Collaboration Fund FAQs
Which Research Councils participate?
The EPSRC is the only research council participating in the Collaboration Fund which will operate as a pilot for two years.
Is my application Confidential?
Yes, recognising commercial sensitivity, your application will not be sent out to external reviewers. Members of the assessment panel will sign a confidentiality undertaking not to disclose any information they may receive. Apart from the panel, only FSE and EPRSC staff responsible for administering the scheme will see the proposal. As is usual for all Research Council grants, some details of the funded projects will be published.
Will the Fund support Patent Costs?
No, the Fund will not pay patent costs either in terms of fees for the Patent Office or patent agents.
Will the fund support equipment costs?
The Fund will NOT support the purchase of large capital or, usually, the purchase of equipment. However, it is recognised that there may be exceptional cases where this is not a cost effective option (e.g. leasing or subcontracting).
Who owns any intellectual property generated during a Collaboration Fund Project?
All intellectual property arising from the grant will rest with the institution to which the grant is awarded.
Is a return sought on a grant from the Collaboration Fund?
No, the EPSRC does not expect to receive any royalties, equity or any other form of financial return. It will however seek to fund projects that demonstrate the maximum potential for economic impact.
Who is eligible to apply to the Fund?
Eligible research organisations may apply, as for standard research grants.
Must the EPSRC have supported the originating research?
Yes, we are looking to build upon ideas that arose from EPSRC funding. You will need to demonstrate that your proposal draws substantially on the outputs of previous research grant funding from EPSRC. Proposals based on projects undertaken by EPSRC supported students will not be eligible.
Is a company eligible to apply to the Fund?
No, only research organisations that are already eligible for research grant funding can apply to the Fund however they must have a collaborating company as a commercial partner. The collaborating company is not eligible to receive funding directly from the Collaboration Fund.
What is an eligible Collaborating Partner?
A Collaborating Partner must be a commercial entity based within the UK. It may be of any size and in any sector.
Do I need to secure additional funding from other sources?
Whilst other funding is not a prerequisite, grant applications which have secured additional funding from elsewhere (e.g. host institution, Regional Development Agency; Collaborating Partners) may be looked upon favourably.
What do you mean by Full Economic Cost (fEC)?
From 1 September 2005, all new research grants have been awarded on the basis of a proportion of the full economic cost (fEC). Under present arrangements for fEC, Research Councils will award 80% of the full economic cost.
Where can I find further information about Full Economic Cost (fEC)?
Further details about fEC may be found via the EPSRC Funding Guide which may be accessed via this link http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/HowToApply/FundingGuide.htm
How will my proposal be assessed?
Unlike standard research grant applications, your proposal will not be peer reviewed by external reviewers. It will be assessed by an expert Panel with FSE with particular experience in the commercialisation of research. The panel will assess all proposals using the criteria set out in the Call for Proposals document. The assessment will focus on the potential for economic, social and/or environmental impact.
What is meant by economic impact?
Impact is the demonstrtable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy. Research councils are required to demonstrate the impact of the research they fund. As part of your application to the Collaboration Fund you will be asked to provide an indication of the nature and extent of the impacts your research might deliver. Further information about economic impact can be accessed here http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/HowToApply/EIGuidance.htm
How do I apply?
The Fund operates through Calls for Proposals (three per annum). An Expression of Interest application must be submitted initially. Subject to an assessment by FSE, you may be invited to submit a Full Application.
If I am successful how will my grant be evaluated?
The evaluation will focus strongly on the economic impact of the grant and FSE will require milestone report forms through out the duration of the project. A project completion report form will be required at the end of the work followed by twice yearly reports for a further three years so that subsequent economic impacts can be monitored.
Who should I contact if I have further queries about the Fund?
Please contact Asim Zahir at Finance South East via email: asim.zahir@financesoutheast.com or telephone 01276 607304, or Dr Samantha Decombel, Fund Manager, via email: samantha.decombel@financesoutheast.com or telephone 07775 420125.
