Currently many research staff do not receive the formal recognition they deserve for their contributions to writing grant applications, designing and carrying out funded research. By introducing the new status of researcher co-investigator, we are aiming to help provide them with the recognition needed for career progression.

Initially, the new status will be available for applicants of our research board schemes from 23 July. Other funding opportunities will follow later, with the launch dependent on the scheme’s next opening for applications. Opportunities already open for application on 23 July will not be affected and the previous rules will apply.

Receiving recognition for contributing to a grant is difficult for those who are unable to be a principle investigator or co-investigator. The grant information on Gateway to Research does not include named researchers or other research staff employed through the grant, other than the principle and co-investigators.

Previously this has meant that research staff, such as postdocs, technicians and clinical fellows, have been disadvantaged by a lack of documented evidence proving their experience. Our introduction of the researcher co-investigator status aims to address this issue by enabling research staff to showcase their experience, with evidence, on their CVs for future positions.

In addition to receiving recognition, those listed as a researcher co-investigator should be supported in their training and development throughout the grant, serving as a step towards their desired career.

For more information, visit the researcher co-investigator webpage