Investing in our research capability

Colleagues can now apply for investment in equipment or infrastructure that will have a transformative impact on research capability and quality at the University.

The Annual Research Infrastructure and Equipment Fund, overseen by the University Committee for Research Infrastructure (CRI), considers major investments of values of £100,000 or more in science disciplines, and £40,000 or more in non-science disciplines, which will either have a transformative impact on research capability and quality or fund the replacement of strategically important equipment or infrastructure.

Applications will be scored against three criteria:

• strategic relevance
• potential to make a step change in capacity or capability
• value for money

Applications can be submitted from across the academic and professional services community. Multi-equipment bids that form a cohesive platform to enhance capability in a particular area are also welcome.

If applicants wish the Committee to consider bids for single items that fall below the threshold values (£100,000/£40,000 for science/non-science respectively), a threshold exemption request should be made of the CRI Chair (Professor Carol Wagstaff) ahead of submission.

There is also a separate fund to enable early career researchers to purchase small pieces of equipment of a value up to £30,000.

To apply, fill in an application form (where you’ll also find the full guidance) by 16:00 on Wednesday 14 December. Late applications will not be accepted. We recommend that colleagues ensure that they allow enough time to obtain any supporting statements as Research Division Leads may have several requests to deal with.

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture, Food & Health.