Project closure is a critical element to all research projects. If it is done well project closure can provide the platform for future research projects and funding. However, it can potentially be difficult to gain future funding for the individual and the organisation if project closure is not done properly.  

Once your project is finished you must notify RIFS to undertake a project closure meeting. At this meeting we will go through the project closure checklist to ensure that your project is closed correctly and what is next for you research. 

There are several components to a project closure and these are usually set out in the grant agreement or contract that was signed prior to the start of the project. These can include: 

Final reporting 

The PI (principal investigator) will provide the funder with a progress report covering the entire period of the grant listing any research outputs (articles, conference presentations, book chapters etc.) In some cases, the funding agency may also require outputs to be published as open access – this information will be available in the grant agreement. It is important that the PI submits the report on time as it is becoming increasingly common for funders to withhold the final payment until the report is submitted. 

Financial reporting 

A financial report on project expenditure will usually have to be provided to the funder. This is to ensure the money was spent on the right equipment, staffing and deliverables and it may also be a requirements of the funder that any unspent funds are returned. The timescale of when the funds need to spent will be laid out in the signed grant agreement.

Special funder requirements 

This can be any special requirements that may have been detailed in the original funding agreement. Each funding agency will have their own specific requirements so it is vital you are aware of these before you sign the contract with them.