Useful Information

Thinking of applying for a grant? If the answer is yes, please read the following information carefully.

ALL applications for external research funding (including applications to UK research councils, British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, Wellcome Trust and other sources such as the EU or industry partners) must be processed through the FRO – there are NO exceptions to this rule. However, if you are at all unsure whether the above applies to you please contact the FRO asap.

Why do I have to contact the FRO?

1. AUTHORISATION
Applications must be authorised by your Head of School and the University to ensure schools are aware of the impact of awards (logistically and financially) and to ensure the university adheres to legal and financial regulations. It is the FRO that coordinates the costing and approval of all research applications for the faculty. The FRO also co-ordinates the internal peer review (if applicable) in consultation with your Head of School and Director of Research.

2. FULL ECONOMIC COSTING
All applications must be costed on a full economic costing basis to adhere to government guidelines about research funding. The FRO has access to the correct rates for indirect and estates costs which must be calculated for each application. The University must record the full economic cost of its research regardless of whether the funder will meet these costs.

3. ACCURACY
Costings must be accurate and correct. Mistakes at application stage could cause significant problems for your School and the University if a grant is awarded that does not meet the true costs of the research. We have access to software for calculating salary costs which accounts for the different requirements of funders, accommodating pay increases, pension contributions and inflation where necessary.

4. REF
For awards to be counted in the REF as research income they must be processed through the University’s grant management system and have a research grant number created at application stage.

When should I contact the Faculty Research Office?
The FRO Pre-Award Team welcomes enquiries from all members of the academic community at any time and we encourage you to contact us to discuss your specific plans or requirements at the earliest opportunity.