Internal funding opportunities

Research Pump-priming Scheme

Purpose

Cass 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, or projects that have genuine potential to attract external funding but are not yet sufficiently mature to attract mainstream funding.

The pump-priming scheme is operated by the School's Research and Enterprise team, under the direction of Professor Igor Filatotchev, Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise.

Aims

Awards will be made on the basis of research excellence. All applications will be considered on their merits 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 2014 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 with other institutions, business, community or public engagement.

Assessment criteria

Applications are reviewed internally against the following criteria:

• Research excellence
• Significance or importance of the planned research
• Clarity of the proposal
• Likelihood of meeting the aims and objectives
• Research timeframe and resources required to undertake the project
• Overall assessment of the proposal and the case made for funding.

Who can apply

Applications are welcome from all Cass academic and research staff. However, preference is given to staff who are either relatively new to Cass 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 (exceptionally up to £10,000).

Eligible costs include: the hiring of short-term research staff, purchasing of equipment, data or software, travel and subsistence to carry out fieldwork or to discuss an externally funded grant concept with colleagues. However, pump-priming funding will not fund standalone travel and subsistence, conference attendance, networking, teaching-buy-out, writing of research papers, or the writing of grant applications.

Reporting

Successful applicants are required to submit a short report [1 page max] on expenditure and research outcomes, 12 months after the date of award.

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 10 days of submitting their application.

Completed applications should be submitted to the School's Research Manager, John Montgomery as an e-mail attachment. In some cases, an application may be referred to Cass Research Committee for a final approval.

Contact

For further details or to discuss your proposal, please contact the School's Research manager, John Montgomery (e: j.montgomery@city.ac.uk, t: 4193)