Internal funding opportunity: Support for Preparation of Large Cross-School Research Funding Bids
Cross-disciplinary research themes and funding calls, often addressing global challenges through large-scale collaborative efforts, are an increasing part of the research and funding landscape. In responding to such calls, complex and high-value proposals often need to be put together within a short timeframe and in an increasingly competitive environment.
The preparation of these large bids places a considerable burden on individuals and the University. In order to maximise the chance of success and optimise the use of limited resources, it is clear that we need to be selective in what we bid for and to provide appropriate central support for bid preparation and co-ordination where necessary.
A central Administered Fund has therefore been established under the stewardship of the Research Policy Committee (RPC) to consider requests for resources to enable the preparation of large collaborative bids. Applications must demonstrate strong academic leadership with clear goals, and involve researchers from at least two Schools.
The support offered by the Fund is flexible according to the needs of individual proposals. For guidance, an allocation of around £10k may be made to individual applications, although the sum available will depend on the value and nature of the bid. The kinds of activity that may be funded include:
- Expenses related to convening collaborators, holding workshops and creating bid materials;
- Short-term support for bid facilitation, consultancy fees, project management or administration;
- Website creation or development.
Applications will be reviewed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and two Heads of School, acting on behalf of the RPC. Each application will be considered on its individual merits and a response will normally be given within two weeks of submission.
On completion of the bid preparation process, the leaders of the bid will be asked to provide a brief report for the RPC, including lessons learned regarding effective strategies and use of resources. These reports will be available to inform future applicants to the Fund.
Potential applications should be discussed in the first instance with the Research Strategy Office: please contact Gill Rands or Gordana Najdanovic via RPC@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please access the application form and find more information about this funding opportunity here.