Fu IN ll L A is SID w t ar of E: ds R p4 ec -5 en t
Research Active The Newsletter of University of Kent Research Services, Vol 7 Issue 1, Sept 2012
AWARDS UP Almost £14m worth of grants and fellowships were won by Kent staff last year, the highest figure for three years. ‘This is a considerable feat in a time of recession when success rates with the major funders are at a historic low,’ commented Prof John Baldock. ‘It is a great testament to the hard work and commitment of Kent academics, and is recognition of the University’s high quality research.’ The Faculty of Humanities has shown the largest increase. From a five year average of £650k, the total value of awards to the Faculty rose to £2.4m. Prof Karl Leydecker, Dean, praised staff in his Faculty. ‘This is a huge achievement. Those in the Humanities have always had the potential to get funding, but there is now the self-belief and confidence necessary to apply for and get grants. These awards will give staff the time and money to undertake world class
research. They will make an enormous difference to their individual research profiles, as well as to the research culture within their schools.’ There were also big rises in other schools. In particular, KLS saw an increase from a five year average of £146k to £1.3k, Computing doubled its recent average of £561k to £1m., and SMSAS more than tripled its five year average (£260k) to get £920k. ‘I would like to thank all those who played a part in getting this funding’, said Prof Baldock, ‘including those in Research Services who supported the academics in preparing the bids. I especially want to thank all those involved in the new internal peer system whose input has helped to shape these proposals. ‘I would encourage all those who have not been successful not to lose heart. Times are tough, but these figures show that funding can be won even in a time of recession.’
New ERC Network Launched A new network for early career researchers (ECRs) is to be launched this term. ‘Supporting ECRs in developing their research profiles is crucial to the long term success of the University’, said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, who will be launching the Network on 5 October. ’This Network will give them an opportunity to
discuss common issues that they face, and to receive help and advice from more senior colleagues.’ Meetings of the Network will be integrated into the Grants Factory programme (see page 7), and will cover a range of subjects including ‘getting published in journals’, ‘developing collaborations’, and ’balancing the conflicting demands.’ For more information and to be included in the ECR Network, contact Phil Ward (p.ward@kent.ac.uk)
AWARDS 2011-12 Architecture
£129,480
Arts
£416,625
English
£652,351
History
£438,318
SECL
£799,439
Biosciences
£1,022,229
CMP
£923,166
Computing
£1,024,021
EDA
£1,380,789
Pharmacy
£316,155
SMSAS
£920,222
SPS
£311,219
SAC
£880,702
Economics
£46,855
KBS
£46,845
KLS
£1,273,635
Pol/IR
£55,088
Psychology
£16,214
Sports Studies £25,129 SSPSSR
£3,281,216
INSIDE THIS EDITION In Committee
2
REF Update
2
Overview of Funding
3
New Awards
4
Welcome to New Staff
6
Grants Factory 2012-13
7
Choice Cuts from the Blog
8
ResearchActive is edited by Phil Ward. Contact him for more information or clarification on any of the items in this edition. In addition, 1 for the latest from the world of research funding, go to fundermental.blogspot.com, or Twitter @unikentresearch & @frootle