AHRC Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement Scheme:
Highlight Notice for AHRC’s Four Themes
I.
Contents
II.
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
III.
Context ........................................................................................................................................ 2
IV.
Aims of the Call ........................................................................................................................... 2
V.
Eligibility .......................................................................................................................................... 5
VI.
Guidance on Costs and Project Timescales................................................................................. 6
VII.
Application Process and Format ................................................................................................. 6
VIII.
Assessment Process and Criteria ................................................................................................ 7
IX.
Scheme Requirements and Post Award Reporting ..................................................................... 7
X.
Contact Information........................................................................................................................ 8
II.
Introduction
This highlight notice seeks to encourage innovative applications that seek to explore new,
unanticipated, pathways to impact which have emerged or evolved from research undertaken under
AHRC’s four Themes: Science in Culture; Translating Cultures; Digital Transformations; and Care for
the Future. The overall aim of the highlight notice is to strengthen the impact and legacy of the
Themes.
Additionally, we are particularly keen to encourage applications which are led by or involve early
career researchers who have been involved in the Themes. Applications submitted under this
highlight notice could, for example, provide early career researchers with opportunities to develop
their experience of leading projects, collaborative working beyond academia, and undertaking
knowledge exchange and pathways to impact activities.
A further opportunity provided by the highlight notice is for collaborative applications involving
multiple projects either funded within a single Theme or across more than one Theme. We would
welcome applications which involve multiple projects, for example where they share interests in
engaging with similar non-academic communities, where they wish to work together to pursue
emergent, or develop innovative, pathways to impact or shared collaborative opportunities, and/or
where there may be enhanced impact potential from bringing together or synthesising outcomes
around cross-cutting issues.
1
III.
Context
The AHRC's Themes provide a funding focus for emerging areas of interest to arts and humanities
researchers. In recognising that interdisciplinary and collaborative research often requires particular
forms of support to develop its full potential, themed funding calls can be particularly supportive of
developmental activity, partnership-based activities, and innovative approaches.
The Themes were identified through the Future Directions for Arts and Humanities Research
consultation in 2009 and were grouped into four areas:
•
•
•
•
Care for the Future: Thinking Forward through the Past
Digital Transformations in the Arts and Humanities
Science in Culture
Translating Cultures
Theme Leadership fellows have been appointed for each of the Themes and support a range of
activities to network Theme activities, support collaboration, enhance the contribution of Themes to
the development of intellectual and research agendas and to enhance the legacy and impact of the
Themes.
FoF projects funded under this highlight notice will be expected to form a part of these wider Theme
portfolios and to collaborate with the Theme Leadership Fellows to support the achievement of the
objectives of the Themes.
IV.
Aims of the Highlight Notice
The highlight notice is open to applications that seek to explore new or unanticipated pathways to
impact or develop innovative pathways to impact activities, which have emerged from projects
supported as a part of any of AHRC’s four Themes.
Collaborative applications which build on the outcomes from multiple projects within or across the
Themes (or connections between projects under the themes and other AHRC projects) are
welcomed provided that the application clearly directly builds on at least one AHRC project funded
through one of the four AHRC Themes)
The Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement Scheme (FoF) provides funds to support
innovative and creative engagements with new audiences and user communities which stimulate
pathways to impact. Funds are awarded for knowledge exchange, public engagement, active
dissemination and commercialisation activities that arise, unforeseeably during the lifespan of, or
following, an AHRC-funded project. The scheme does not support supplementary funding for
continuation of research activities or entirely new research projects.
Applications under the highlight notice are expected to be highly collaborative with non-academic
partners and to demonstrate the potential to significantly enhance the economic, social, cultural
and/or policy value and impact from research under the Themes.
Activities which can be included
Proposed activities must be focused on enhancing the economic, social, cultural and/or policy
impacts, cultural value and/or wider benefit of the original AHRC funded Theme research project in
2
non-academic contexts. They should add value to existing collaborations and partner organisations
through supporting innovation in pathways to impact and/or by developing new collaborations /
partnerships and/or by seeking to reach different audiences or contexts.
Further details of eligible activities under the FoF scheme are provided in AHRC’s Funding Guide.
Some illustrative examples of the types of activities that applications under the highlight notice
could include are provided below:
•
•
•
•
exploiting emergent opportunities for partnerships for knowledge exchange / pathways
to impact with non-academic organisations (e.g. public sector, cultural, heritage or
creative arts organisations, community / voluntary sector groups, businesses / creative
economy organisations, international policy organisations, etc.) that were not involved
in the original project; this could involve, for example, spending short amounts of time
immersed in non-academic organisations to (e.g. placement, secondment) to explore
needs and opportunities in practical contexts;
pursuing opportunities to extend impact activities to new user communities or
audiences not previously engaged and/or to explore transferability of, or translate,
outcomes into new, different or more diverse non-academic contexts (including
internationally);
exploring innovative methods of engagement/ participation/ co-production or
developing new collaborative outputs with the potential to engage wider or different
non-academic groups/audiences or transform levels of engagement with research
outcomes (this could include working with existing non-academic partners where they
are interested in exploring novel pathways to impact not included within the original
proposal);
testing, or piloting the feasibility of outcomes from current / past AHRC Thematic
research to make a difference or generate value in non-academic contexts (e.g. proof of
concept projects).
We would welcome proposals which explore wider international pathways to impact, including in
developing country contexts.
Highlight proposals can be inter-disciplinary in nature, including components which extend beyond
the remit of the AHRC, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of the Themes. However, as well as
being based upon past AHRC-funded research, such inter-disciplinary proposals should outline how
the proposed engagement / pathways to impact activities will build upon, and continue to engage
with, arts and humanities research strands, expertise, approaches and perspectives, as a part of their
cross-disciplinary foundations.
Opportunities for Early Career Researchers
Support for the development of early career researchers is a part of the objectives for the Themes
and ECRs have driven forward some of the most exciting and innovative work under the Themes.
Therefore we wish to encourage applications from ECRs within this highlight notice and to
emphasise the opportunities the FoF scheme can provide for ECRs. For example, the FoF scheme can
provide opportunities for early career researchers to further develop their skills and experience in
areas such as collaborative working with non-academic partners, knowledge exchange, engagement
with policy-makers and/or public policy debates, pathways to impact development,
commercialisation / exploitation and/or in public/ community engagement. It also provides an
opportunity for ECRs to build their track record for leading and managing competitive peer reviewed
projects and to diversify the non-academic outputs and impacts from their research.
3
Early career researchers (ECRs) have played a key role in AHRC’s four research themes from the
outset in range of roles. This includes early career researchers funded through initial highlight
notices (e.g. the ECR route in the Fellowships scheme highlight), ECRs leading or working on
exploratory award, as post-doctoral researchers on Theme Large Grants or through involvement in
other Theme calls (e.g. international or partnership activities). In addition some Themes have
supported specific initiatives targeted at early career researchers such as research development
workshops with associated follow-up research funding opportunities for participants.
We will welcome applications under this highlight from individuals who fell within the AHRC
eligibility criteria for early career researchers at the time they applied for their funding under the
Theme (or worked on a Theme grant) but who no longer meet those requirements (for example
because of the time elapsed since completion of their PhD or additional experience gained postPhD). We welcome proposals from individual or teams of early career researchers (ECRs) who are
interested in developing innovative partnerships, engagements and pathways to impact from past
research under the Themes but who were not named investigators on the original proposal (e.g.
post-doctoral research assistants or fellows on projects). Where a FoF project is being led by
someone other than the original research’s PI the RO must ensure any continuity issues including IP
or copyright are addressed. If an ECR wishes to exploit a piece of research without the involvement
of the original PI / Co-Is in the FoF proposal, where it is possible to do so, agreement should be
sought from them to the proposed research and a letter of support provided where this is feasible.
Where appropriate applications led by early career researchers could include more experienced
researchers as co-investigators and /or in a mentoring or advisory capacity. In some cases this could
be a named investigator on the original project or someone with specific experience in relation to
the proposed FoF activities (including from outside academia e.g. from a cultural, creative, heritage
or policy organisation). Where appropriate funding may be requested in applications under this
highlight notice for support for mentoring or similar activities in support of early career researchers
where this exceeds, or cannot be included within, support from the research organisations involved.
Where a mentor is included from within the research organisations involved the AHRC will consider
making a contribution to the cost of mentoring of up to an hour per month of the mentor’s time; this
may be built into the budget as a Directly Allocated cost. However, research organisations may
provide this, or additional mentoring support, alongside other forms of leadership and/or career
development support for early career applicants, as a part of their support for the project.
Examples of the types of activities which early career researchers might include in FOF applications
include: building experience of close collaborative working/ placements with, or periods embedded
within, non-academic partner organisations; public policy (local regional, national or international)
or or business engagement (e.g. in creative economy); diversification of public / community
engagement experience and/or portfolio of creative public outputs/ portfolios, etc.).
Early career researchers wishing to apply as principal or co-investigators will need to satisfy AHRC’s
standard eligibility requirements as outlined in AHRC’s Research Funding Guide. It should be noted
that for those ECRs who do not have a contractual arrangement with a research organisation that
extends to beyond the duration of the proposed FoF grant, it is possible to be a named investigator if
an assurance is provided by the submitting organisation that, if the proposal is successful, the
existing contract of employment, or formal commitment to provide support if not employed at the
organisation, will extend to beyond the end date of the grant.
The AHRC will expect evidence to be provided in applications of support from research organisations
for early career researchers in line with the Concordat to Support the Career Development of
4
Researchers. This could include, for example, support for participation in training or career
development activities, mentoring or advice, access to specialist facilities or support services for
knowledge exchange, events or engagement activities, etc.
Early career researchers applying under the highlight notice are encouraged to outline how they
hope that proposed activities would contribute to their career development as a part of their case
for support.
Whilst this highlight notice specifically encourages applications from early career researchers it
should be noted that ECRs are eligible to apply under the FoF scheme at any time (outside of this
highlight notice) provided that they meet AHRC eligibility requirements and the project builds upon
past AHRC-funded research. There are therefore opportunities through the standard FoF route for
ECRs involved in AHRC-funded projects which were not funded as a part of the four AHRC themes
and will be continuing opportunities for ECRs funded under the Themes after the end of this
highlight notice
This highlight notice is not intended to support new research projects led by early career researchers
or to continue or extend existing activities funded under the initial theme grant. Opportunities for
early career researchers to submit applications for new research projects already exist through the
early career researcher route in AHRC’s responsive mode research grants and Leadership Fellows
schemes and ECRs are also welcome to lead applications to the AHRC Research Networking scheme
(all open deadlines).
Other Opportunities under the Follow-on Funding in Impact and Engagement Scheme
The FoF scheme will remain open during this period, and beyond, to applications which fall
outside of the scope of the highlight notice. We will continue to welcome applications under the
FoF scheme which relate to the AHRC Themes but build on AHRC projects which were not
funded as a part of the Themes. Where appropriate such projects might be invited to contribute
to relevant Thematic activities.
V.
Eligibility
Unless otherwise stated, the eligibility criteria as published in section 3 of the AHRC Research
Funding Guide will apply.
Applications under the highlight notice must build directly on research funded as a part of one (or
more) of the Themes. Projects under the Themes upon which applications may build may have been
funded through any AHRC call specifically relating to the Themes at any stage of the evolution /
lifecycle of the four Themes. This includes:
•
•
•
•
highlight notices relating to any or all of the Themes, including both initial highlight
notices (Fellowships and networking) for the Themes and subsequent highlight notices
such as the Care for the Future Environmental Change and Sustainability highlight
notice;
research development, exploratory and innovation awards calls under the Themes
(both initial exploratory awards calls and more recent calls such as the Translating
Cultures / Care for the Future call for Innovation Awards on International Development;
calls under the Themes targeted at early career researchers (e.g. linked to research
development workshops for early career researchers);
Theme large grants;
5
•
collaborative calls between the Themes and other initiatives (e.g. the joint Digital
Transformations and Connected Communities joint call on Digital Transformations in
Community Research Co-production in the Arts and Humanities and the Care for the
Future / Connected Communities First World War Engagement Centres) or in
partnership with other funders (e.g. the Care for the Future joint call with the Cluster of
Excellence LABEX Pasts in the Present).
Applicants who have previously applied for FoF funding related to grants under the Themes
(including those who have been successful in being awarded FoF funding) will be welcome to submit
different applications under the highlight notice provided that the proposal is for innovative new
pathways to impact activities rather than repeating, continuing or extending existing activities.
VI.
Guidance on Costs and Project Timescales
Applications submitted under this highlight notice will be expected to fall with the standard limits for
the FoF scheme which allows for applications of up £100,000 (fEC) and up to 12 months duration.
Eligibility and funding requirements under the highlight notice are the same as those for the
standard Follow-on Funding scheme as outlined in section 1.6 of the AHRC Research Funding Guide.
VII. Application Process and Format
Unless otherwise stated, the application process and format as published in the AHRC Research
Funding Guide will apply.
Applications should be submitted through the Je-S system at the latest by 4pm on Wednesday 26
April, and will need to go through the appropriate institution submission process. You should submit
your proposal using the Research Councils’ Joint electronic Submission (Je-S) System (https://jes.rcuk.ac.uk/).
To prepare a proposal form in Je-S:
•
•
•
•
•
•
log-in to your account and choose ‘Documents’ from the menu;
then select ‘New Document’;
‘AHRC’ as the Council, ‘Standard Proposal’ as the Document Type;
’Follow-on-Funding for Impact and Engagement’ as the Scheme;
Select the relevant AHRC Theme* as the Call/Type/Mode and
‘Create Document’.
* Care for the Future
* Digital Transformations
* Science in Culture
* Translating Cultures
Je-S will then create a proposal form, displaying the relevant section headings. Using the ‘Help’ link
at the top of each section will provide guidance relevant to that section of the form.
Note that selecting 'Submit document' on your proposal form in Je-S initially submits the proposal to
your host organisation's administration, not to AHRC. Please remember to allow sufficient time for
6
your organisation’s submission process between submitting your proposal to them and the Call
closing date.
Applications should address the aims of the Highlight Notice as outlined above. In addition to the
normal requirements for the Follow-on Scheme, applications submitted for consideration under this
highlight notice must include a paragraph at the start of their case for support explaining how their
proposal meets the aims and focus of the highlight notice, and in particular how the proposed
impact / engagement activities build upon research funded as a part of one (or more) of AHRC’s
Themes and would contribute more broadly to the Theme(s) and its/ their legacy
Additionally for applications led by early career researchers we would also encourage inclusion of a
second opening paragraph outlining how the proposed FoF activities are seen as contributing to the
career development of the early career researcher(s) involved and how the early career researchers
and their development would be supported in undertaking the proposed activities (e.g. through
mentoring or specialist expert support from the research (and other if applicable) research
organisations involved, through support training / skills development or support for time to gain
experience in relevant contexts, support in producing relevant outputs or organising events or other
activities, etc.) .
The following are a list of attachments that are permitted for this Call. Please see Section 4 of the
AHRC Research Funding Guide for further information about these attachments:
Attachment
Usual Requirement and page limits (sides of A4)
Case for Support
Compulsory (no more than 7 sides A4). (To include statement on fit
to highlight notice)
Curriculum Vitae
Compulsory for the PI, each Co-I and any named researchers. (no
more than 2 sides A4 each)
Publication Lists
Compulsory for the PI, each Co-I and any named researchers. (no
more than 1 side A4 each)
Justification of
Resources
Compulsory (no more than 2 sides A4)
Project Partner Letter
of Support
If applicable (no more than 2 sides A4)
Technical Plan
If applicable (no more than 2 sides A4)
Visual Evidence
Optional
7
VIII. Assessment Process and Criteria
Unless otherwise stated, the assessment process and criteria as stated in the AHRC Research
Funding Guide will apply. However, the panel(s) will also give consideration to issues of fit to the
aims of this highlight notice, including issues of fit to the Themes and contribution to their legacy,
and where applicable their potential contribution to development of careers of early career
researchers, in ranking / prioritizing applications for funding under this highlight notice.
Supplementary funding may be made available by the AHRC to support additional highly rated
applications addressing the highlight notice that may not have otherwise been funded under the
existing FoF scheme budget. As a result, applications addressing this highlight notice may have an
increased chance of funding, but only if they fully meet the assessment criteria for the scheme.
Call timetable
Activity
Deadline for submissions
Panel Meeting date
Funding Decisions issued
Project start date from
IX.
Date
4pm Wednesday 26 April 2017
July 2017
August 2017
September 2017
Scheme Requirements and Post Award Reporting
Unless otherwise stated, the scheme requirements and post award reporting as stated in the AHRC
Research Funding Guide will apply.
FoF projects funded under this highlight notice will be expected to form a part of the relevant
Theme(s’) portfolio of projects. They will be expected to contribute to the aims, objectives and
legacies of the Theme(s) and to relevant Theme events and activities. They will also be expected to
collaborate with the relevant Theme Leadership Fellow(s) to share information on the progress and
outcomes of the FOF activities. It is anticipated that this could include contributing to a number of
activities and outputs being planned by the Theme Leadership Fellows (individually and collectively)
for 2018 which will reflect on the achievements, outcomes and legacies of the Themes.
Award holders will be required to submit outputs, outcomes and impacts that arise from AHRC’s
funding through the Researchfish system. Information can be added to Researchfish at any point
once the award has started but award holders will also be required to ‘submit’ this information to
AHRC at one ‘Submission Period’ each year. Award holders will receive an email with log-in details
shortly after their award has started. More details on Researchfish are available on the RCUK
website here: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/research/researchoutcomes/.
X.
Contact Information
AHRC Enquiries: [email protected] or telephone: 01793 41 6060 (Staffed Monday to Friday 8:305:00)
For queries on using Je-S please contact the Je-S Helpdesk on 01793 444164 or [email protected]
who are available 9-5 Monday to Friday.
8