Q. I’ve not applied for external funding before – where do I start?
A. Talk to your Department / School Research Lead about your idea and to which funder you would like to apply. Your Research Lead can help identify what support you might potentially need such as mentoring. Also contact the Research Support Office who can let you know what other support is available and guide you through the Faculty and University procedures.
Please Note: external funding bids need to be submitted to the Faculty at least a fortnight before the external deadline so that time can be given for the Faculty Finance and Management approvals. The bid needs to be with the University for approval and sign off at least one week before the deadline. Please contact the Research Support Office as early as possible.
Q. How do I work out how much money to apply for?
A.The Faculty uses an ‘off the shelf’ costing tool called pFACT to calculate the full economic cost of your proposed research/consultancy. All staff can have access to pFACT and cost their own bids, however, you may find it useful to seek the support and help of the Research Support Office to put the costing together in the first instance. If you do use the pFACT tool yourself you must also get approval for the costing before including it in your bid document. Please contact the Research Support Office as soon as possible for advice and guidance on your costing.
Q. If my bid is successful, I’ll do the work as part of my allocation of research hours. Do I still need Faculty/University approval?
A.Yes - all applications for external funding where University resources (including staff time) are committed and where the university enters a contractual relationship with the funder require Faculty and University approval. Please contact the Research Support Office as soon as possible for advice and guidance.
Q. I've found a call for funding but the closing date is in a couple of weeks - can I just submit the bid?
A. No - you need to get Department / School and University approval before submitting a bid. Talk to your Department / School Research Lead and the Research Support Office as a matter of urgency.
Q. I've seen a call for funding which asks for an Expression of Interest / Outline Proposal - can I just apply without having to tell anyone?
A. No - talk to your Department / School Research Lead and the Research Support Office who can guide you through the procedures.