Research support
The Research Support Office, part of the Research and Business Development Office (RBDO), assists staff with the preparation and submission of research grant applications to research councils, charities and the EU. It offers advice and guidance on the preparation of grants, costings and possible sources of funding.
All research applications for external funding must be agreed formally by the university before they are submitted whether or not the funding body requires such agreement. All applications must therefore be submitted to the Research Support Office in time to enable this authorisation to be sought. This means that neither academic staff nor Deans of School are authorised to submit funding applications or tenders without university agreement. The university will not, however, agree to support a bid where the School has not already given its approval. This ensures that:
- The income requested is sufficient to cover the costs being incurred (have salary costs been calculated correctly? Have all recoverable costs been included?);
- The requirements of the university have been applied (have indirect costs been recouped at the agreed rate? Is income being maximised?);
- The guidelines of the funder have been followed;
- The School involved has demonstrated its commitment to the bid should the bid be successful (has the resources available to undertake the work in accordance with the award);
- The university can accept the grant, if it is successful (the grant would not contravene university policy or directives; the university is in a position to be able to undertake the work in accordance with the terms and conditions of the funder);
- The university can compile accurate information on bids made, successful awards and income streams.
