Posts By / Jo Garrad

NEW: STFC delivery plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of the Science and Technology Facility Council’s delivery plan for 2019.

STFC supports research in particle physics, astronomy, nuclear physics, and space science, most of which is undertaken as part of international collaborations. They also plan, design, construct and operate world-class multidisciplinary facilities used by academic and industrial researchers across the remit of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Their national facilities (the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the Central Laser Facility and Diamond Light Source) are the powerful ‘microscopes’ of the 21st century, imaging matter at the atomic scale. They also drive innovation, leading to the creation of new businesses, supporting the delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and generating wider social and cultural impacts. Their national research and innovation campuses at Harwell and Sci-Tech Daresbury bring together world-leading facilities, academia and business, providing a coherent focus for this activity.

 

NEW: BBSRC delivery plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s delivery plan for 2019.

BBSRC has identified three key elements as fundamental to achieving their plan and vision:

Firstly, for BBSRC to be strategic and forward-looking, building on their strong foundations and developing the talent and infrastructure that are key to a vibrant research ecosystem; supporting discovery research and transformative technologies to advance the frontiers of knowledge; building the bioeconomy and ensuring bioscience contributes to addressing strategic 21st-century challenges relating to sustainability of resources, food and agriculture, and health.

Secondly, to build strong partnerships as an open, collaborative, collegiate council. They already partner in many different ways, within UKRI, nationally and internationally, and will use their catalysing and convening power to seize new opportunities to work across traditional boundaries.

Thirdly, to invest in people by continuing to support research careers through studentships and fellowships, as well as nurturing the talent within BBSRC (the people who provide the vital links to our research community and stakeholders), whilst embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in everything they do.

 

NEW: MRC delivery plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of the Medical Research Council’s delivery plan for 2019.

MRC’s mission is to improve human health through world-class medical research, from fundamental science to early clinical trials and preventive medicine. For the good of society, they strive to find better ways to treat and prevent disease and to advance people’s health worldwide. Working in partnership with other UKRI councils, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and devolved administrations, the NHS, charities and industry, they are a dynamic organisation continually evolving and embracing new opportunities to achieve a mission first framed over a century ago.

 

NEW: NERC delivery plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of Natural and Environmental Research Council’s delivery plan for 2019.

NERC science is essential to forming and delivering policy that makes it possible for the environment, people and businesses to succeed together. The UK public recognise this work as critically important and in their consciousness it is only matched by future health challenges, to which environmental considerations are increasingly linked. According to NERC’s 2017 Public Attitudes survey, 76% of the public want to understand more about the science they fund.

 

NEW: ESRC Delivery Plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of Economic and Social Research Council’s delivery plan for 2019.

All the key opportunities and challenges for the UK have people and behaviour at their core. Raising productivity, realising the full potential of medical and technological advances, coping with an ageing population, addressing climate change and improving public services will all require a rich understanding of how individuals, firms, markets, communities and governments behave and interact.

ESRC supports social science that generates this rich understanding.

 

NEW: EPSRC Delivery Plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s new Delivery Plan.

To realise their vision, this delivery plan (DP) identifies three complementary high-level objectives. First, they aim to generate economic impact and social prosperity by exploiting their existing and future research base to deliver a productive, connected, healthy, resilient nation. Second, they will unlock the potential of engineering and physical sciences research by stimulating and challenging the research community to open up new areas of science, as well as by supporting talented people and strengthening engagement with research users and business. Third, they aim to enrich the engineering and physical sciences landscape by providing the foundations for world-class research, which means attracting the most talented researchers, providing state-of-the-art research infrastructure at laboratory and national scale, and managing their portfolio so they can rapidly position themselves in new, ground-breaking areas. They have also identified four priorities associated with each of these three high-level objectives and developed a suite of near-term actions for each priority.

 

NEW: UKRI Delivery Plan 2019

BU research, Research news

Today sees the launch of UK Research and Innovation’s new Delivery Plan. This is an overarching delivery plan and you can find here individual delivery plans for all of the nine funding bodies that come under UKRI.

UK Research and Innovation has unveiled how it will spend £7.46 billion in 2019-20, while it continues to roll out ambitious plans on interdisciplinary research, open access, research integrity and skills. You can find an overview of the delivery plans on the new site for Research Professional.

EPSRC seeking council members

BU research

UK Research and Innovation brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England. We work to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Each Council is led by an Executive Chair, supported by a council of between five and 12 members.

The councils have a pivotal role in ensuring the success of UK Research and Innovation, helping it achieve its strategic objectives to be the single, strong voice of UK research and innovation, and building on our world-leading reputation.

The council members have a range of expertise and experience in research and innovation across higher education, industry and commerce, policy and/or civil society reflecting different characteristics and professional backgrounds. The exact membership takes into account the specific needs of each council.

EPSRC logoEPSRC as part of UK Research and Innovation is using Green Park to recruit two additional posts, looking for individuals who are either active researchers in a fundamental area of EPSRC‘s remit or who are a user of EPSRC research from an industrial or government perspective. If you have relevant expertise and experience Green Park would like to hear from you. To view the candidate brief and how to apply please visit the Green Park council recruitment page.

The closing date is 12 noon on 22 July 2017.

Research Professional – all you need to know

BU research, Funding opportunities

Every BU academic has a Research Professional account which delivers weekly emails detailing funding opportunities in their broad subject area. To really make the most of your Research Professional account, you should tailor it further by establishing additional alerts based on your specific area of expertise. The Funding Development Team Officers can assist you with this, if required.

Research Professional have created several guides to help introduce users to ResearchProfessional. These can be downloaded here.

Quick Start Guide: Explains to users their first steps with the website, from creating an account to searching for content and setting up email alerts, all in the space of a single page.

User Guide: More detailed information covering all the key aspects of using ResearchProfessional.

Administrator Guide: A detailed description of the administrator functionality.

In addition to the above, there are a set of 2-3 minute videos online, designed to take a user through all the key features of ResearchProfessional. To access the videos, please use the following link: http://www.youtube.com/researchprofessional

Research Professional are running a series of online training broadcasts aimed at introducing users to the basics of creating and configuring their accounts on ResearchProfessional. They are holding monthly sessions, covering everything you need to get started with ResearchProfessional. The broadcast sessions will run for no more than 60 minutes, with the opportunity to ask questions via text chat. Each session will cover:

  • Self registration and logging in
  • Building searches
  • Setting personalised alerts
  • Saving and bookmarking items
  • Subscribing to news alerts
  • Configuring your personal profile

Each session will run between 10.00am and 11.00am (UK) on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You can register here for your preferred date:

25th Jun 2019

23rd July 2019

27th August 2019

These are free and comprehensive training sessions and so this is a good opportunity to get to grips with how Research Professional can work for you.

Have you noticed the pink box on the BU Research Blog homepage?

By clicking on this box, on the left of the Research Blog home page just under the text ‘Funding Opportunities‘, you access a Research Professional real-time search of the calls announced by the Major UK Funders. Use this feature to stay up to date with funding calls. Please note that you will have to be on campus or connecting to your desktop via our VPN to fully access this service.

EPSRC funding calls timeline and new schemes

Funding opportunities

EPSRC logoThis is rather whizzy! The EPSRC have created an ‘Investment timeline’, which sets out major calls under various strategies, including, ISCF, GCRF, Future Leaders Fellowships, Strength in Places, etc. It also sets out new schemes that are being introduced shortly. Have a look here to see what’s coming up over the next 18 months.

You can click on each of the calls for more information.

Research Professional – all you need to know

BU research, Funding opportunities

Every BU academic has a Research Professional account which delivers weekly emails detailing funding opportunities in their broad subject area. To really make the most of your Research Professional account, you should tailor it further by establishing additional alerts based on your specific area of expertise. The Funding Development Team Officers can assist you with this, if required.

Research Professional have created several guides to help introduce users to ResearchProfessional. These can be downloaded here.

Quick Start Guide: Explains to users their first steps with the website, from creating an account to searching for content and setting up email alerts, all in the space of a single page.

User Guide: More detailed information covering all the key aspects of using ResearchProfessional.

Administrator Guide: A detailed description of the administrator functionality.

In addition to the above, there are a set of 2-3 minute videos online, designed to take a user through all the key features of ResearchProfessional. To access the videos, please use the following link: http://www.youtube.com/researchprofessional

Research Professional are running a series of online training broadcasts aimed at introducing users to the basics of creating and configuring their accounts on ResearchProfessional. They are holding monthly sessions, covering everything you need to get started with ResearchProfessional. The broadcast sessions will run for no more than 60 minutes, with the opportunity to ask questions via text chat. Each session will cover:

  • Self registration and logging in
  • Building searches
  • Setting personalised alerts
  • Saving and bookmarking items
  • Subscribing to news alerts
  • Configuring your personal profile

Each session will run between 10.00am and 11.00am (UK) on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You can register here for your preferred date:

21st May 2019

25th Jun 2019

23rd July 2019

27th August 2019

These are free and comprehensive training sessions and so this is a good opportunity to get to grips with how Research Professional can work for you.

Have you noticed the pink box on the BU Research Blog homepage?

By clicking on this box, on the left of the Research Blog home page just under the text ‘Funding Opportunities‘, you access a Research Professional real-time search of the calls announced by the Major UK Funders. Use this feature to stay up to date with funding calls. Please note that you will have to be on campus or connecting to your desktop via our VPN to fully access this service.

EPSRC supporting flexible research careers

BU research, EPSRC, Guidance

EPSRC logoWhether you want to continue with existing university or external activities, have caring responsibilities or are returning from a career break, EPSRC is committed to provide support both as part of your initial application and should your situation change over the course of your grant. With this in mind, we welcome applications from academics who job share, have a part-time contract, or need flexible working arrangements.

Read EPSRC’s blog post on this topic to see what’s available to you as an applicant and existing grant holder.

In addition, EPSRC wish to ensure the support they offer is flexible in practice as well as in principle, and are interested to hear your views. Throughout April they will have a survey open where you can share your experiences of where their support has and has not worked for you and help them improve their guidance and policy. A separate survey is available for students.

Research Professional – all you need to know

BU research, Funding opportunities

Every BU academic has a Research Professional account which delivers weekly emails detailing funding opportunities in their broad subject area. To really make the most of your Research Professional account, you should tailor it further by establishing additional alerts based on your specific area of expertise. The Funding Development Team Officers can assist you with this, if required.

Research Professional have created several guides to help introduce users to ResearchProfessional. These can be downloaded here.

Quick Start Guide: Explains to users their first steps with the website, from creating an account to searching for content and setting up email alerts, all in the space of a single page.

User Guide: More detailed information covering all the key aspects of using ResearchProfessional.

Administrator Guide: A detailed description of the administrator functionality.

In addition to the above, there are a set of 2-3 minute videos online, designed to take a user through all the key features of ResearchProfessional. To access the videos, please use the following link: http://www.youtube.com/researchprofessional

Research Professional are running a series of online training broadcasts aimed at introducing users to the basics of creating and configuring their accounts on ResearchProfessional. They are holding monthly sessions, covering everything you need to get started with ResearchProfessional. The broadcast sessions will run for no more than 60 minutes, with the opportunity to ask questions via text chat. Each session will cover:

  • Self registration and logging in
  • Building searches
  • Setting personalised alerts
  • Saving and bookmarking items
  • Subscribing to news alerts
  • Configuring your personal profile

Each session will run between 10.00am and 11.00am (UK) on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You can register here for your preferred date:

23rd April 2019

21st May 2019

25th Jun 2019

23rd July 2019

27th August 2019

These are free and comprehensive training sessions and so this is a good opportunity to get to grips with how Research Professional can work for you.

Have you noticed the pink box on the BU Research Blog homepage?

By clicking on this box, on the left of the Research Blog home page just under the text ‘Funding Opportunities‘, you access a Research Professional real-time search of the calls announced by the Major UK Funders. Use this feature to stay up to date with funding calls. Please note that you will have to be on campus or connecting to your desktop via our VPN to fully access this service.

Last chance – RDS Academic and Researcher induction

BU research, Research Training, RKE development framework

The Research Development and Support (RDS, formerly RKEO) invite all ‘new to BU’ academics and researchers to an induction.

Signpost with the words Help, Support, Advice, Guidance and Assistance on the direction arrows, against a bright blue cloudy sky.This event provides an overview of all the practical information staff need to begin developing their research plans at BU, using both internal and external networks; to develop and disseminate research outcomes; and maximising the available funding opportunities.Objectives

  • The primary aim of this event is to raise participants’ awareness of how to get started in research at BU or, for more established staff, how to take their research to the next level
  • To provide participants with essential, practical information and orientation in key stages and processes of research and knowledge exchange at BU

Indicative content

  • An overview of research at BU and how RDS can help/support academic staff
  • The importance of horizon-scanning, signposting relevant internal and external funding opportunities and clarifying the applications process
  • How to grow a R&KE portfolio, including academic development schemes
  • How to develop internal and external research networks
  • Key points on research ethics and developing research outputs
  • Getting started with Knowledge Exchange and business engagement

For more information about the event, please see the following link.  The tenth induction will be held on Wednesday, 3rd April 2019 in Melbury House.

Title Date Time Location
Research Development & Support (RDS) Research Induction Wednesday 3rd April 2019 9.00 – 12.00 Lansdowne Campus

9.00-9.15 – Coffee/tea and cake/fruit will be available on arrival

9.15 – RDS academic induction (with a break at 10.45)

11.25 – Organisational Development upcoming development opportunities

11.30 – Opportunity for one to one interaction with RDS staff

12.00 – Close

There will also be literature and information packs available.

If you would like to attend the induction then please book your place through Organisational Development and you can also visit their pages here.

We hope you can make it and look forward to seeing you.

Regards,

The RDS team

Je-S unavailable for 4 days in March

BU research, Guidance

If you are preparing an application to UKRI or any of the research councils, or you have an awarded project that requires either maintenance or end of award actions, please take note of the following:

From 17:00 GMT on Thursday 21 March to 08:30 GMT Tuesday 26 March 2019 the Je-S system will be unavailable.

Working closely with UKRI, UK SBS will be renewing and moving the IT infrastructure that supports the grant administration services for UKRI and their Councils, known as Je-S. To complete this work the Je-S system will be unavailable for a 4 day period, including the weekend between 17:00 Thursday 21 March – 08:30 Tuesday 26 March.

This is mainly an infrastructure change and there will be no effect on the functionality or look and feel of the Je-S system itself.

Please also note that Je-S email addresses are being changed from RCUK to UKRI. The following from email addresses will be changing for Je-S automated emails:

Current email                  New email

JeSHelp@rcuk.ac.uk       JeSHelp@je-s.ukri.org

Je-S1Help@rcuk.ac.uk   Je-S1Help@je-s.ukri.org

Je-SHelp@rcuk.ac.uk     Je-SHelp@je-s.ukri.org

NERC invites env.sci. community to submit new ideas for highlight topics

BU research, Research news

NERC is now seeking ideas for research challenges that should be priorities for strategic research investment through highlight topics. NERC would welcome ideas from both researchers and those who use environmental science research.

Ideas for new highlight topics should be submitted by 15 May 2019 using the new online submission form.

Refreshed guidance is available on the call for ideas for strategic research page, to explain what they are looking for, how to submit ideas, and how NERC staff can help.

2018 saw the fifth cut-off for ideas for highlight topics and a summary of ideas received is also available on the call page. The outcome of the last round and the successful awards will be available on the NERC website soon.

Ideas will have a lifetime of a single round to ensure they remain timely. All submitters of ideas received by NERC will receive feedback on their ideas, and there are no restrictions on resubmission of ideas that have not been used to develop potential investments.

NERC encourages ideas from all parts of the environmental science community and NERC staff are available to discuss potential ideas and provide advice. If you have any queries on the process, or would like advice on a potential idea, please contact them at idea@nerc.ukri.org in the first instance, and they will put you in touch with a NERC colleague who can help.