Connect: Issue 74 by EPSRC

October 2009 Issue 74

Keeping you in touch with opportunities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

www.epsrc.ac.uk

Changes to grant application eligibility – a reminder to researchers – turn to page 2

Virtual meeting increases engagement EPSRC has piloted online seminar technology to launch a new Healthcare Partnerships initiative and to help improve engagement with the research community. September’s live ‘webinar’ – hosted by the Health Tech and Medicines Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) – proved highly successful and the technology could be used again to increase future engagement opportunities. The Healthcare Partnerships initiative is a part of EPSRC’s Towards Next Generation Healthcare (TNGH) programme; it will provide funding for high-quality collaborative research proposals that will broaden the EPSRC portfolio of research that has greater potential for translation into healthcare products and services through the involvement of SMEs and small charities. The webinar allowed EPSRC to share its vision for the initiative and invite researchers to participate in a live question and answer session. It also included an introduction to the KTN and their expertise in brokering partnerships. Dr John Wand, head of the TNGH programme, said: “We used the web technology to allow a wider audience to participate in the live meeting. It also allows additional interested parties to access the information through a recorded version posted on EPSRC’s website.”

He added: “This is the first time that EPSRC has specifically targeted collaborations with smaller charities and businesses, who will be expected to make a minimum contribution of £10k in cash, and we may review our approach to subsequent Healthcare Partnership calls depending on the response we receive.” The closing date for Expressions of Interest for the first in a series of planned calls is midday October 20, 2009. Following an Expressions of Interest review panel in November, successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in January 2010. Subject to the quality of the submissions received, up to £8 million is available for this call which is expected to fund between five and 15 projects. The TNGH programme builds on EPSRC's broad health related research portfolio which includes collaborations with major healthcare companies, the Department of Health, and other research councils. This collaborative approach will accelerate the transition from basic research to clinical products and practices – ensuring world class research changes lives for the better. Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk Weblink: www.htktn.org.uk/webinars/epsrc/ healthcare_partnerships_initiative Contact: Claire Wagstaffe, claire.wagstaffe@epsrc.ac.uk

Inside arrangements 3 Panel during forms transition

international 4 New chemistry meeting

forthcoming EPSRC 5 Calls funding opportunities

6 Impact website launched

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Changes to grant application eligibility – a reminder to researchers

TO ENSURE the research community is fully prepared for next year’s

In April 2009, EPSRC stopped accepting uninvited resubmissions of proposals. In addition, it will continue to explore different ways to encourage the adoption of submission strategies that will benefit all involved. These include: • Working closely with institutions to identify and share effective approaches to developing proposals and submission strategies. • Examining ways to increase the flow of information between EPSRC and the universities about success rates by institution and by department. • Using forums such as study days and college training days to promote best practice behaviour. EPSRC will carefully monitor the effects of these new measures introduced to help alleviate pressure on peer review as part of an ongoing process to help maintain and further develop a world-class research base.

changes to grant application eligibility – aimed at alleviating pressure on the peer review system – EPSRC would like to remind colleagues of its plans and how the details will be communicated. From April 2010, EPSRC will limit repeatedly unsuccessful applicants to submitting only one application (as co-investigator or principal investigator) within the subsequent 12-month period, and ask them to review their approach to submitting proposals.

“Peer Review lies at the heart of the funding system and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains as effective as possible.”

Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/HowToApply/RUA.htm

The policy was announced in April 2009, giving researchers a year to consider and modify submission strategies before it takes effect. In addition, a series of communications – with both universities and individuals – is planned in the lead up to April 2010 (see table page 3). As many researchers will know, the number of proposals received by research councils has doubled over the past two decades. This has placed huge pressure on the peer review system, including reviewers and panels. The new measures, developed in consultation with the academic community, will help alleviate pressure on all involved in the process. As part of the policy change, EPSRC is encouraging investigators to evaluate their approach to submitting proposals and, if appropriate, seek advice from colleagues about the application process or their submission strategy. EPSRC chief executive David Delpy said: “Peer Review lies at the heart of the funding system and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains as effective as possible. The changes planned next April will help achieve that goal.” He added: “We are working hard to ensure all researchers are aware of planned changes, that they understand the need for these changes, and have time, if required, to adapt their approach to submissions.” The changes are one of a number of measures aimed at improving the Peer Review system.

If you are unable to find the answer to your query, contact the relevant EPSRC portfolio manager for your research area.

Eligibility changes From April 2010, applicants with: Three or more unfunded proposals within a two-year period ranked in the bottom half of a funding prioritisation list or rejected before panel,

AND An overall personal success rate of less than 25% over the same two years, will be limited to submitting only one application within the subsequent 12-month period, and we will ask them to review their approach to submitting proposals.

Planned updates regarding changes to grant application eligibility Policy information available on EPSRC website. Regular updates on detailing policy changes in Connect.

September 2009

Discussions with a small number of universities that have the largest portfolios of EPSRC-funded activities regarding the number of academics at risk of being affected by the policy. These will be ongoing until the policy is live.

October 2009

Email to all EPSRC applicants restating policy.

December 2009

January 2010 Individuals (and their institutions) informed if at risk of being affected by the policy, if the policy were to be introduced at this point.

March 2010

• Individuals (and their institutions) informed if they are affected (i.e. limited to one proposal within subsequent 12 months). • Individuals (and institutions) informed if they are ‘one’ away from being affected by the policy.

April 2010 Policy live

Panel process during transitional phase EPSRC is currently going through a transitional period created by changes to proposal and reviewer forms. During this time measures have been put in place to ensure the different formats do not affect the outcome of the peer review process. Proposals submitted before May this year did not include impact plans, whereas those submitted after May will have included these plans. This situation will be dealt with by assessing the majority of pre-May proposals at autumn panels, and assessing post-May proposals (those with impact plans) at panels in late 2009. However, there may be instances where proposals on different formats are reviewed at the same panel. In these cases panel members will be given guidance to ensure this does not affect the ranking process. In addition to the introduction of the impact plans, reviewer forms have also changed. This means that some proposals submitted before May 2009 may have reviewer reports on the two different styles of form. All proposals

submitted after May will have been assessed using the new reviewer forms. Reviewers have been carefully briefed on how to review proposals submitted before the introduction of the impact plans, even if using the new forms. Reviewer responses show they have been able to do this effectively. All panel members attending panels affected by the mixture of reviewer forms will be given clear guidance on how to deal with this. Although the questions on the two reviewer forms have a different format and structure, their purpose is to elicit the same information. We are confident that panels will be able to use these to rank the proposals fairly and objectively. Contact: Emma King, emma.king@epsrc.ac.uk

Connect October 2009 Issue 74

International meetings to explore chemistry issues CHEMISTRY is ‘crucial to solving energy technology issues’ – that

Further CS3 meetings are planned in 2010 and 2011 in other areas of importance to both chemical science and society.

was the message from a new international chemistry symposium. The Chemical Sciences and Society Symposium (CS3) in Germany, co-sponsored by EPSRC, was the first in a series of planned events that will bring together internationally recognised researchers from across the globe to explore frontier chemistry research and its application to global challenges. To help achieve this aim EPSRC and the Royal Society of Chemistry have been working with funding agencies and professional societies in China, Germany, Japan and the USA. At the inaugural symposium, held in July, 30 leading international scientists met to discuss solar energy research. The event focused on four topics: artificial photosynthesis, using biomass to convert sunlight into usable energy, innovative photovoltaics, and the storage of solar energy. Delegates highlighted the following issues during the symposium: the importance of seeking cost-effective, sustainable solutions to the global energy challenge not just from the technologies of today but also the technologies of the future; that chemistry is crucial to finding solutions to energy technology issues; and that a new generation of energy scientists is needed to explore innovative, solar-based ways to meet the global energy challenge. Specific recommendations from the event regarding research needs in solar energy will be used to inform political decision makers, industry and the public.

Contact: Katie Daniel, katie.daniel@epsrc.ac.uk

Agreement with Brazil strengthens valuable research links A PIONEERING agreement has been signed between Research Councils UK (RCUK) and FAPESP, the Research Council for the State of São Paulo, strengthening existing valuable research links between the UK and Brazil. The Memorandum of Understanding will enable Brazilian and UK researchers to apply for funding through a single application and peer review process, removing some of the barriers facing international research collaboration. Researchers joined ministers and officials from both countries in celebrating this significant achievement. Professor Ian Diamond, chair of RCUK, welcomed the agreement: “This is a fantastic indication of the direction international collaboration is taking within the Research Councils. RCUK is dedicated to promoting the collaboration of best with best, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to widening opportunities for researchers, so that world-class researchers can work together on excellent research.”

Science Minister Lord Drayson said: “I am delighted that such an important agreement is now in place. Researchers in the UK and Brazil can reap the benefits from collaborating without worrying about having to go through separate application processes.” He added: “I am looking forward to seeing partnerships between the two countries grow stronger as they continue to share expertise and facilities in tackling international challenges such as food security and climate change.” Professor Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, Scientific Director of FAPESP, who represented Brazil at the signing, said the agreement would open up ‘exciting opportunities’. He added: “The agreement covers all fields of science and we are looking forward to receiving outstanding proposals, dealing with fundamental and applied research.” Further information: www.rcuk.ac.uk

Connect October 2009 Issue 74

Are you engaging? ARE YOU a Researcher or PhD student looking to give public engagement a try for the first time? Are you looking for funds to support your public engagement activities during National Science & Engineering Week 2010? If you are funded by one of the seven Research Councils, then funds of up to £2,000 are available per project to those wishing to engage public and schools audiences with issues relating to science and engineering. This is your opportunity to develop your communication and public engagement skills on a small scale. Applications are welcomed until 5pm Monday November 2, 2009. Further information: For more details and an application pack please visit www.rcuk.ac.uk/scienceweek. Contact: Cheryl Hewer, cheryl.hewer@rcuk.ac.uk

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

Healthcare Partnerships – Call for Expressions of Interest Closing date: 20 October 2009 This call invites Expressions of Interest for collaborative research proposals which address an important healthcare issue, and must include a non-academic partner. Contact: Claire Wagstaffe, claire.wagstaffe@epsrc.ac.uk Linda Sayers, linda.sayers@epsrc.ac.uk

BBSRC IBTI Club Call Closing date: 5 November 2009 The IBTI Club call, supported by a partnership between BBSRC, EPSRC, industry and the Bioscience for Business Knowledge Transfer Network, is an opportunity for chemists, engineers and biologists to work together to solve the challenges in biorefining. Contact: Kristine Cherry, kristine.cherry@bbsrc.ac.uk

Nuclear Fission – Call for proposals Closing date: 27 October 2009 Bids are invited from consortia against a series of identified research areas related to Nuclear Fission power generation. Contact: Stephen Elsby, stephen.elsby@epsrc.ac.uk

Partnerships for Public Engagement – 14th Call for Proposals Closing date: 11 November 2009 The Partnerships for Public Engagement (PPE) scheme provides opportunities for researchers to undertake public engagement projects related to their research interests. This call is for researchers with previous public engagement experience, including those with previous PPE awards. Contact: Katherine Miller, katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk Gill Stephens, gill.stephens@epsrc.ac.uk

Partnerships for Public Engagement Starter Grants – 1st Call for Proposals Closing date: 27 October 2009 The Partnerships for Public Engagement (PPE) scheme provides opportunities for researchers to undertake public engagement projects related to their research interests. Awards are aimed at active researchers, and their research groups, in partnership with outside specialists or partner organisations that can provide the necessary expertise. Contact: Katherine Miller, katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk Gill Stephens, gill.stephens@epsrc.ac.uk

NSF/EPSRC Materials 2009 – Call for Proposals Closing date: 11 November 2009 The NSF/EPSRC Materials Proposals 2009 call is an opportunity to participate in the ‘Materials World Network’ activity, which 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: Natalie Stear, NSFmaterials@epsrc.ac.uk

Royal Academy of Engineering / EPSRC Research Fellowships Closing date: 28 October 2009 The Royal Academy of Engineering and EPSRC are jointly offering up to ten Research Fellowships to outstanding researchers in engineering. Contact: www.raeng.org.uk

Royal Society Industry Fellowships 2010 – Call for Applications Closing date: 24 March 2010 The Industry Fellowship scheme funded by, amongst others, the Royal Society and EPSRC, aims to enhance knowledge transfer in science and technology between those in industry and those in academia. Contact: www.royalsociety.org

Novel Technologies for Stem Cell Science – Call for Proposals Closing date: 3 November 2009 This call will provide substantial funding to support cross-disciplinary collaborations to develop new technologies for characterisation, manipulation and monitoring for application in stem cell science. Contact: Kedar Pandya, kedar.pandya@epsrc.ac.uk

Digital Economy Research in the Wild Closing date: 31 March 2010 The Digital Economy Programme invites applicants to apply for shortterm funding to perform their ‘Research in the Wild’. This call is about allowing researchers in the Digital Economy to expose and test their research ideas with potential beneficiaries Contact: Dr Pamela Mason, pamela.mason@epsrc.ac.uk Mr John Hand, john.hand@epsrc.ac.uk

For upcoming ‘Future Calls’ go to www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/Opportunities/FutureCalls.htm

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

EPSRC Contacts Head of Materials, Mechanical and Medical Engineering Mark Claydon-Smith 01793 444440 mark.claydon-smith@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Information and Communications Technology Liam Blackwell 01793 444217 liam.blackwell@epsrc.ac.uk Head of Energy Multidisciplinary 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 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

Explore a world of impact EPSRC has launched a new website to demonstrate the impact of engineering and physical sciences research on society, the economy, quality of life and culture. IMPACT! world – part of EPSRC’s IMPACT! campaign – highlights how engineering and science is helping to build a better world and why it is so important to our future. The site features stories and films about some of the world-leading research funded by EPSRC, along with upcoming IMPACT! events. The campaign was launched at this year's Cheltenham Science Festival and EPSRC is working with a number of partners including NESTA and the Royal College of Art to create novel projects which will celebrate the many different ways research has impact. To sign up to the IMPACT! e-newsletter, and featuring impact case studies linked to topical issues, email impactnews@epsrc.ac.uk To explore the IMPACT! world visit: www.impactworld.org.uk

Head of Research Careers Strategy 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 444360 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 Katherine Miller 01793 444196 katherine.miller@epsrc.ac.uk

Refreshed EPSRC logo EPSRC has recently refreshed its logo and the new version is available to download from the EPSRC website. The logo can be used on all material and websites related to EPSRC-supported research. The website also contains reproduction guidelines, but if you require more information or the logo in a different format, please contact EPSRC’s publicity and marketing team.

IDEAS Factory Contact Susan Morrell 01793 444462 susan.morrell@epsrc.ac.uk

For current grant maintenance and grant assessment queries Engineering Chris Elson 01793 444504 chris.elson@epsrc.ac.uk Technology Valerie Hibberd 01793 444560 valerie.hibberd@epsrc.ac.uk Science Jan Tucker 01793 444046 jan.tucker@epsrc.ac.uk

Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk/Logos

EPSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Telephone: 01793 444000 www.epsrc.ac.uk

Contact: Joanne Enderby, joanne.enderby@epsrc.ac.uk

Editor: Christopher Buratta, christopher.buratta@epsrc.ac.uk Circulation amendments: connect@epsrc.ac.uk © Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 2009. ISSN 1476-6485 Material may be reproduced providing the source is acknowledged.