Internal support processes
Once you have identified an appropriate source of funding you will need to notify internal support services of your intention to submit a bid.
Important next steps:
- Discuss your plans with your Director of Research and Innovation (DoRI) or your Head of School (HoS) and make sure that the School/Faculty is supportive of bids to this funder.
- Check whether there is an internal demand management process in place .
- Identify Faculty Research and Innovation Office (FRIO) and contact for support with costings/budget.
- Get internal approval to submit your proposal.
- Submit your proposal via the FRIO.
N.B. processes may vary by Faculty/School. Talk to your DoRI and FRIO who can advise on Faculty/School specific processes.
FAQs
Why do I need Faculty/School support?
UKRI covers 80% of the full economic cost (fEC) of doing research but some funders, particularly charities, cover less than this. Faculties and Schools have to recover the costs of doing research and this may mean that they have to restrict the number of applications to particular funders.
What are recoveries?
Cost recovery is a financial priniciple which ensures that organisations recover the full costs of delivering a particular activity, in the case of the University, research.
You can learn more about cost recovery for research, by reading the following guidelines: UCL guidelines on cost recovery.
How do I know if there is demand management in place?
If you identify a funding opportunity via PIVOT-RP, then this will be stated in the notes at the bottom of the page, alongside relevant contact information.
If you know which call you are applying for, information on demand management for specific calls is available via the staff intranet: demand management processes at UoL.
What is a FRIO and how do I contact them?
Faculty Research and Innovation Office. They support the pre-award submission process, including due diligence and costings, through to post-award set-up.
You can find a list of FRIO contacts on the staff intranet: accessing support via your FRIO.
How does the internal approval process work?
You can find out more about the internal approval process on the staff intranet: UoL research proposal approval process.
What other support is available as I prepare my bid?
Research and Innovation Development Manager (RIDM)/Research and Innovation Development Officer (RIDO). They provide pre-award support including advice on funder remit, support writing your research proposal, and review bids before submission. They can also help you to develop your networks and identify relevant expertise to add to your research team.
You can find a list of RIDM/RIDO contacts on the staff intranet: accessing support via your RIDM/RIDO.
There is support for various aspects of the research project lifecycle available within the Research and Innovation Service (RIS), including for Global research, EU Funding, Business Engagement, Contracts, and Commercialisation. You can browse RIS profiles on the staff intranet: accessing support via RIS.
What if I am applying to host an incoming fellowship?
Discuss with your Head of School in the first instance, to ensure that they are supportive and that the School can provide the appropriate resources required to host the fellow.
Who should I talk to about costings if my funding is an internal (UoL) award?
For support with costings and the budget where the funding comes from an internal source, you should talk to your Faculty Finance team.
What if I want to access philanthropic funding?
Contact the Advancement team to explore whether this route is suitable for your project: UoL Fundraising.