November 2008 Issue 67
Keeping you in touch with opportunities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
www.epsrc.ac.uk
UK physics in ‘good health’ EPSRC is working with sister Research Councils, Government and other funding bodies to take forward the recommendations of the Review of UK Physics. The review, commissioned by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and led by Professor Bill Wakeham, found UK physics was in a healthy state and also highlighted areas to help further strengthen the discipline. Professor Wakeham, vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “UK physics is strong but faces important challenges. Physics in the UK has seen significant changes over the last 20 years, and the community must be confident that the current configuration serves the best interests of the UK. “UK physics enjoys excellent international standing and the role of physics and physicists is vital for other disciplines. A significant proportion of physics research takes place in non-physics departments. This provides evidence of both the pervasiveness of the discipline and the flexibility of physicists, but physics departments need to make sure that they maintain intellectual ownership of some parts of their discipline. “The value of physics to the UK is such that relative weaknesses in its structures and in the skills pipeline must be addressed. We have identified these areas, so it is now a case of strengthening them so that UK physics can continue to grow in stature.” The review panel examined the international status, funding arrangements, university provision, school education, careers and skill supply of physics.
Many positive aspects were identified including a modest increase in undergraduate numbers between 2002 to 2005, high average citation rates within academic publications, and high global standing in areas including astrophysics and solar system research. EPSRC chief executive Professor David Delpy thanked Professor Wakeham and the review panel for their work. He added: “Our job now is to work with colleagues at our sister Research Councils, the Department of Innovation Universities and Skills and the Higher Education Funding councils to carry forward the recommendations.” Professor Ian Diamond, Chair of the RCUK Executive Group, added: “We are extremely pleased that such an in-depth report has been produced, as it will be invaluable in assessing the future direction for UK physics. “The past few years have seen substantial investment in physics by the UK government, particularly in international scale facilities which provide a strong bridge to other disciplines and which are well placed to make a significant impact on the nation’s economy.” To read the full report and the Research Councils’ response log on to www.rcuk.ac.uk Further information: www.rcuk.ac.uk
A chance to influence EPSRC is seeking nominations for its three principal advisory bodies, the Technical Opportunities Panel (TOP), the User Panel (UP) and the Societal Issues Panel (SIP). Membership comprises experienced figures from the academic, industrial, and commercial communities, and the panels help to formulate policy by advising the EPSRC Executive and Council. The deadline for applications is 26 November 2008. Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk/nominations
Professor Bill Wakeham who headed the Review of UK Physics
Inside 2 Cross-disciplinary questions and advice
2 Digital sandpit
3 Calls
Forthcoming EPSRC funding opportunities
collaboration 4 USopportunities
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Pleased to meet you POSTDOCTORAL, advanced and senior research fellows joined an enthusiastic contingent of EPSRC staff for last month’s biennial Fellowship Event, held at the University of Bath. Opened by EPSRC chief executive David Delpy, the event allowed delegates to develop future research partnerships, discuss issues of interest with EPSRC programme staff and to disseminate and explain their research through poster display sessions. Activities included a ‘human bingo’ question session and ‘speed dating’ in fast, five-minute pairings, to get everyone talking. Professor Delpy emphasised the need for fellows to collaborate strongly with other researchers and the users of research in industry and commerce and develop their entrepreneurial skills to make a real impact during their fellowship. Finally, he said that many of the ideas identified during the EPSRC strategy session – maximising the effectiveness of fellowships, developing diversity in the community and establishing a flexible approach – would be taken back for further development. In his address, Peter Grindrod, a mathematician from the University of Reading, encouraged fellows to take the lead in establishing entrepreneurial connections. The after-dinner speaker, Jeremy Watson, of Arup Research, also talked enthusiastically about the excitement of research innovation from concept to commercialisation. Awards for postdoctoral-level poster competition: Winner – Jennifer Hastie, University of Strathclyde, EPSRC/RAEng fellowship. 2nd – Amanda Wright, University of Strathclyde, EPSRC/RAEng fellowship. 3rd – Marina Kuimova, Imperial College, London. Left: David Delpy presents poster competition winner Jennifer Hastie with her prize.
Cross-disciplinary questions and advice
Digital sandpit to stimulate innovation
WITH increased cross-disciplinary approaches in all scientific fields, it can be difficult to know where to submit a research proposal. Some proposals will even cut across the remit of two or more Research Councils. If you have an idea for a cross-disciplinary research project and are unsure whether to submit to EPSRC or a sister Research Council, you can send the Cross-Disciplinary Interfaces Programme (C-DIP) an informal two-page outline of your proposal by email. C-DIP’s Gavin Salisbury said: “We consult colleagues within EPSRC and in the other Research Councils as appropriate to give you the best advice we can on how to proceed with your proposal. If the outcome is that your proposal would best be submitted to another Research Council, we will put you in touch with a suitable contact person to discuss your ideas further.” This is an entirely optional process, and no detailed costings or references are required at this stage. The outline should explain clearly the key features of your proposed project, highlighting the main scientific challenges to be addressed and how you plan to address them. A short description of the proposed workplan would be very useful. Please send your outline to Gavin Salisbury, Mark Orme or any member of the C-DIP team. You should receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your outline within one working week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact Mark Orme.
EPSRC has announced the first IDEAS Factory sandpit for the RCUK Digital Economy (DE) programme. It will take place from the 8-12 December 2008, and up to £4m will be available to fund collaborative research projects arising from the event. The aim of the sandpit is to stimulate thinking in new areas of DE and will focus on the impacts that the DE can have on business and how to address the associated research challenges. A one-day scoping workshop was held in September 2008 to discuss the challenges this sandpit should address. EPSRC’s Richard Bailey said: “To address the challenges identified in the scoping workshop, an innovative and multidisciplinary approach is needed. We are seeking expertise across Research Council boundaries, from any disciplines that can show how their expertise can address the challenges facing businesses.” The five-day sandpit is an interactive and free thinking environment where participants immerse themselves in the creative process. The director will be David Bott, director of Innovation Programmes at the Technology Strategy Board. During the sandpit, participants will explore the scope of the challenges and focus on possible solutions. These outputs then form the basis of highly innovative, collaborative research projects. Applications are invited from individual academic researchers who feel they can contribute to this event. Applicants should complete an expression of interest form, attached to the Call for Participants, that can be found using the link below. The deadline for applications is 6 November 2008.
Contact: Gavin Salisbury, gavin.salisbury@epsrc.ac.uk Mark Orme, mark.orme@epsrc.ac.uk
Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk/digitaleconomy www.epsrc.ac.uk/CallsForProposals www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/ Opportunities/Networking/IDEASFactory Contact: Richard Bailey, richard.bailey@epsrc.ac.uk
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Connect November 2008 Issue 67
Calls
To receive all the latest EPSRC call information direct to your inbox sign up for our weekly e-mail alert: www.epsrc.ac.uk/emailalert
Focussed-Ion-Beam Nanofabrication – Open Call for Access Closing date: 1 November 2008 Researchers from UK higher education institutions can apply for free access to use the focussed ion-beam nanofabrication facilities at the London Centre for Nanotechnology. Contact: Paul Warburton, p.warburton@ee.ucl.ac.uk
Partnerships for Public Engagement – 13th Call for Proposals Closing date: 11 November 2008 This call is for public engagement projects that communicate the excitement of fundamental and applied research in science and engineering. Contact: Katherine Miller, katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk
NSF/EPSRC Chemistry Call 2008 Closing date: 4 November 2008 The Physical Sciences Programme of EPSRC is participating in the 2008 call by the National Science Foundation (NSF) entitled ‘International Collaboration in Chemistry between US Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad’. Contact: Katie Daniel, katie.daniel@epsrc.ac.uk
MRC, EPSRC and BBSRC Discipline Hopping Grant Scheme Closing date: 12 November 2008 The scheme is designed to encourage researchers to develop imaginative ways of using techniques or expertise from the engineering and physical sciences to tackle biological or medical research questions Contact: MRC – Paula Clements, paula.clements@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk EPSRC – Caroline Batchelor, caroline.batchelor@epsrc.ac.uk BBSRC– Liz Hayes, elizabeth.hayes@bbsrc.ac.uk
Knowledge Transfer Accounts (KTAs) Closing date: 5 November 2008 We are inviting business cases from any organisation eligible to receive EPSRC grants but, to be successful in the competition, applicants will need to be able to point to a significant base of high-quality, EPSRCfunded research on which the proposed KTA will be able to draw. Contact: Alex Hulkes, alex.hulkes@epsrc.ac.uk
Energy and International Development: off-grid Electricity Generation in Developing Countries Closing date: 13 November 2008 This call is designed to address issues of rural electricity generation, or electricity coupled with complementary energy vectors such as heat and energy storage. Contact: Neil Bateman, neil.bateman@epsrc.ac.uk
Design in the Digital World – Call for Expressions of Interest Closing date: 6 November 2008 Call for participants to attend a five day residential event to be held in High Wycombe, 8-12 December 2008. Contact: Richard Bailey, richard.bailey@epsrc.ac.uk
Diet and Health Research Industry Club Closing date: 14 November 2008 Second call for applications that fall within the remit of BBSRC, but may also include aspects of MRC’s and/or EPSRC’s remit. Contact: Emma Feltham, emma.feltham@epsrc.ac.uk
Carbon Capture and Storage Closing date: 6 November 2008 Call for consortium proposals in underpinning research in Carbon Capture and Transport. Contact: Jacqui Williams, jacqui.williams@epsrc.ac.uk
NSF/EPSRC Materials Proposals 2008 Closing Date: 25 November 2008 The call is an initiative to foster opportunities for collaborative activities in materials research between researchers in the U.S. and the rest of the world. Contact: Susie Douglas, susie.douglas@epsrc.ac.uk
EPSRC-NPL Post-Doctoral Research Partnerships Closing date: 6 November 2008 An initial call for proposals under this Partnership is now open for grants in the areas of energy, software security, quantum electrical standards and quantum terahertz detection. Contact: Robert Heathman, robert.heathman@epsrc.ac.uk Alan Brewin, alan.brewin@npl.co.uk
Digital Economy Research Hubs Closing date: 26 November 2008 Proposals for large-scale multi-disciplinary Research Hubs are invited to address the major challenges in the Digital Economy by building critical mass, capacity and expertise. Only one bid may be led by a particular institution. Contact: Pamela Mason, pamela.mason@epsrc.ac.uk John Hand, john.hand@epsrc.ac.uk
Collaborative Research with China on Cleaner Fossil Fuels Closing date: 11 November 2008 Funding is available for UK-based researchers to build collaborations with researchers in China, where possible following on from earlier project missions, visits and discussions. Contact: Hayley Dash, hayley.dash@epsrc.ac.uk
Collaborative Research Opportunities in Energy with South Africa Closing date: 31 December 2008 The Research Councils’ Energy Programme would like to encourage new and innovative collaborative projects focusing on energy related engineering and physical sciences with South Africa. Contact: Jason Green, jason.green@epsrc.ac.uk
Senior Media Fellowships – Extensions Call 2009 Closing date: 11 November 2008 We invite current Senior Media Fellows to apply for an additional two years to build on their achievements in their current fellowship. Contact: Joanna Coleman, joanna.coleman@epsrc.ac.uk Katherine Miller, katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk
EPSRC/NSFC Joint UK-China Call in Nanospintronics Closing date: 27 January 2009 EPSRC and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) call for joint proposals between UK-based and China-based researchers focussing on the area of nanospintronics. Contact: Jonathan Williams, jonathan.williams@epsrc.ac.uk
Senior Media Fellowships 2009 – Call for Proposals Closing date: 11 November 2008 We invite applications for Senior Media Fellowships from leading academic researchers with media experience who wish to spend time working more proactively with the mass media. Contact: Joanna Coleman, joanna.coleman@epsrc.ac.uk Katherine Miller, katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk
Research Council Follow-on Fund – Call for proposals Closing date: 26 February 2009 Up to 12 months funding available to develop the commercial potential of ideas generated by EPSRC research grant funding. Contact: David Mahoney, david.mahoney@epsrc.ac.uk For up to date information and details of how to apply see www.epsrc.ac.uk
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Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
EPSRC Contacts Head of Materials Mechanical and Medical Engineering Annette Bramley 01793 444398 annette.bramley@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Information and Communications Technology Liam Blackwell 01793 444217 liam.blackwell@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Energy Multi-Disciplinary Applications Rachel Bishop 01793 444241 rachel.bishop@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Peer Review Susan Morrell 01793 444462 susan.morrell@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Digital Economy John Hand 01793 444394 john.hand@epsrc.ac.uk
Avoiding proposal delays A NUMBER of Justification of Resources (JoRs) forms are being returned to principal investigators because they are incomplete. This delays processing and can cause proposals to miss panel deadlines. The main reasons for returning JoRs have been: •
Listing rather than justifying – the JoR should explain why the resources requested are appropriate for the research proposed. It should not be simply a list of the resources required.
•
Items in the Je-S form not justified in the JoR, e.g. principal investigator (PI) and co-investigator (CoI) time – the JoR should explain the number of hours the PI and CoIs will spend on the proposal and what they will be doing.
•
Items in the Je-S form costed differently to the JoR or missing completely.
•
Asking for PI (or CoI) time to supervise a student – This cost is not allowed as studentships are exceptions to full economic costs and supervision is covered by the overall cost of the studentship.
Head of Nanotechnology and Next Generation Healthcare John Wand MBE 01793 444335 john.wand@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Knowledge Transfer John Baird 01793 444047 john.baird@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Mathematical Sciences and Public Engagement David Harman 01793 444304 david.harman@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Energy Research Capacity Jason Green 01793 444208 jason.green@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Engineering for Sustainability Philippa Hemmings 01793 444378 philippa.hemmings@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Cross Disciplinary Interfaces Kedar Pandya 01793 444317 kedar.pandya@epsrc.ac.uk Head of User Led Knowledge and Skills Alan Thomas 01793 442806 alan.thomas@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Infrastructure and International Jane Nicholson 01793 444065 jane.nicholson@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Physical Sciences Andrew Bourne 01793 444358 andrew.bourne@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Policy and Relationships for People Support Lucy Brady 01793 444147 lucy.brady@epsrc.ac.uk Maggie Wilson 01793 444333 maggie.wilson@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Business Relationships Emma Feltham 01793 444321 emma.feltham@epsrc.ac.uk Associate Director Research Capability Neil Viner 01793 444310 neil.viner@epsrc.ac.uk Associate Director Mission Programmes Alison Wall 01793 444176 alison.wall@epsrc.ac.uk Associate Director Research Base Programmes Clive Hayter 01793 444440 clive.hayter@epsrc.ac.uk Associate Director Economic Impact Vince Osgood MBE 01793 444084 vince.osgood@epsrc.ac.uk Senior Manager International Edward Clarke 01793 444438 edward.clarke@epsrc.ac.uk Senior Manager Public Engagement Joanna Coleman 01793 444209 joanna.coleman@epsrc.ac.uk IDEAS Factory Contact Susan Morrell 01793 444462 susan.morrell@epsrc.ac.uk
For current grant maintenance and grant assessment enquiries
To help you write a good JoR, EPSRC is updating the existing guidance. The guidance will be distributed to the university research offices and will also be made available on the EPSRC website. Contact: Emma King, emma.king@epsrc.ac.uk
US collaboration opportunities AS PART of its commitment to encouraging international links, EPSRC continues to participate in calls in materials science and in chemistry run by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the US. These calls are opportunities for collaboration between researchers in the US and the rest of the world. Since 2006, EPSRC has invested £7m in UK research as a result of this call. Both schemes are continuing to run in 2008 with the Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research call closing on 25 November and the International Collaboration in Chemistry call closing on 4 November. Applicants are subject to a single peer review process, carried out by NSF, which removes the double jeopardy issue that can be a significant barrier to international collaboration. More details are available on the EPSRC and NSF websites. The NSF calls are part of EPSRC’s wide-ranging international activity. In addition to maintaining the strength of UK research, EPSRC wants researchers to be able to collaborate with partners around the world to carry out high quality research. The opportunity to foster international links is also available through Responsive Mode which can provide funding for travel and subsistence for researchers to visit each other in different countries and the chance to fill researcher positions with people from abroad. Contact: Susie Douglas, susie.douglas@epsrc.ac.uk Further information: www.nsf.gov www.epsrc.ac.uk
Engineering Chris Elson 01793 444504 chris.elson@epsrc.ac.uk Technology Valerie Hibberd 01793 444560 valerie.hibberd@epsrc.ac.uk Science Jo Garrad 01793 444348 jo.garrad@epsrc.ac.uk EPSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Telephone: 01793 444000 www.epsrc.ac.uk Editor: Christopher Buratta, christopher.buratta@epsrc.ac.uk Circulation amendments: connect@epsrc.ac.uk © Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 2008. ISSN 1476-6485 Material may be reproduced providing the source is acknowledged.
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