PS700 Alan Chadwick; Ingram Room 219 THE RESEARCH COUNCILS

PS700 Alan Chadwick; Ingram Room 219

THE RESEARCH COUNCILS

http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/

Research Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership through which the UK’s eight Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support.

The Research Councils are the main public investors in fundamental research in the UK with interests ranging from bio-medicine and particle physics to the environment, engineering and economic research. RCUK works alongside the Office of Science & Technology (OST) to support the UK’s finest academic researchers and to ensure the best investment of public money in research.

The partnership is led by the RCUK Executive Group which comprises the eight Chief Executives of the Research Councils.


http://www.ost.gov.uk/



Science Budget 2005-06 to 2007-08

The Government is substantially increasing spending on science. Between 1997 and 2007 the science budget will have more than doubled, rising to £3.4 billion. This has enabled the Research Councils to substantially raise their support for research and make a major start repairing the scientific infrastructure.The announcement on 7 March 2005 breaks down the three years of Government spending on science (2005-08). Total spend will top £10 billion, reaching £3.4 billion in 2007-08.

Office of Science and Technology (OST)/ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)



Research Councils UK

Launched on 1 May 2002 Research Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership of the eight UK Research Councils. RCUK work scientifically, strategically and operationally alongside the Office of Science and Technology to champion research, training and innovation in the UK. The partnership is led by the RCUK Executive Group comprising the Chief Executives of the research Councils.

Research Councils are the main public investors in fundamental research in the UK covering a wide range of disciplines including bio-medicine, particle physics, the environment, engineering and economic and social research. RCUK works in conjunction with OST to support the UK’s finest academic researchers to ensure the best investment of public money in scientific research excellence.

The OST 2004 Review of RCUK recommended some re-organisation of the RCUK top level management functions. The report and implementation plan can be found at www.ost.gov.uk/research/council.htm. New arrangements for operation of RCUK are due to come into force in April 2005 but transitional arrangements commenced from October 2004. Under the new system, the RCUK Executive Group is responsible for all operational matters. This group meets monthly and is chaired by a Chief Executive, selected by its members.


The Research Councils

There are eight Research Councils, established under Royal Charter. The Department of Trade and Industry has statutory control of the Councils, supported by the Director General of Research Councils, Sir Keith O’Nions, in the Office of Science and Technology (OST). Council members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who is answerable to Parliament for the Councils’ activities.

The UK Research Councils are:

Biotechnology & Biological Science research Council (BBSRC);

Council for the Central Laboratory of the research Councils (CCLRC);

Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);

Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);

Medical Research Council (MRC);

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);

Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) became the eighth Research Council as of April 2005.

Further information about the Research Councils and their activities can be found at: www.rcuk.ac.uk


The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

www.epsrc.ac.uk

The EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. It works in partnership with universities to invest in people, scientific discovery and innovation to meet the needs of industry and society. Its work is complementary to other research investors including other research councils, government agencies, industry and the European Union. It actively engages in and encourages partnerships and collaborations across disciplines, boundaries and the world and actively promotes public engagement in science, engineering and technology.


Funding for Researchers

We fund research in a number of different ways. This section of the website will tell you about the various funding opportunities, as well as providing the Funding Guide, application forms and guidance on how to apply to EPSRC. One of our ways of funding research is through Calls for Proposals. These are requests for research proposals in specific areas.

We manage our portfolio of research through Programmes, each covering a broad area. In each programme area you will find information on how we operate, strategy for development of the programme, targets for the year ahead, and reviews and consultations.

We provide access to a number of Facilities and Services, such as high performance computing. Details of the services and how to apply to use them can be found in this section.

Research proposals are assessed using peer review, with those involved collectively called the peer review college. More information is available on who makes up the peer review college, along with forms and guidance for those undertaking the roles of referee or panel member.

Information for Grant Holders includes best practice in conducting research, advice on managing EPSRC research grants, and forms and guidance for completing Final Reports.


Programmes

We fund a dynamic and evolving research portfolio, extending from fundamental research in mathematics, chemistry, computer science and physics to more applied topics in engineering and technology. Our research portfolio is determined overwhelmingly by the research community and is delivered through programmes. The programmes are run by Programme Managers, supported by teams of Associate Programme Managers.

Each programme has its own objectives and strategies. These are formulated by Programme Managers after consultation with colleagues in academia, industry, government, learned societies, professional organisations and the Strategic Advisory Teams. Programme plans are endorsed by the Technical Opportunities Panel (TOP), the User Panel (UP) and by the EPSRC Council.

Programme Managers work closely together to identify important multidisciplinary opportunities. While the importance of maintaining and strengthening individual research disciplines is acknowledged, major breakthroughs often occur when researchers from related disciplines work together. Many EPSRC research activities are co-funded between programmes, with proposals specifically designed to encourage multidisciplinary collaborations. Major cross-EPSRC activities include Novel Computation, Crime Prevention and Detection Technologies and the IDEAS Factory. We also have an active Public Engagement Programme. We manage the Research Councils' Energy Programme and the Basic Technology and e-Science Programmes on behalf of all the Research Councils.

Longer-term priorities for EPSRC are provided in our Strategic Plan. A detailed statement of the Research Priorities and Opportunities identified within the EPSRC portfolio is also available. We welcome your comments on both of these documents.


Chemistry

Engineering

Information and Communications Technologies

Infrastructure and Environment Innovative Manufacturing

Life Sciences Interface

Materials

Mathematical Sciences

Physics

Energy

Basic Technology

e-Science Cross-EPSRC Activities


Chemistry Programme

Research and training supported by the Chemistry Programme covers a wide range of chemistry, extending to the boundaries with other disciplines such as physics, materials science, engineering and the life sciences. The majority of the Chemistry Programme research grant funding is allocated through responsive mode, and assessed through the Chemistry Panel.

The objectives of the Chemistry Programme are to:

Maintain the health of the chemistry discipline through the support of high quality research.

Support key areas of chemistry research that offer particular scientific and industrial opportunities.

Facilitate research opportunities at the interfaces with other disciplines.

Provide support for a sufficient supply of postgraduate researchers in chemistry with the skills required to meet the needs of industry, public bodies and academia.

Following the International Review of Chemistry which has highlighted the need for more adventure in research, adventure continues to be encouraged in responsive mode but separate pump-priming activities are also planned. The programme continues to recognise the importance of both core chemistry and outreach to other disciplines. The flexibility of EPSRC support through responsive mode and for postgraduate training will continue to be promoted.

The Chemistry Programme also funds national services in mass spectrometry, computational chemistry, solid state NMR, X-ray crystallography, EPR and chemical database.


Physics Programme

The Physics Programme supports a broad portfolio of research and training in the areas of atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, optics and lasers and plasmas.

The objectives of the programme are to:

Increase the understanding and exploitation of the fundamental properties of matter and energy through the support of leading edge research.

Enhance the excellence of the research base by supporting a high quality portfolio of research and postgraduate training.

Support a pool of talented researchers at all stages of their careers.

Enhance the performance of other disciplines and user communities through the provision of knowledge and trained personnel.

Responsive Mode plays an important role in supporting high quality science and the research community is encouraged to make use of its flexibility. Applicants must contact the Programme Manager or the relevant Associate Programme Manager for consultation regarding the submission of proposals above £1 million.

A full list of mechanisms available for supporting research and collaboration can be found in Funding Opportunities. The Physics Programme has available up to four Postdoctoral Fellowships in Theoretical Physics each year - see latest call for proposals (closing date 18 October 2005).


Calls For Proposals Bridging the Gaps Between Mathematical Sciences, ICT and Engineering EPSRC would like to encourage researchers in the mathematical sciences, information and communication technology (ICT), and engineering to bridge the disciplines in their university and work more closely together. Issued: 26/10/05 Closing Date: 19/04/06 Call for Proposals to use the EPSRC Laser Loan Facility Call for applications to the EPSRC Laser Loan Pool for loan of the Coherent Frequency-Doubled Argon-ion laser. Issued: 20/10/05 Closing Date: 28/10/05 Capacity Building in Complexity Science Bids are invited to develop interdisciplinary researchers at all levels, with both theoretical and experimental skills, in complexity science. Issued: 14/10/05 Closing Date: 14/12/05 e-Science Core Programme Senior Research Fellow Expressions of Interest are invited from candidates with outstanding and internationally recognised academic credentials in a relevant aspect of e-Science research Issued: 07/10/05 Closing Date: 10/11/05 IDEAS Factory: Scientific Uncertainty and Decision Making - Call for Participants This is a call for participants to take part in a five-day sand-pit to look for innovative ways to address the problem of scientific uncertainty and decision making. Issued: 21/09/05 Closing Date: 23/11/05


PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION

Complete Application Form

Send to EPSRC

Sent to 3-4 Referees

EPSRC

CommentsPANEL

RESULT

Comments

Response

1

2

3

45

6

7

8

REJECT

8

9


Responsive Mode

The majority of research funded by EPSRC is supported through responsive mode. The key features of responsive mode are:

No closing dates - applications may be submitted at any time.

No constraints on the field of research, providing the majority of it falls within our remit. Prominence is given to the applicant as the creative figure who determines the direction of the research.

Research quality, as defined by independent peer review, is the main criterion against which proposals are assessed.

Responsive mode funding can be used to support a wide variety of proposals, including feasibility studies, instrument development, equipment to support a number of research projects, overseas travel grants and visiting researchers, and long-term proposals to develop or maintain critical mass. Responsive mode funding is very flexible, with the scale of projects supported ranging from small travel grants to multi-million pound research programmes. High risk/high return research proposals, embracing new concepts or techniques, are particularly encouraged.

We welcome and actively encourage the involvement of industrial collaborators on responsive mode research proposals, particularly where the involvement can significantly help the progress of the research and the take-up of the research results. However, funding from a third-party is not mandatory.

Programme Managers and Associate Programme Managers are happy to discuss your ideas for responsive mode proposals before their submission. We particularly encourage discussion for proposals with a complex management nature, those involving large consortia or those consisting of more than one research theme.

In putting together a Case for Support for your proposal, you should consider how to best use the allowed page limits to reflect the nature of the project.

Proposals should be submitted using the Research Councils' Joint Electronic submission (Je-S) System. Select document type 'Standard Research'. Further information and guidance can be found in How to Apply.

PS700 [email protected]

CCLRC

The Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC or CLRC) is a UK government body that carries out civil research in science and engineering. It administers the UK's large scale facilities for materials research, laser and space science and alternative energy exploration on behalf of the government, the other UK research

funding bodies, universities, and corporate research and development.

It employs about 1700 staff at three locations:Chilbolton Observatory, near Stockbridge in Hampshire Daresbury Laboratory. at Daresbury in Cheshire Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Didcot in Oxfordshire


RAL

The Rutherford High Energy Laboratory was set up on the former RAF Harwell airfield between Chiltonn and Harwell in 1957, and merged with the Atlas and Appleton Laboratories in 1975 and 1979, respectively, to form the current laboratory. The CCLRC was set up to run RAL as well as Daresbury Laboratory in 1996.

RAL also hosts a number of other resources and services in particle physics, atmospheric sciences, space science, spectroscopy and renewable energy research.


PS700

The National Science Foundation (NSF)


The NSF – the US model – since 1950

Research funding begins with workshops and conferences to discuss the progress of science and engineering and what the US needs to accomplish in each field. Next, the agency publishes a notice about a funding opportunity (a "solicitation"), which invites researchers to submit proposals describing their ideas on how to meet a particular need.

At any time, scientists and engineers are also welcome to send in unsolicited proposals

Merit Review:

Criterion 1: What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity? Criterion 2: What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?


Advice on Writing Proposals

To apply for funding, you need to fill in an application form and prepare a Case for Support, a self-contained description of the project you are proposing.

The Case for Support should have 2 parts. Part 1 covers previous track record (maximum 2 sides of A4). Part 2 consists of a description of the proposed research and its context (maximum 6 sides of A4) and a diagrammatic workplan (maximum 1 side of A4). Font size 10 is the minimum font that is acceptable

More detailed information about what to include in a Case for Support is available.

If your Case for Support exceeds the page limit, or doesn't adhere to the specified format, your proposal will not be considered. More specific instructions for the format of the Case for Support may be given in certain funding opportunities and calls for proposals.

Writing a Good Case for Support

The Case for Support is your opportunity to convince your peers of why your proposed research should be funded.

A good case is clear, concise and not cluttered with technical jargon.

Where possible, say how your research project fits within EPSRC's mission and objectives.

What is exciting about the research? Try to convey this to your audience, in particular the referees. You need to convince these experts in your own research field about the value of your project.

Provide a convincing case for the originality of your proposal and describe your objectives clearly and succinctly. Proposals are not rejected just because others are doing similar work. But if you don't describe the novelty of your approach and the likelihood of success when compared with others, the value of your proposal may be questioned.

It's best not to leave it to EPSRC or your peers to ask the questions. Show that you have thought the proposal through and explain how it will succeed. Potential applications might be obvious to you but tell us what they are so we are left in no doubt.


What to Include in a Case for Support

The Case for Support should have 2 parts:

Previous track record

Description of the proposed research and its context, together with a diagrammatic workplan

References, images and annexes:

Lists of references should be included in the 6 page limit and should not be submitted as additional documents or as an annex.

Illustrations should be included in the 6 page limit.

CVs should be submitted for named staff or visiting researchers only (maximum 2 sides of A4) and submitted as an annex.

Quotes should be provided for all equipment items over £25,000 (including VAT) and should be submitted as an annex (no page limit).

Letters of support should be submitted as an annex (no page limit).


Part 1: Previous research track record (maximum 2 sides of A4), which should:

Provide a summary of the results and conclusions of recent work in the technological/scientific area which is covered by the research proposal. Include reference to both EPSRC funded work and non-EPSRC funded work. Details of relevant past collaborative work with industry and/or with other beneficiaries should be given.

Indicate where the applicant's previous work has contributed to the UK's competitiveness or to improving the quality of life.

Outline the specific expertise available for the research at the host organisation and that of any associated organisations and beneficiaries.

Provide a CV for each named Visiting Researcher, and include details of previous visits or collaborations with overseas scientists/engineers.


Part 2: A description of the proposed research and its context (maximum 6 sides of A4) together with a diagrammatic workplan, for example a Gantt Chart (maximum 1 side of A4). The description should include the following sections:


Background

Introduce the topic of research and explain its academic and industrial context.

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of past and current work in the subject area both in the UK and abroad.


Programme and Methodology

Identify the overall aims of the project and the individual measurable objectives against which you would wish the outcome of the work to be assessed.

Detail the methodology to be used in pursuit of the research and justify this choice.

Where relevant, describe the specific expertise provided by a Visiting Researcher. If more than one Visiting Researcher is proposed, reasons for selecting each should be given.

Explain why the proposed project is of sufficient timeliness and novelty to warrant consideration for funding.

Describe the programme of work, indicating the research to be undertaken and the milestones that can be used to measure its progress. The detail should be sufficient to indicate the programme of work for each member of the research team. Explain how the project will be managed.

Illustrate the plan with a simple diagrammatic workplan, e.g. PERT or Gantt chart


Relevance to Beneficiaries

Identify the potential impact of the proposed work.

Show who is likely to benefit from the proposed research. If the benefits do not directly relate to wealth creation and/or to improving the quality of life, give details of other beneficiaries and explain their importance; other research workers are legitimate beneficiaries.

Indicate any collaborations with beneficiaries and explain their role in the project.


Dissemination and Exploitation

Indicate the proposed dissemination and technology transfer routes and explain how the transfer of knowledge will take place to both beneficiaries and the general public.

Identify the mechanisms in place for identification, protection and subsequent exploitation of any exploitable results which may arise from the research (including details of any specific collaborative agreement, where relevant).


Justification of Resources

The resources requested in your research proposal must be fully justified.

All of the Directly Incurred elements of your proposal must be justified, including the effort and cost of all Research Assistants (even where they are named as a Co-Investigator).

The effort, but not the cost, of the Principal Investigator and any Co-Investigators (excluding Research Assistants named as Co-Investigators) must be justified.

Items under the Other Directly Allocated fund heading must be justified.

The Estates and Indirect Cost elements of the proposal do not need to be justified.

Where you do not provide explanation for an item that requires justification, it will be cut from any award made.














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PS700 Alan Chadwick; Ingram Room 219 THE RESEARCH COUNCILS