Services

Overview

I help academics and higher education institutions improve the quality of their research funding bids and streamline the process of submitting competitive applications. This process can involve any combination of one-to-one support for individual applications, training and development initiatives and helping to create effective pre-award infrastructures. I also assist with REF preparation.

Research funding applications

Submitting a fundable application involves much more than ‘grant writing’ skills. I often take applicants through the entire process from choosing a funding agency, developing a suitable project, creating a budget, articulating methods and building an evidence-based argument that meets the evaluation criteria. I also help create a timeline to submission that incorporates internal review, dealing with partners, navigating institutional processes and producing all the different elements in a logical and timely manner. This also includes several rounds of non-specialist review and liaising with the institution’s own professional services team.

Training and development

When working with an academic department or group of researchers who have similar needs – or within a pre-award team that faces consistent challenges – I frequently create and deliver researcher development series (online or in person) that address specialist aspects of submitting fundable applications. Topics might include: budgets; CVs and track records; structuring a case for support; responding to reviewers or insight sessions on particular funding schemes. These are often developed and delivered in partnership with in house teams or academic research leaders. Services also include mentoring of junior research officers as they learn how to support and manage research.

REF support and preparation

The REF cycle is so long that it is hard to retain in house knowledge and skills at UOA level. I worked on multiple submissions for both REF2014 and REF2021 and have extensive experience in: understanding the evolving criteria; navigating output and impact case study selection; gathering evidence to support claims, and creating specialist elements, such as practice as research portfolios. I can also help project manage the timeline to submission, frame internal communications and assist with general writing tasks, such as environment statements or impact case studies.