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Follow-on Fund

Applications are invited to the third round of the 2009-10 Follow-on Fund, for proposals falling within NERC's remit. Closing date: 27 January 2010.

Introduction

This is a 'proof of concept' fund to support the commercialisation of ideas arising from research funded by:

  • Natural Environment Research Council
  • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council
  • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council
  • Science & Technology Facilities Council

NERC wishes to maximise the economic impact of its investments and one way of doing this is by supporting the Follow-on Fund.

These funds will help scientists to develop research ideas to a stage where commercial opportunities (eg licensing, seed or equity funds) can be secured. Funds can support further scientific and technical development of an idea, though applications may involve some activities towards improving an intellectual property position, market research or investigating potential licensees and joint ventures.

Examples of projects funded through the Follow-on Fund are given in the 'Other business applications' section of Case Studies.

Awards

There are two schemes to apply for:

Follow-on Fund Pathfinder

This scheme supports small-scale, specific activities that can help develop a better understanding of future work needs. In this respect, it may be beneficial to submit a Pathfinder proposal prior to a full Follow-on Fund application. Further information on this can be obtained from Andrew Richardson. Up to £20k can be sought through this scheme to carry out work that will help you develop a greater understanding of the commercial aspects and possibilities of the research.

Follow-on Fund

This is the main scheme, with no limit on the amount of funding that can be sought. However, as support is only provided for a maximum of 12 months, the amount sought should be reasonable according to the work to be carried out (typically between £80k and £100k). NERC pays the standard proportion of full economic costs (see the Research Grants Handbook for full details).

Whilst the award of a Pathfinder grant is not a formal requirement for subsequent application to the full Follow-on Fund scheme, earlier pathfinder-type work may often be beneficial in developing the full proposal. For further information on this, contact Andrew Richardson.

Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) or equivalent have an important role to play in the development of Follow-on Fund applications. NERC's Follow-on-Fund Assessment Panel will be looking for evidence of TTO involvement and buy-in.

Eligibility/requirements

The fund is open to researchers in UK universities and research council institutes with current or past research council funding. Applications for follow-on support must build on the outputs of recent or previous NERC-funded research activity.

How to apply

Please make your applications to the NERC Follow-on Fund through the Je-S system, which can be accessed through the links to the right.

From September 2009, an Impact Summary must be included with an application. This is a mandatory section of the Je-S form.

Closing dates

Follow-on Fund: 27 January 2010 (future closing dates are: 3 June 2010 and 29 September 2010).
Follow-on Fund Pathfinder: there is no closing date for this scheme, applications can be submitted at any time.

Useful documents

To find out more, please download the documents you need from the list below.

Follow-on Fund Pathfinder

Announcement of Opportunity (April 2008)

Application form guidance notes (April 2008)

Follow-on Fund

Announcement of opportunity (updated Jan 2010)

Application form guidance notes (updated April 2008)

General information

Guidance notes for Technology Transfer Offices (updated April 2008)

Frequently asked questions (updated Nov 2007)

For further information please contact Andrew Richardson.