AHRC (UK) - Research Networking Scheme
Funding 2018-03-23
Summary:
Introduction
The Research Networking Scheme is intended to support forums for the discussion and exchange of ideas on a specified thematic area, issue or problem. The intention is to facilitate interactions between researchers and stakeholders through, for example, a short-term series of workshops, seminars, networking activities or other events.
The aim of these activities is to stimulate new debate across boundaries, for example: disciplinary, conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and/or international. Proposals should explore new areas, be multi-institutional and can include creative or innovative approaches or entrepreneurship. Proposals must justify the approach taken and clearly explain the novelty or added value for bringing the network participants together.
Although the Research Networking Scheme is primarily aimed at the development of new networks and interactions, existing networks can also apply where they are addressing a new or novel area.
The AHRC does allow international researchers to act as Co-Investigators on Research Networking proposals. Detailed information about eligibility, costs and application guidance can be found within the relevant sections of this guide.
Aims
The aims of the Research Networking Scheme are:
- to support collaboration and the exchange of ideas across boundaries, primarily between researchers in the arts and humanities, as well as with colleagues in other disciplines and other stakeholders, in order to explore a particular theme, issue or problem
- to enable groups of researchers and other stakeholders to explore ideas which could lead to tangible projects and maximise opportunities for advances in creativity, insights, knowledge and understanding in the area to be explored, with results of value both to the arts and humanities research community and to wider contexts where they can make a difference
- to encourage and enable researchers within the research community to involve new researchers and research students, as well as people or organisations from outside the academic and research community, in the discussion and development of ideas
- to foster (where appropriate) international collaboration and the development of strong academic links with overseas researchers, in order to develop understanding through engagement with different cultures and parts of the world, and to enhance research standards
- to provide a framework for the Arts and Humanities Research Council to learn of emerging areas of intellectual urgency and potential strategic importance, both within the UK and internationally, identifying key research challenges by building new collaborations as well as strengthening existing ones.
Proposals for full economic costs up to £30,000 for a period of up to two years may be submitted.
The exact mechanism for networking and the duration is up to you to decide but must be fully justified in the proposal. Costs within the £30,000 full economic cost (fEC) scheme limit should include all UK based activities. Such costs can include the Principal Investigator (PI), and Co-Investigator’s time on the project, administrative support, estates and indirect costs, costs involved in organising events, and travel and subsistence costs for UK participants.
A further threshold of up to £15,000 in addition to the £30,000 fEC may be sought to cover the costs of any international participants, co-investigator or activities.
Proposals will need to be submitted by an eligible Research Organisation (RO) but must involve collaboration with at least one other international organisation, as well as have significant relevance to beneficiaries in the UK.
Eligible costs above £30,000 limit are only those which can be directly attributable to international collaboration.
This scheme operates without formal deadlines. You are able to submit proposals at any time of the year and we will aim to inform you of the outcome within five months of submission.
The proposed start date of your project must be at least six months from the date of submission.
Case for support
You must outline clearly the rationale for the activities, approach and the research context in which they will operate by answering the following questions:
- What is the central theme of the proposed activity?
- Why is it important that this theme be explored?
- What is new and novel about the network?
- How will the questions be addressed?
- How will the proposed activities generate genuine and novel interaction across boundaries and so lead to advances in understanding?
You should also give details regarding the aims and objectives, the timetable for any activities proposed, proposed participants and key speakers, and plans for management and co-ordination, including the membership of any proposed advisory group or steering committee.
Provided that you meet the eligibility cri