BU Research Blog

We are pleased to announce a further call for applications to the Research Impact Fund and the Public Engagement funding stream 

The deadline for applications to both funds is Monday 28th February at 17:00. There will be two further Q&A sessions to answer any queries you may have about applying, at 14:00 on 21st February and 10:00 on 24th February. Links for booking via OD will be shared on the Research Blog when they are available. 

Applicants are strongly advised to contact Impact Advisors Beth Steiner or Amanda Lazar (RIF) or Engagement Officer Adam Morris (PER) to discuss their proposals.  

 Research Impact Fund

The Research Impact Fund is split into two strands:  

 What we’re looking for 

Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of how their own research – whether proposed or existing – can lead to impact. The UKRI defines research impact as “an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia”.  

How to apply 

Research Impact Fund. Please first read the policy and guidance notes. Then submit the relevant online form. PDF versions are supplied so you may preview the form, but must not be submitted. Supporting statements from HoDs may be submitted via email. 

Strand 1 application form 

Strand 1 application form pdf version 

Strand 2 application form 

Strand 2 application form PDF version 

Applications must be submitted by Monday 28th February at 17:00. If you have any questions about either of the funding calls, please email Amanda Edwards. 

Public Engagement funding stream 

This call is for researchers at all stages of their careers to support the development and delivery of public engagement with research activities. 

 What we’re looking for 

You will need to demonstrate that your proposed activity will involve a two-way interaction between you and your chosen public. The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) defines public engagement as “the myriad ways in which the activity and benefits of… research can be shared with the public”. 

“Engagement is, by definition, a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.” NCCPE 

How to apply 

Public Engagement funding stream Please first read the policy and applicant guidance. Then submit the online application form. A PDF version is supplied so you may preview the form, but must not be submitted. Supporting statements from HoDs may be submitted via email.  

Applications must be submitted by Monday 28th February.

If you’d like to discuss your application with Adam Morris (Engagement Officer), please make an appointment.

BU’s Research Principles 

Applications to the Public Engagement with Research funding stream are assessed by the Research Impact Fund Panel. To put the Research Impact Fund into strategic context, under BU2025, the following funding panels operate to prioritise applications for funding and make recommendations to the Research Performance and Management Committee (RPMC). 

There are eight funding panels: 

1. HEIF Funding Panel 

1. GCRF Funding Panel 

1. Research Impact Funding Panel 

1. Doctoral Studentship Funding Panel 

1. ACORN Funding Panel 

1. Research Fellowships Funding Panel 

1. Charity Support Funding Panel 

1. SIA Funding panel 

Please see further announcements regarding each initiative. 

These panels align with the BU2025 focus on research, including BU’s Research Principles.  Specifically, but not exclusively, regarding the Research Impact Funding Panel, please refer to: 

• Principle 5 – which sets of the context for such funding panels, 
• Principle 6 and Outcome 9 – which recognises the need for interdisciplinarity and the importance of social science and humanities (SSH).