), which should not exceed 10% of the total funding being requested or £1000, whichever is lower.

Please note that funding will not be allocated to projects where the funds are solely to be used for project materials and/or equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

Only ECRs can apply. Refer to the University’s definition here

For an initial discussion, please contact Sharon.Lewis@northampton.ac.uk

Full Guidance Notes can be found here

To apply, please complete an Application Form

For support with your costings, please contact your faculty accountant

Important note: Costs are not on a Full Economic Costing basis. This means you do not need to cover the University’s overhead/estate costs only your staff costs and any non-pay costs associated with the project.

All funds must be spent by 31st July 2024. Refer to the Guidance Notes for additional costing requirements.

Finding the internal call to create the Pure Application workflow process.

Complete the application form and submit for approval on Pure Award Management allowing 2-3 days for approval to meet the deadline of 11.59pm, Wednesday 8th November.

 

 

 

Exciting News! Launch of Internal Funding Calls

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We are pleased to announce the launch of three internal funding opportunities. Grants available from £5,000 to £10,000 to support a range of research and innovation projects.

Early Career Researchers Small Grants Scheme

Funding of up to £5,000 is available per project to support the next generation of talented researchers delivering innovative research.

For this round of funding, we particularly invite proposals that address one or more of the following priorities:

  • involve interdisciplinary collaboration between ECR staff in different Faculties and Institutes
  • pilot study research with the aim to build on this for future research projects
  • further development on an existing funded research project
  • aim to achieve research impact (through scholarly output, public engagement, influence on policy or similar)

Eligibility requirements

You must be an Early Career Researcher to apply. See the University’s definition here

Call guidance here and submission is by completion of an Application form to Sharon.Lewis@northampton.ac.uk

Research Capital Fund 2022/23

Applications are invited for the Research Capital investment fund 2022/23. Funding up to £8,000 per project is available to support small capital bids that link directly to research outputs and impact.

Applications can cover:

  • Data and digital (including software upgrades, digital infrastructure, and digital equipment)
  • Non-digital equipment (this can cover new and replacement equipment)
  • Estates and facilities (research buildings and environment)

Eligibility

Open to all research active staff.

Call guidance here and submission is by completion of an Application form to Cathy.Smith@northampton.ac.uk

Support for Innovation & Research Ideas, Policy & Participation (SIRIPP)

The SIRIPP grant can support you to develop your idea and activity and help progress to further funding and support routes. Open to all University led ideas, innovations and projects with funding up to £10,000 available per project to fund academic time and resources.

Eligibility requirements

  • You need to have an external organisation to work with
  • Scope out future progression project plans for the idea – identify future funding, KTP, grants, joint bids
  • Research and impact plans – how will you progress this?

Call guidance here and submission is by completion of an Application form to Charlotte.Patrick@northampton.ac.uk

General Call Guidance

  • All applications must be submitted for approval on Pure Award Management and you must have Pure approval before submission.
  • Approval on Pure can take 2-3 days, ensure to factor this into your timeline.
  • Application deadline for all three Calls is Friday, 21st October 2022 and applicants will be informed of the outcome by Friday, 4th November.
  • All funded projects must finish by 31st July 2023.
  • Any items/services being bought in for the project must be delivered on site or have taken place by 31st July 2023.  Anything delivered or taking place after that date will count as expenditure in 2023/24 and will not be covered by this award, i.e., your faculty will have to fund this from their own budget, and you will need approval from your Dean to do so.  Please check with your faculty accountant before submitting your bid if you are unsure about this.
  • Funding for all three Calls will not be on a Full economic costing basis.

Review Process

This is an internal competitive application process, and all applications will be scored against a matrix.

Innovation & Research Ideas Grant

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We are excited to announce the launch of our Innovation & Research Ideas Grant. Funding available up to £10,000 per project!

  • Have you an idea or innovation or potential research project with an external organisation that would benefit from funding to progress?
  • Are you looking for funding to enable a small research project?
  • Looking for travel grants to grow collaborations and build upon research?
  • Looking for support to help develop, build and grow partnerships with other institutions & external organisations?

The Grant can support you to develop your idea and activity and help progress to further funding and support routes. Open to all University led ideas, innovations and projects with funding up to £10,000 to fund academic time and resources.

Eligiblity requirements

  • You need to have an external organisation to work with
  • Scope out future progression project plans for the idea – identify future funding, KTP, grants, joint bids
  • Research and impact plans – how will you progress this?

There is a short Application Form and all costs need to be FEC and submitted for approval on Pure Award Management

Funds need to be spent by July 2022. Application deadline is Thursday, 24th March and successful applications will be announced by Monday, 4th April

For an initial discussion, please contact Charlotte Patrick

Funding Call details here

Research Plan 2020-2025

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We have now created a two-page accessible pdf document for the University’s Research Plan.

The Research Plan covers how we aim to achieve our vision and values by pursuing 10 priorities, aligned to the University’s Institutional Plan 2015-2020. We aim to build on the excellent research done here at Northampton and align it with the wider strategic vision for the University.

You can download the accessible document here

If you have any comments please email Cathy.Smith@northampton.ac.uk

UoN Research Impact Magazine

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Welcome to the University of Northampton’s Research Impact Magazine.

The Research Impact Magazine showcases some of the world-leading research that is being undertaken by our colleagues in the University and how our research is changing lives around the world.

In line with the University’s Strategic Plan Transforming Lives + Inspiring Change, and building on our Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, the University’s ambition is to deliver innovative research that delivers real impact to local, national and global communities.

We hope you enjoy the publication and this gives you a sense of what drives us as a 21st century Changemaker University.

Read your copy here

Virtual Faculty drop-ins for January

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Due to the success of our last virtual Faculty drop-ins we are running these again this month.

Our drop-ins are an ideal opportunity for a friendly chat with the team on all things research related. From Funding Institutional, Pure Award Management, funding and tendering advice to working with businesses and project support, we can help with all these and more.

So make a note of the dates, grab a drink and join us in Collaborate.

Faculty of Health, Education & Society

Wednesday, 20th January 2021 at 11am-12.30pm

John Horton, Head of Research will also be on hand to answer your questions in this session.

https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/58ceb6a936e64356a6d2aa86a5250b28

Faculty of Business & Law

Wednesday, 27th January 2021 at 1.30-3pm

Kathy Mortimer, Head of Research and Associate Professor in Marketing Communications, will also be joining this session to answer your questions.

https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/0f65cbf15b8d462c8637fcaba253fd3b

Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology

These details will be confirmed soon.

 

 

 

Virtual Faculty drop-ins

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We know it can be challenging balancing your teaching and research commitments along with finding the time to join drop-in sessions.

Working with your Research Leads we have set up separate Faculty drop-ins to give you the opportunity to chat with the RIFS team and discuss how best we can support you. Perhaps you are after some initial advice on a particular project, searching for specific funding opportunities or need support on working with businesses. Grab a warm drink and join us for a friendly chat in Collaborate.

Last month we held drop-ins for the Faculty of Business & Law and FAST. This month is the turn of the Faculty of Health, Education & Society.

Faculty of Health, Education & Society

Wednesday, 9th December from 12-1.30pm

John Horton, Head of Research will also be on hand to answer your questions in this session.

https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/669fc1c7490740479eb772cf4478c670

 

UoN Research Plan 2020-2025

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As we are in the last six months of delivery for REF2021, we would like to share with you the University Research Plan for 2020-2025.

This will give you a sense of direction for research and our vision and priorities for 2025.  The plan has been approved at UMT and Senate as well as being shared in draft form with REC members, RAP and UCU.

The Research Plan aims to build on the excellent research done here at Northampton and align it with the wider strategic vision for the University. There is also reference to REF2028 and the priorities of key funders.

Download the Research Plan

If you have any comments please email Cathy.Smith@northampton.ac.uk

New Funding Opportunity Policy-related research projects

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We are launching a new Call for research projects that can be linked to policy in UK government. Open to all University research staff, there are 6 awards available for funding up to £8,000 each. All projects will be expected to have external partner involvement.

The funding may be used to build on a project already underway or for a new project. Costs are not restricted to staff hours and for example can be used for developing materials. Please ensure these are designed around changing and influencing policy.

This funding is to establish potential impact case studies for REF2027/8 and projects will be evaluated on the following:

  • How well they link to policy-related research
  • The nature of the impact and evidence collected
  • Value for money

Suggestions for activity include:

  • New research activity working in partnership with policymakers, particularly to better understand local, regional and national challenges
  • Extending existing research activity
  • Facilitating the use of existing research and the exchange of knowledge between universities and policymakers
  • Activity and training to better equip academics, including postgraduate researchers and early career researchers, to communicate effectively with policymakers
  • Partnerships and collaborations aimed at supporting evidence-based policy making

The funds need to be spent or allocated against spend by 31st March 2021. This is an internal application process and all projects will be reviewed by a panel consisting of the Dean of Research, Impact and Innovation, the Head of Research Support and the RIFs Manager.

Applications need to be submitted by Monday, 16th November 2020 to the Dean of Research, Impact, and Innovation at cathy.smith@northampton.ac.uk

To apply download an application form here

Outcomes will be communicated by Wednesday, 25th November 2020.

It will be a requirement of this fund that all impact evidence is uploaded onto PURE by the end of the project. For impact case requirements for the REF, refer to https://impact.ref.ac.uk