Pump-Priming
Purpose
Bayes Business School operates a research pump-priming scheme which supports projects on new topics that have a high likelihood of being published in 3* or 4* journals; projects that have genuine potential to attract external funding but are not yet sufficiently mature to attract mainstream funding; and projects that can lead to strong impact case studies with end users of the research.
The pump-priming scheme is operated by the School’s Research and Enterprise team, under the direction of Professor Bobby Banerjee, Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise. Funding decisions are made by the research development panel (RDP) which consists of the heads of faculty and the AD for research.
Awards will be made on the basis of research excellence. All applications will be considered on merit but are most likely to be supported if the application:
- Is in line with School strategic developments, most notably, that the award will contribute to the School’s preparations for the next Research Excellence Framework
- Demonstrates a commitment to publish in 3* or 4* journals
- Demonstrates a commitment to seek external research income
- Is likely to lead to enhanced links or engagement with other institutions, business, community or the public.
Projects aiming to establish links with these end users of the research or that benefit several Bayes faculty are
more likely to be funded. Applicants should also set out what research activities will be enhanced by the partnership and how these might be achieved.
Assessment criteria
Applications are reviewed internally against the following criteria:
- Research excellence
- Need for funding. Do you have funds in your personal balance account?
- Likelihood of meeting the aims and objectives
- Significance or importance of the planned research
- Clarity of proposal
- Potential to attract external funding
- Potential to generate impact case studies
- Research time frame and resources required to undertake the project
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from all Bayes academic and research staff. However, preference is given to staff who are either relatively new to Bayes or to academia, and those who have not led projects before. In reaching a judgement about the added value any pump priming will bring, established researchers will need to pass a higher threshold than junior ones, also they will be expected to show clearly why no other sources of funding are available. An application may be submitted by more than one academic, with 1 person acting as the lead.
Resources
Pump-priming awards may be up to £5,000.
Eligible costs include: the hiring of short-term research staff, purchasing of equipment, data or software. The scheme does not normally fund academic travel, except if it is needed for data collection. Pump-priming funding will not fund standalone travel and subsistence, conference attendance, networking costs, teaching-buy-out, writing of research papers, or the writing of grant applications.
Funds awarded but not spent after 18 months, may be reclaimed by the School. Staff who are leaving Bayes will lose access to the pump-priming funds previously allocated to them from the time when they hand in their notice to leave.
Length of award
It is expected that the project will be completed within eighteen months of being awarded the grant.
Reporting
Successful applicants are required to submit a short report [1 page max] on expenditure and research outcomes, upon project completion.
How to apply
Applicants need to download and complete the pump-priming application form
Applications may be made at any time, subject to available funds. Applicants can expect to be informed of the funding decision within a month of submitting their application or more quickly if the proposal is urgent.
Completed applications should be submitted to Fiona Henderson. Please e-mail the application as an attachment. In some cases, an application may be referred to Bayes Research Committee for a final approval.