diff --git a/_pages/funding/faq-3.md b/_pages/funding/faq-3.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..32be0da --- /dev/null +++ b/_pages/funding/faq-3.md @@ -0,0 +1,125 @@ +--- +layout: single +title: "DisCouRSE Flexible Fund - Round 3 - Frequently Asked Questions" +permalink: /funding/round-3/faq +toc: true +toc_sticky: true +--- + +The [third round of the DisCouRSE Network's Flexible Funding scheme](/funding/round-3) is accepting applications until **16:00 GMT on 11th December 2026**. +This page records answers to common questions we have received about the fund. + +TODO: Check all the questions are still valid for round 3. + +# Scope + +The call emphasises community building and joint applications but also mentions local context. What if the plan is trialling an approach with staff within the same team - would that be an undesirable approach? +: Requesting funds to trial an approach within a local team is welcome provided the application includes a concrete plan for the project to have an impact beyond that context, e.g. via open documentation and guidance for others to adapt and adopt. You might still want to consider including partners, to help you evaluate the work for example. + +Is an event that is aimed at introducing the dRTP profession to undergraduates via a series of events and talks within the scope? +: Potentially but unlikely. You would have to consider how it relates particularly to the leadership aspect of career pathways. Outreach tends to be more done at the entry level of the profession particularly if you are targeting undergraduates. However if your focus is more on developing the leaders who can effectively run those kinds of outreach events and build pathways that could be within scope. It might however fit better with some of the [other Network+ projects](https://www.cake.ac.uk/funds/) and we are happy to encourage you to apply to them instead. + +Can staff time be used to develop software that facilitates the project outputs? +: Yes, staff time is allowed to develop software as long as it is justified in terms of the project objectives and the overall project is in scope. With a few exceptions, as in previous rounds, a proposal focused on software development is unlikely to be funded. + +Would resources targeted at people moving into academic research from industrial research careers be in scope? For example -- people who have spent significant time in industry, but haven't necessarily done a PhD nor published many (any) papers nor led any funding calls, but have proposed, run, delivered useful R&D programmes, white papers? +: Yes, that’s definitely within scope. The community is quite varied and we don’t want to exclude any particular group or type of people, e.g. those that don’t have a PhD. + +For an institution without central RSE facilities, is it within scope to work with a School within the university that has some people doing RSE-type work (but under fixed-term research assistant/fellow jobs) to enable them to 'rebrand' the role and career path for future funding applications, through training/business case development etc? +: Yes. The project needs to be led by a dRTP but that doesn't necessarily mean your job title needs to be an RSE, data scientist etc. You might be a research fellow or an academic but if the bulk of your work falls within the research technical professional umbrella, then you would be eligible to be a project lead. + +Can this funding be used to pay for external consulting to help progress an idea/programme? +: Yes but with some constraints. We’ve referred to this in the [costing principles section](/funding/round-2#costing-principles). The amount of money going outside of the research sector (i.e. academia, research labs) must not exceed 50% of the total budget for the project (with the exception of strand 3 'cohort training' proposals). + +For projects that involve training, must the training be about leadership and careers for RTPs? Or could an RTP network apply for a project that coordinates the development of training material that the RTPs are responsible for providing? +: From [our background](/background) "Note that we do not directly address researchers who might need or possess dRTP skills, except in so far as they join the community. However, our training of dRTPs will enhance their ability to support and train researchers, so they benefit indirectly. Training the trainers in this way will achieve much greater impact from a limited budget. Thereby the UK in general will acquire a greater data-intensive research capability." So the focus has to be on training dRTPs rather than researchers who are not dRTPs. Of course, training aimed at dRTPs may also be relevant for researchers! + +Many of us work closely with non-dRTPs. How might projects involving non-dRTP colleagues or benefiting non-dRTPs fall within the scope of the call? For example, a dRTP might be responsible for capacity building in non-dRTPs. The dRTP would benefit from leadership skills to become a senior partner leading large capacity building projects, but the capacity building itself would still be aimed at non-dRTPs. +: As long as dRTPs will benefit in terms of leadership, skills, development, career pathways, and things related to that profession, even if it involves collaborators who are not in those roles, then it could be in scope. Emphasising the benefits for dRTPs is the most important thing, and this needs to be the focus of the project rather than incidental. + +How to apply for / cost grants etc. is often useful for leadership roles. Would workshops to support this sort of knowledge be in scope? +: Yes. It’s something that universities often provide but it’s unclear how much it's available outside of universities. + +Are existing projects or services eligible to apply for funding under this first call? If so, are there any particular expectations around how ongoing initiatives should frame their proposals in relation to the aims of DisCouRSE (e.g., leadership training, community building, or career pathways)? +: Yes, we're keen to hear from existing initiatives with ideas to build on their work in ways that are relevant to our aims under strand 2 'growth projects' in particular. + +Is there scope for a project to adapt our previous work on team culture/team equity in a laboratory context to helping digital and/or remote collaborations? +: Potentially yes but more details on the focus would be required, e.g. is it particularly focused on digital research technical professionals and how is that link made? + +How do the panel feel about software focussed projects that target a specific skill? +: Maybe! Technical skills are also clearly very important so projects that focus on those are still potentially relevant. One thing to be careful of is that if you are focusing on particular technical skills, there are several other projects running that are looking at this more specifically. We would advise you to check the [list on the CAKE website](https://www.cake.ac.uk/funds/) first in case they would be a better fit than DisCouRSE. + +Can project funding be used to purchase software tools for use in the project? +: Within reason, yes. We would not fund items that would normally be considered the responsibility of your institution to provide, i.e. that would be part of a well-found lab as UKRI term it. However software or licensing costs specifically for the project can be eligible if appropriately justified. Such costs are funded at 50% FEC. + + +# Eligibility + +Since most dRTPs work on fixed term contracts, is there any requirement as to the minimum time left in their contract to be a project (co-)lead? +: The dRTP needs to be guaranteed to be employed for at least as long as your project, to minimise the risk of the project failing to complete. You can make your project timeline short, e.g. 3 months if you’re only running one or two events. + +I'm in the same team as one of the DisCouRSE co-leads; can I apply for the fund? +: Yes! Only the DisCouRSE co-leads themselves are unable to be named on any proposal. + +If we want to involve the DIRECT framework team in our proposals, can they also lead or co-lead the bid? +: The co-leads of DisCouRSE cannot be leads or co-leads of proposals. However other members of the DIRECT framework team can be named. Such a project would have to be classified as a strand 2 'growth project'. + +Would you be able to elaborate a bit more on what leaders/leadership mean in DisCouRSE? +: It's very broad and we are purposely not being restrictive. People can lead in many different contexts. For example, you don’t have to be running a group - you can be supporting or leading within the community, being active in the community in a purely voluntary role (e.g. in the open-source world), be a technical expert, etc. It’s not just the managerial side and can include the mentoring and supporting of people. + +If my role name in the job description from the university is not in the exhaustive list, but my role aligns with the responsibilities of a dRTP, will I still be eligible to apply? +: Yes. Our list is not exhaustive as we don’t know all the job titles that might classify as a dRTP. There may be professions out there that we've not come across yet. If your job title is not on our list please write it into the application form so we can add it. + +The call states that projects must be led by a digital Research Technical Professional staff member. Does this **exclude** academic members of staff? For instance would a Lecturer in Digital Methods in a Department of Digital Humanities be eligible? +: If the work that you do incorporates a significant element of dRTP-like activity, then you are eligible to apply, no matter your formal job title or role. + +Will bids from diverse work contexts be favoured, such as digital humanities? +: We would very much like to be able to fund applications from multiple contexts, and strand 1 'pilot projects' are particularly emphasising this. + +Does applying to lead a project in this round exclude us from applying as project lead in future rounds? +: No. We’re expecting some people who lead projects in early rounds to be ready to reapply for more funds to continue to develop their projects. + +How can international associations become involved in applications? Can only staff costs be covered for those? +: The [specific rules for this are detailed on our funding page](/funding/round-2#international-collaborations). Collaborations, joint applications, etc. with international partners are welcome. The projects need to be led by a UK based organisation but international co-leads are welcome. Costs for international collaborators must be no more than 30% of the total project budget. + +Can people based at a company, charity, or similar lead an application? +: This was not allowed in round 1 but we have been able to relax this restriction for round 2. The contracting process may take longer so bear this in mind when planning your project's dates. We still encourage collaboration of course. + +Are UKRI Independent Research Organisations (IRO) considered as "Academia" for the purpose of the 50% of funding on pilot or growth projects needing to have 50% of costs to academia? +: Yes, any such organisations (including public sector research establishments and the like) approved by UKRI as eligible to apply for most funding schemes count as academia for the purposes of the 50% limit. + +Are PhD students eligible to be project leads? +: While project leads do not need to be academic members of staff, they do need to be employed by their organisation, which typically would exclude PhD students. However students can identify a dRTP mentor to lead the application and involve them in the project team, subject to any visa and/or working hours restrictions. + +Are proposals from people/projects that have also received funding from the UKRI DRI programme still eligible to apply? +: Provided your proposal is not for activities that form a part of your existing project - implying double funding - we would encourage you to apply. Our sense is that UKRI are keen for all projects within the DRI programme to collaborate closely. + + +# Application Completion + +Can we reach out to DISCOURSE co-leads for feedback on our ideas? +: Yes. You can contact the Management team through the [generic project email address](mailto:arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk) or if your project relates particularly to one of the [work packages](/workpackages), you can contact that co-lead directly. + +If the project is centred around software development conducted by a team but not all members have been decided, do they all need to be named, or is just the people who will leading that should be included in the application? +: Leads and co-leads must always be named, but other project team members can be listed as a generic 'role description' in the application form in this case. + +For researching our idea, is there anything we can read that outlines the common challenges faced by dRTPs in pursuing leadership roles and career progression? +: The [background page on the DisCouRSE website](/background) cites various articles and we are [collating more in our Zotero library](https://www.zotero.org/groups/6063965/discourse_network/collections/AS27J7T8/collection). Contributions are welcome! We can also recommend looking at and . It is worth exploring funders' websites but it is acknowledged that there are a lack of resources in this area. + +Could you explain what “funded at 80% of fEC” means? +: Each UK institution calculates the full economic cost of research to them. This varies between each institution as costs differ between them. To run a research project there are many other costs beyond those directly related to the project (such as paying salaries for the staff working on that project). For example, the costs of the building the people work in, support staff, estates management, etc. These comprise the “indirect” costs associated with the research project. UK public research funders don’t cover 100% of those costs - they will only cover 80% of the total budget including them. We have some [tables and guidance on our funding call webpage](/funding/round-2#funding-and-duration). + +Can projects in this round last less than a year? +: Yes. They cannot last beyond the end date specified but may finish earlier. + + +# Miscellaneous + +Will the slides be uploaded to the funding call page? +: Yes, [here](https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/cceacoo_ucl_ac_uk/IQA1KvMf3FeTTJswK0Ph0bj1ARxZ89Ntwt5k6_0y6Km4RUc?e=c2zecO), along with a [recording of the webinar](https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/cceacoo_ucl_ac_uk/IQC5eRdxw9qESpfonHRg3l2RAbYRt8iD720ma0UKPbNXg4g?e=IZtbZf). + +Should reviewers be based in the UK? +: Reviewers can be based anywhere. Please [apply to be a reviewer via this form](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_oivH5ipW0yTySEKEdmlwpofFxJMT1lCmEeJoickqdhURTFLUjE5NVc5WVdVSjI0OEk0NlY4RldFUSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl) if interested. + +What do we do if we've had an idea but can't fit it within the £15k budget ceiling? +: Consider either waiting for a subsequent round, which may allow for larger projects, or (better) re-scoping your project to begin with what can be delivered within the budget and seek follow-on funding later. diff --git a/_pages/funding/guide.md b/_pages/funding/guide.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f099a7e --- /dev/null +++ b/_pages/funding/guide.md @@ -0,0 +1,75 @@ +--- +layout: single +title: "Navigating Institutional Processes for Research Funding Applications: A Guide for RTPs" +permalink: /funding/guide +toc: true +toc_sticky: true +--- + +Every institution has internal processes for developing, costing and approving grant applications. While procedures vary between organisations, the principles outlined below are common across most UK universities and research institutes. + +# Engage with the right people + +- Research support office +- Departmental finance teams +- Departmental administrators +- Collaborator and partner organisations + +These people will help you put together the costings, make sure the correct funding scheme is used, and will help to arrange the necessary approvals. If you are the lead applicant, you will need to receive costings from any collaborators or partner organisations. + +# Understanding costing tools + +Most institutions use internal costing systems, such as WorkTribe or PURE, to prepare funding applications. These tools calculate: + +- Salary costs and pay inflation +- Estates costs +- Equipment and consumables +- Travel and dissemination costs +- Institutional overheads (indirect costs) + +The tool generates a budget that complies with both funder requirements and institutional policies. + +## What applicants need to know + +- Funders often have different eligible costs. +- The figure entered into the costing tool is not always the amount requested from the funder. +- Different funders award funding at different rates. For example, UKRI generally funds research council grants at 80% FEC, whereas many charitable funders do not pay overheads and instead fund eligible direct costs at 100%. DisCouRSE follows UKRI policy, since that is the source of our funding. + +## What is FEC? + +Many UK funders operate using Full Economic Costing (FEC). + +Full Economic Costing (FEC) represents the total cost of delivering a project, including: + +- Directly incurred costs (for example, staff employed on the project) +- Directly allocated costs (shared across multiple projects or activities and based on estimates) including: + - Estates costs +- Indirect costs + +[UKRI provides more examples of what falls in these categories](https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/develop-your-application/how-to-include-costs-in-your-application/). + +Funders do not always pay 100% of the FEC. Institutions may therefore contribute some costs themselves. You may see three columns within a costing tool: Cost to HEI (100% FEC plus inflation), Cost to Funder (the total value being requested), and Price to Funder (the amount expected to be awarded, for example 80% FEC for most UKRI research council grants). + +When costing the application, it is important to cost using the correct role description as your institutional costing tool will automatically calculate overheads based on this. [UKRI Guidance on roles and responsibilities](https://www.ukri.org/publications/roles-in-funding-applications/roles-in-funding-applications-eligibility-responsibilities-and-costings-guidance/#section-role-descriptions-and-responsibilities) is helpful here. + +For applicants, the most important questions are: + +- What proportion of FEC will the funder cover? +- Which costs can be charged to the grant? +- Which costs must be absorbed by the institution? + +Research support and finance teams can explain how these arrangements work within your organisation. + +# Supporting applications from RTPs + +Funding opportunities have traditionally been associated with academic staff, but many funders increasingly recognise the value of applications led by research-enabling, technical and professional services colleagues. This is especially true for DisCouRSE! + +As mentioned above, in 2023 UKRI changed the roles/responsibilities section, expanding the categories of project roles eligible to attract indirect and estates overheads to include Specialists, Technicians, and Professional Enabling Staff. This change helps to recognise the contribution of research-enabling and technical professionals while supporting more sustainable funding models. + +For example, RTP roles such as a research software engineer, data scientist, project manager or other technical professional making a direct contribution to the delivery of research should generally be costed in a way that reflects their research role, rather than being treated simply as administrative support. Incorrect classification can result in an inaccurate representation of project resources and may affect the level of cost recovery available to the organisation. + +# Internal approval and sign-off + +Most institutions require formal approval before submission. It is important that internal approval is received to avoid any delays if the grant is successful. Internal approvals can take longer than expected, particularly where commitments of institutional resources or matched funding are required. + +Once a grant is awarded, a collaboration agreement will be required. This often involves raising a contract request through the same system used to prepare and approve the costing. For most UKRI grants, including the flexible fund administered through the DisCouRSE project, funding is paid to the lead institution, which is then responsible for distributing funds to project partners in accordance with the collaboration agreement. diff --git a/_pages/funding/index.md b/_pages/funding/index.md index 4954b18..d9e06d5 100644 --- a/_pages/funding/index.md +++ b/_pages/funding/index.md @@ -7,7 +7,11 @@ sidebar: - title: Round 1 text: The [first round](/funding/round-1) closed in November 2025. Explore the [funded projects](/projects). - title: Round 2 - text: Our [second funding round](/funding/round-2) is open for applications from 13 April until 5 June 2026. + text: Our [second funding round](/funding/round-2) closed in June 2026. Explore the [funded projects](/projects). + - title: Round 3 + text: Our [third funding round](/funding/round-3) is open for applications from 21 September until 11 December 2026. + - title: Guidance for applicants + text: Tips and explanations about [navigating institutional processes](/funding/guide) - title: Volunteer to review text: Fill in your details at --- @@ -25,5 +29,15 @@ We always welcome volunteers to review applications in our funding rounds, givin ## Rounds 1. The [first round](/funding/round-1) of the DisCouRSE Network's Flexible Funding scheme closed at **16:00 GMT on 14th November 2025**. -2. The [second round](/funding/round-2) will open on 13th April 2026, with a closing date of **16:00 BST, 5th June 2026**. -3. The third round is expected in **autumn 2026**. +2. The [second round](/funding/round-2) closed at **16:00 BST, 5th June 2026**. +3. The [third round](/funding/round-3) will open on 21st September 2026, with a closing date of **16:00 GMT, 11th December 2026**. +4. The fourth round is expected in **spring 2027**. + +## Help in applying + +Many dRTPs have not been accustomed to leading research grants, and their organisation's processes may not be set up to make it easy for them. +Part of the motivation for the DisCouRSE flexible fund is to change this situation! +We have prepared some [guidance for applicants](/funding/guide) on typical issues to watch out for, and what some of the terminology you may encounter means. + +We are also launching a mentoring scheme with round 3 whereby the DisCouRSE management team or previous applicants can provide direct assistance. +If this is of interest to you then [get in touch](mailto:arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk). diff --git a/_pages/funding/round-3.md b/_pages/funding/round-3.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f5ccd42 --- /dev/null +++ b/_pages/funding/round-3.md @@ -0,0 +1,263 @@ +--- +layout: single +title: "DisCouRSE Flexible Fund - Round 3" +permalink: /funding/round-3 +sidebar: + - title: Key dates + text: "
  • Call opens 21 September 2026.
  • Submission deadline Friday 11 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
" + - title: FAQs + text: "[Answers to common questions](/funding/round-3/faq) are available and will be added to over time." + - title: Guidance for applicants + text: Tips and explanations about [navigating institutional processes](/funding/guide) + # - title: "Q&A Webinar" (TODO) + # text: ":calendar: Thurs 7th May 2026, 10:00 GMT
[Slides](https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/cceacoo_ucl_ac_uk/IQA1KvMf3FeTTJswK0Ph0bj1ARxZ89Ntwt5k6_0y6Km4RUc?e=c2zecO) and [recording](https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/cceacoo_ucl_ac_uk/IQC5eRdxw9qESpfonHRg3l2RAbYRt8iD720ma0UKPbNXg4g?e=IZtbZf) available" + # - title: Apply now + # text: | + # [Submit your application](https://discourse.grantplatform.com){:.btn .btn--primary} +toc: true +toc_sticky: true +--- + +The second round of the DisCouRSE Network's Flexible Funding scheme is about to open, and closes at **16:00 GMT on 11th December 2026**. + + + +# Key Dates + +| Date | Event | +| --- | --- | +| Monday 21st September 2026 | Call formally opens, submission system live | +| TBC | Informative webinar with Q&A | +| Friday 11th December 2026,
16:00 GMT | Submission deadline | +| By Friday 22nd January 2027 | Decisions notified to applicants | +| 1st March 2027 | Earliest possible project start date | +| 1st May 2027 | Latest possible project start date | +| 30th September 2028 | Latest project completion date | + +# Summary + +The DisCouRSE Network+ project aims to encourage and support the **development of leaders** of all kinds across all **digital Research Technical Professional** (dRTP) roles, primarily within the UK, resulting in an empowered and connected community equipped to shape the future of digital research. We have a twin focus on **leadership training** and **dRTP career pathways** – preparing the next generation of leaders and ensuring roles exist for them to lead within. + +Our flexible fund supports community-led projects aligned with this goal, enabling aspiring leaders to trial approaches to enhancing skills and career opportunities within their local contexts, build new connections through joint initiatives, and strategically assess options for future investment and activity. + +[Funding calls](/funding) will be released approximately every 6 months between autumn 2025 and autumn 2027. Later calls may be more targeted based on lessons learned from earlier projects and core DisCouRSE activities. + +# What we’re looking for + +This third call has **two strands**: + +1. **Pilot projects** in any area relevant to DisCouRSE’s aims. This category is focused on enabling and exploring new ideas, so we are particularly seeking applications from organisations that have not yet received DisCouRSE funding. +2. **Growth projects** building on **previous DisCouRSE funding** or **existing community initiatives**, particularly in one of the focus areas set out below. + +With pilot projects we are looking for novel ideas from the community, and hence welcome a wide range of proposal topics or approaches, provided they are relevant to DisCouRSE's overall aims. We especially want to expand the DisCouRSE network beyond our current contacts, so proposals from new individuals, organisations, or communities will be prioritised in our [review process](#how-we-will-assess-your-application). + +For growth projects we **strongly encourage** projects in one of the following areas, with such proposals prioritised for funding: + +1. working to implement dRTP career pathways in groups or organisations where they are limited or non-existent (linking to the work of other [DRI projects](https://www.cake.ac.uk/landscape/skills) such as [SCALE-UP](https://www.cake.ac.uk/landscape-skills-careers/scale-up/) or [TSN](https://itss.org.uk/tsn/) in this area could be beneficial), +2. community building among leaders in under-represented (within the DisCouRSE Network) professions, +3. environmental dRTP leadership, +4. expanding the use and broader uptake of the [DIRECT web app](https://directframework.com/), +5. developing or delivering dRTP leadership training. + +Any project proposing to create or deliver training **must**: + +1. include a [sustainability plan](#longer-projects-and-sustainability-plans), +2. align to [DIRECT](https://directframework.com/) in respect of learning outcomes, and +3. work with the [dRTP Skills Landscape Coordination Group](https://zenodo.org/records/21496700) to ensure complementarity with existing initiatives. Contact [Adrian Harwood](mailto:adrian.harwood@manchester.ac.uk) to discuss your project before submission. + +## General principles + +Proposals must demonstrate how the relevant dRTP community will be involved in their activities and a range of participation ensured, meeting EDI requirements. To meet our community building aims and avoid insularity, joint submissions are strongly encouraged. When building on or contributing to existing initiatives, prior engagement must be demonstrated. The involvement of expertise in co-production approaches is advised where appropriate. + +You must adhere to [UKRI open research policy](https://www.ukri.org/manage-your-award/publishing-your-research-findings/making-your-research-publications-open-access/) and [UKRI responsible innovation policies and guidance](https://www.ukri.org/about-us/policies-standards-and-data/good-research-resource-hub/responsible-innovation/). Projects will be expected to commit to open-source, open-data and open-innovation guidelines, and make all project outputs available to the dRTP community. If you require any constraints on this, you must justify why these are appropriate and beneficial for the community. + +[UKRI’s environmental sustainability strategy](https://www.ukri.org/publications/ukri-environmental-sustainability-strategy/) underpins our ambition to actively lead environmental sustainability as part of leadership development in dRTP roles, and we expect you to embed careful consideration of environmental sustainability in your project as appropriate. Your work may be informed by the [GreenDiSC](https://www.software.ac.uk/GreenDiSC), [GreenAlgorithms](https://www.green-algorithms.org/), and [NetDRIVE](https://eng.ox.ac.uk/netdrive/) initiatives. + +## Funding and duration + +- We anticipate funding: + - **up to 4 pilot projects**, each with a budget of **up to £15k at 100% full economic cost** (fEC) level; and + - at least **3 growth projects**, each with a maximum budget of **£50k at 100% fEC**. +- Projects are encouraged to ask for less than the maximum budget if they do not need it to deliver their goals, so that we can fund more projects. We will ask for revised budgets if costs are not well justified. +- Except where noted below, applicants will be awarded 80% of the full cost, and the institution receiving the award is responsible for the remaining 20%. + - Note that estates costs and indirects associated with staff posts **are eligible and encouraged** to include in the budget except as described below. + - When invoices are submitted they should be for 80% of the full cost and a statement should also be submitted showing the full cost. +- Projects should start between 01/03/2027 and 01/05/2027. +- Pilot projects must be at most 1 year in duration. +- Growth projects can run until the end of September 2028 + +## Longer projects and sustainability plans + +Growth projects seeking to run for over 1 year, or projects developing or delivering leadership training, must include a long-term sustainability plan in their application. +This does not need to be detailed, but it must give some indication of how the project's activity could be continued beyond the end of DisCouRSE funding. + +Where a project seeks DisCouRSE funding for more than 1 year, this is intended to be on a tapering basis, whereby DisCouRSE provides full funding for the first year of activity, but there is a plan to seek partial funding from other sources thereafter which can take over fully when DisCouRSE finishes (September 2028). The aim is to avoid a cliff edge scenario whereby funding and activity stop completely when DisCouRSE support is withdrawn. + +Note that a guarantee of other funding **is not required** to receive funding from DisCouRSE in this round. However you must include a realistic plan for how you will seek funding within your proposal. + +## What costs are eligible + +We will fund: + +- staff time, including of the project lead and co-leads, specialists, administrative support, etc. +- networking activities +- workshops, conferences and other events +- travel and subsistence +- equipment specifically to support networking, events and communication, for example to support the software and licencing costs of digital platforms to host events. This must be fully justified. Such equipment will be funded at 50% FEC. +- associated estates and indirects + +We will not fund: + +- studentship costs +- facilities costs +- laptops and similar standard IT equipment + +# Who can apply + +Standard [UKRI eligibility rules apply](https://www.ukri.org/councils/stfc/guidance-for-applicants/check-if-youre-eligible-for-funding/eligibility-of-applicants/), except that project leads and co-leads **do not need to be academic members of staff**. Your application must be led by an employed member of staff in a [UK-based organisation](https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/find-out-if-you-can-apply-for-funding). Eligible organisations include, but **are not limited to**: + +1. UK higher education institutions; +2. research council institutes; +3. UKRI-approved independent research organisations; +4. public sector research establishments; +5. NHS bodies with research capacity. + +In addition, projects **must be dRTP-led**. For a non-exhaustive list of dRTP roles, see . Projects that cross profession or discipline, or are led by an aspiring leader with a more experienced mentor, are particularly welcomed. + +You may not submit more than one application to this call as project lead. + +## Costing principles + +UK research organisations will be funded at 80% of the full economic cost (fEC). This includes Directly Allocated and Indirect costs. + +On a single application, the combined costs of all collaborating organisations from UK business, third sector, government organisations and any international partners must not exceed 50% of the total fEC of the grant application (at 100% fEC). In addition, no more than 75% of the number of leads and co-leads can be from such organisations. + +It is the responsibility of the project lead to ensure that all collaborators are from an organisation eligible to receive, and with appropriate systems in place to manage, the funding provided. + +## Business, third sector or government body collaborations + +Applicants based in UK business, third sector or government organisations will only be able to claim certain costs depending on their organisation type: + +| **Expense category** | **Business / Third sector in receipt of subsidy** | **Third sector** | **Government** | +| --- | --- | --- | --- | +| **Staff - Salary** | Yes | Yes | No | +| **Staff - NI/Superann** | No | Yes | No | +| **FTE limits** | 1 year FTE | No limit | Not applicable | +| **Travel & Subsistence** | Yes | Yes | Yes | +| **Other Direct Costs** | No | Yes | No | +| **Overheads** | No | Yes | No | + +Applications which include (co-)leads from the UK business sector or from third sector organisations must ensure that the involvement of these organisations complies with the UK [Subsidy Control Act 2022](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/23/enacted). This Act regulates how public funding is used to manage any advantage which threatens or actually distorts competition in the United Kingdom and/or any other country or countries (“UK Subsidy Control Regime”). + +## International collaborations + +Joint applicants based in non-UK organisations can be included as project co-leads (International). They may not be project leads and are not eligible to take over leadership of the project. The total costs claimed for international collaborators must not exceed 30% of the total full economic costs of the project. + +In general, we will fund 100% of eligible costs, where these have been sufficiently justified. For non-UK research organisation, overheads will be paid at 20% of the international research organisation’s directly incurred staff salary costs. Indirect costs may not be charged on non-staff related direct costs (for example, equipment, consultancies and conferences as well as travel and subsistence). For non-UK business or third sector organisations, the eligible costs follow the same criteria as for UK business or third sector guidance above. + +# How to apply + +Applications must be made via the GoodGrants platform at . You will be required to register on the platform to submit your application. +You can download a full list of the application questions from the submission home page, without needing to register first. + +You will need to seek institutional approval for your application, and this process often takes several weeks. Ensure you start early enough! +{: .notice--warning} + +To apply: + +1. Go to the DisCouRSE submission website: {: .btn .btn--primary} +2. Register for an account, if required +3. Choose the appropriate application form for your desired strand and click on “Begin application” or "Apply" +4. Fill out the information on the first “Start here” tab, including the project title and dates, and click “Save + next”. This will also save your draft application so you can return to it later. +5. Complete all the tabs before submitting the application. Using the “save + next” buttons will navigate one page at a time, or you can jump to a specific section using the tabs at the top of the panel. +6. Once you have completed all the mandatory application questions, you can submit your application. You will receive an email notification confirming receipt. +7. You can continue to edit your application after it has been submitted, up until the deadline, and the latest version saved will be the one reviewed. + +The project lead is responsible for completing the application process but we expect all team members and project partners to contribute to the application. Please note that some information that you provide in your application will be shared publicly as noted in the form, or with UKRI as stated in [the call Terms and Conditions](/assets/docs/Flexible-Fund-Terms-Template-20260616.pdf). Information you provide will also be used by the DisCouRSE project team and our external Advisory Board to evaluate the funding scheme and inform the design of future calls. We will handle personal data in line with UK data protection legislation and manage it securely. Except for published information, all data will be deleted by the end of the DisCouRSE project (30th September 2028). + +The submission platform also allows you to download a copy of your submitted application, or withdraw it by choosing the “Delete” action. +More [guidance on using the platform in general is available from GoodGrants](https://help.goodgrants.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4405817472271-Ultimate-guide-for-applicants). + +## Help in applying + +Many dRTPs have not been accustomed to leading research grants, and their organisation's processes may not be set up to make it easy for them. +Part of the motivation for the DisCouRSE flexible fund is to change this situation! +We have prepared some [guidance for applicants](/funding/guide) on typical issues to watch out for, and what some of the terminology you may encounter means. + +We are also launching a mentoring scheme with round 3 whereby the DisCouRSE management team or previous applicants can provide direct assistance. +If this is of interest to you then [get in touch](mailto:arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk). + +# How we will assess your application + +We will operate a rapid three stage assessment process for pilot projects and growth projects. We reserve the right to modify this process if required. + +## Stage 1: DisCouRSE Management Board sift + +The DisCouRSE Management Board will perform an initial review of the applications against the remit and scope of the call, and correct completion of the application form. Projects without a clear relevance to DisCouRSE’s aims and the call expectations, or with ineligible applicants, will be rejected at this stage. + +## Stage 2: Panel review of proposals + +Applications that are within remit will then be reviewed by an expert review panel convened especially for the call, composed of a mix of members of the Network team and volunteers from a range of dRTP roles, to ensure fairness and balance. Panellists will be required to abide by the [Nolan Principles](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life). Conflicts of interest will be declared and managed to ensure reviewers are not involved in the scoring or discussion of proposals with which they have a conflict. + +Each proposal will be independently scored by 3 members of the panel against the criteria given in the submission form (the bullet point lists labelled “**What the assessors are looking for in your response**”). The scores for each criterion are added to give an overall pre-score, with the Vision scores weighted double. Panel discussion will then determine a consensus score for each proposal and hence which are considered fundable, and produce brief feedback for applicants. + +We [strongly encourage particular kinds of proposal above](#what-were-looking-for). +These focus areas are taken into account when scoring the Vision section of proposals. +Submissions outside a focus area are still permitted, but will not score higher than 'partially met' for fit to the remit of the call, and will therefore be less competitive. + +Any proposal which does not achieve at least an average score of 'partially met' on each criterion may be rejected as unfundable, regardless of its overall score. + +## Stage 3: Funding allocation by DisCouRSE Management Board + +The DisCouRSE Management Board will then take a portfolio view of ‘fundable’ applications to decide on the final allocations of funds, to ensure fair distribution across types of activity, profession, geography, and discipline. Where a set of applications is considered too similar, higher scoring ones in the set will be preferred. Management board members will not discuss applications at this stage with which they have a conflict of interest. The process will be reviewed by our independent Advisory Board to ensure fairness. + +# Expectations for funded projects + +Projects will be required to agree to [standard Terms and Conditions](/assets/docs/Flexible-Fund-Terms-Template-20260616.pdf) based on UCL’s standard terms for grant sub-contracts, with modifications to ensure that intellectual property remains owned by the applicants. The [template Grant Agreement is available here for you to review](/assets/docs/Flexible-Fund-Terms-Template-20260616.pdf). This contract is the same as that used in round 2. + +It is worth alerting your research contracts team to these terms when seeking approval to submit. +If they have specific concerns you are advised to contact us well in advance of the submission deadline. +{: .notice--info} + +Summaries of funded projects will be published on our website once the awards are accepted. + +Funded projects must provide short monthly reports to the DisCouRSE Management Board [via a quick form](https://forms.office.com/e/jFTujubhZt). Financial invoices must be provided quarterly to UCL. + +A named member of the DisCouRSE Management Board will be allocated to each project as the primary point of contact. + +Project outputs must be disseminated through DisCouRSE’s channels, including our [Zotero library](https://www.zotero.org/groups/6063965/discourse_network). + +Funded projects will need to submit a final report summarising their achievements and plans for follow-on work. They will also be interviewed by their DisCouRSE contact at appropriate intervals to assess the impact the work has had, and any support the network can offer going forward. + +# Call for reviewers + +If you decide not to apply in this round, we need **reviewers for applications**, giving you an excellent insight into the process to inform a future application. + +[Volunteer to review](https://forms.office.com/e/KB10mVSAZZ){: .btn .btn--primary} + +Reviewing is a chance to: + +- Influence the direction of the Network by helping select impactful projects. +- Gain insight into the breadth of activities happening across the dRTP space. +- Develop your own leadership skills by contributing to community decision-making. +- Strengthen your CV with recognised service to a national UKRI-supported network. + +We especially welcome reviewers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and those at different career stages. +If you’ve never reviewed before, don’t worry: guidance will be provided. + +There are also [other networks and similar projects](https://www.cake.ac.uk/landscape/skills) within the UK Digital Research Infrastructure landscape at present that will have funding calls during the next few years, and we are seeking to share reviewers. +So, even if you can't help us in this round, please [share your details with us](https://forms.office.com/e/KB10mVSAZZ) if you might be willing to review for another round or another project. + +Reviewing for this round will take place between **15th December 2026 and 8th January 2027**, +with a panel meeting on Teams during the week commencing **Monday 11th January 2027**. + +We anticipate that reviewers would need to score up to 10 applications each against the criteria given in the call. +The total time commitment is likely to be a couple of days at most. +Each application will be scored by 3 reviewers, and the reviewer panel will then agree consensus scores collectively. + +# Contact us + +For questions related to this funding opportunity please contact [arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk](mailto:arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk). + +We also welcome feedback from all applicants on the funding process to inform our subsequent calls. +