Research Funding 101

1. Research Funding 101 Coventry University | 7th June 2014 | Dr Lynsey McCulloch

2. The Plan What do we mean by…. Research Funding? What are the benefits? What are the rules? Where can I get help? Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

3. What do we mean by… ? Research funding is funding for academic research obtained (typically) via a competitive process, in which prospective projects are evaluated by grant-providers with finite funds and a small number of applicants are successful. Research funding is provided by government bodies, industry, learned societies and charitable organisations. It is supplied direct to universities, not individuals, but is managed by an academic (or principal investigator). Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

5. What do we mean by… ? INDUSTRY FUNDING The private sector funds a wide variety of research, and many businesses seek to collaborate with academics as a means of optimising their processes and increasing profits. A keen understanding of the market context is essential when negotiating with the private sector. Consider whether your research could benefit a business. There’s no procedure for dealing with the private sector; approach a company and talk to them. Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

6. What do we mean by… ? CHARITABLE FUNDING The primary motivation of research charities is to generate knowledge that benefits the public good. The research cannot therefore be commercial and you will be expected, as a recipient of this funding, to fully disseminate your findings. Charities are typically limited in the amount of funding they can offer and cannot usually cover the investigator’s salary costs. Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

7. What do we mean by… ? EUROPEAN COMMISSION The main mechanism of the European Commission for disseminating funding is Horizon 2020 (2014-20), which offers a range of funding opportunities to HEIs. It has a budget of 80 billion Euros, and three key priorities: – Excellent Science – Industrial Leadership – Societal Challenges Remember that European funding is usually dependent on European partners. Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

8. What do we mean by… ? UK RESEARCH COUNCILS The research councils are funded by the UK Government’s Science Budget, via the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). For 2014/15, the budget is nearly 2.8 billion pounds. Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

9. What do we mean by… ? UK RESEARCH COUNCILS – Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – Medical Research Council (MRC) – Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

10. What do we mean by… ? UK RESEARCH COUNCILS – Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – Medical Research Council (MRC) – Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

11. What do we mean by… ? UK RESEARCH COUNCILS – Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) The success rates for 2012/13 grant applications were 29% for the AHRC and 26% for the ESRC. Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

12. What are the benefits? Fulfilling the strategic priorities of your university, and contributing to REF, league table and income targets… Nah! Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

13. What are the benefits? Try instead… money for – Research-related travel – Library/archival research – Mounting an exhibition or performance – Organising a conference – Publishing a book Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

14. What are the benefits? Research funding can give you time and space, via… – Teaching remission – Full or part-time research leave – The cost of research assistants and/or PhD students Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

15. What are the benefits? Types of project include… – Small grants – Networking grants – International partnerships – Visiting scholar/artists in residence schemes – Early career fellowships – Knowledge Exchange – Major grants Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

16. What are the rules? UK RESEARCH COUNCILS – CROSS-COUNCIL RESEARCH Six Key Priority Areas – Digital Economy – Energy – Global Food Security – Global Uncertainties: security for all in a changing world – Living with Environmental Change – Lifelong Health and Wellbeing How do you translate these into arts research and practices? Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

17. What are the rules? This is how the AHRC does it: CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES – Care for the Future: Thinking Forward through the Past – Digital Transformations in the Arts and Humanities – Science in Culture – Translating Cultures Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

18. What are the rules? IMPACT “The Research Councils define ‘Impact’ as the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy” – Does your research address societal concerns? – Can your research contribute to economic revival? – Does your project contain an element of public engagement? Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

20. What are the rules? BIS strategic priorities for science and research funding in 2011/12 – 2014/15: Criteria No.1 “Further concentrating funding on research centres of proven excellence and with appropriate critical mass and multi-disciplinary capacity to address national challenges and compete internationally” What does this mean for us? COLLABORATE Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

21. Where can I get help? First, help yourself – Network indiscriminately! – Seek out experienced referees/panel members/winners/losers – Sound out potential collaborators – Look at successful projects on funders’ websites – Look beyond your discipline – Look for funders’ highlight notices – Set up searches and alerts on Research Professional www.researchprofessional.com Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

22. Where can I get help? Then, seek help – When you have an idea, consult your university’s research office You can’t do it without them! Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014

23. Thank you Any questions… Dr Lynsey McCulloch | 7th June 2014