Connect A scheme
Introduction
The Connect A scheme facilitates and promotes new partnerships between universities and research institutes and public/private sector science users (industry, business, commerce or public sector agencies). The funds are for planning and initiating collaborative research not eligible for funding through other schemes (LINK, KTP, CASE or contract research).
Funds will support two basic types of pump priming activities.
- Proof of concept proposals for a specific research activity relating to ideas emerging from the science base that have potential application but have a high degree of technical risk and perhaps lack a clearly defined end user. Project costs sought should be those eligible under standard NERC research grants.
- Costs for workshops or seminars on a theme both partners are interested in. Participants should be from both communities. Funding can be sought for accommodation, hire of audio-visual equipment, travel costs for speakers/rapporteurs and ancillary costs.
Applications are assessed according to the criteria below; we may seek the advice from the peer review college.
- Degree of user involvement in the proposed activity.
- How the UK economy will benefit.
- Novelty of the proposal.
- Cost effectiveness of approach.
- Need: urgency, and inability of other schemes to respond.
- Likelihood of this leading to a proposal for a co-funded project (e.g. Partnership Research Grant).
Awards
Awards are made up to £4 000 for the total directly incurred costs per application. NERC pays the standard proportion of full economic costs (see the NERC Research Grants Handbook for full details).
Eligibility/Requirements
The call is open to applicants based in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), NERC Research and Collaborative Centres and recognised academic analogues; full eligibility criteria are available from the Research Grants Handbook.
Applications should fall within the NERC science remit.
- Partners may contribute to project costs (in cash or kind).
- Applications must demonstrate how NERC's contribution will add value.
- Collaborating bodies can be co-applicants although we can only award funds to the science base side of the partnership.
How to apply
Application is via the forms available from the Research Grants Forms & Handbooks page, where you will also find guidance notes.
Please do not use the Je-SRP1 form.
Closing date
There are no closing dates applications are accepted and processed at any time.
Further information please contact Andrew Richardson.
