In this post Al Innes and Dr Charlotte Brady, of the Strategic Research Development Team, discuss the Pathways to Academic Independence training course, highlighting the Funding Landscape and Funders module, and give you an overview of what to expect in the module.
Pathways to Academic Independence
Funded Research: Pathways to Academic Independence is a new training course aimed at equipping researchers with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to secure their first fellowship or research grant, or improve the quality of future applications for existing first-time grant holders.
In our last blog post we went into detail on the first two course modules, focused on Planning for Success, giving an idea of what to expect. You can read that post here:
Funding Landscape Module: Navigating Complexities in Funding
For successful funding applications, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the funders that align with your discipline. Explore their strategic plans, understand the nuances of directive and responsive calls, and consider how your research fits within their funding priorities. This methodical approach increases your chances of securing funding that complements your research goals.
With this third module, it was our intention to introduce this landscape, give you an idea of where to get started with this familiarisation process and link into the preceding modules. This module will shed light on the mechanics of research funding – understanding how research receives financial support is crucial for sustaining your work.
The journey of an academic is marked by growth, and so too is the complexity of your funded research portfolio. As you advance in your career, the significance of understanding funding distinctions intensifies. Striving for a sustainable funding portfolio becomes imperative for schools and centres within academic institutions.
UKRI funding stands as a strategic cornerstone for UK universities, primarily due to its comprehensive consideration of the Full Economic Costs (fEC) associated with research projects. This holistic approach encompasses all research-related expenses, ensuring a more accurate representation of the funding required. However, it’s essential to recognize that while UKRI grants take into account the fEC, they typically cover only 80% of these costs. Universities are expected to bridge the gap by providing the remaining 20%. It’s important to note that this won’t affect your salary, though securing research funding can enhance your prospects for career advancement.
While funding models may seem intricate, they play a pivotal role in shaping your research trajectory. The nuances between funders can influence your ability to cover essential expenses, impacting the feasibility of your research projects.
Where can I sign-up for the course?
The Funded Research: Pathways to Academic Independence course can be accessed via the Learning Catalogue on People and Money. Either search for “Funded Research” in the Catalogue, or go straight to the course on P&M via
