Written by David Gardener, Community Knowledge Analyst at the University of St Andrews, InFrame

 

As we approach the launch of Round 2 of funding, we have also been reflecting on the first round of funding, and from our experiences we wanted to share our Top 10 tips with you, to help you in the preparation of your application:

  1. Make use of the In-Person and Documentary Support on Offer
  2. Understand the Fund's Core Purpose through the Themes
  3. Consider All of the Assessment Criteria
  4. Demonstrate Potential to Challenge Hierarchies
  5. Embed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  6. Plan Realistic Project Timelines
  7. Create a Strong Budget Proposal
  8. Secure and Demonstrate Institutional Support
  9. Highlight Potential for Wider Impact
  10. Prepare a Compelling Narrative

Make Use of the In-Person and Documentary Support on Offer

In encouraging new ideas from new leaders, we recognise that some people may not have put together an application like this before. And, when we say there is support available, we mean it! It’s available to any applicant, not just those who are used to using such support services in their work already.

Assistance with the Culture Catalyst Fund comes in human form, with our dedicated team working across the three partner universities. Those interested in the Culture Catalyst Fund can reach out to the InFrame team for guidance on developing their ideas, navigating the application process, and connecting with other potential collaborators across the partner institutions. The team is on hand to support you with whatever you need, so do not hesitate to get in contact:

To help support you through your application, the InFrame team have developed key documents to provide you with information and assistance in preparing your application. Available on the dedicated Culture Catalyst Fund Swaypage you will find:

  • Culture Catalyst Fund Applicant Guidance
  • Culture Catalyst Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Culture Catalyst Fund Local Resources Guidance

Also available on the Sway page are the Culture Catalyst Fund application documents:

  • Culture Catalyst Fund Application Form
  • Culture Catalyst Fund Gannt Chart Template
  • Culture Catalyst Fund Project Costings Template.

Understand the Fund's Core Purpose through the Themes

The Culture Catalyst Fund is looking for projects that will test new ideas about what it means to lead research in ways that prioritise collaborative working, mutual cooperation, and care for colleagues. Successful applications need to show alignment with this vision rather than proposing conventional research projects.

Applications should evidence alignment with this vision through their focus on one or more of the three key themes:

  • “Putting policy into practice” – enhancing implementation and engagement with existing provisions.
  • “Changing what counts” – broadening the scope of recognized activities in researcher assessment.
  • “Setting the tone” – fostering positive cultures that disrupt less constructive practices.

Applicants should clearly identify which theme(s) their project addresses and demonstrate how it contributes to the overarching goal of creating an Inclusive Framework for collegial research leadership. Projects that challenge conventional research leadership models and propose innovative approaches to collaboration and inclusivity will be particularly well-received. By framing proposals within these contexts, applicants can ensure their projects are relevant and impactful within the InFrame Project's broader objectives.

Along with the three core themes, applicants can choose to devise their own theme for their project. If doing this, we advise that proposed projects also align with at least one of the three core themes too.

Consider All of the Assessment Criteria

There are eight assessment criteria, which you can read about in the Applicant Guidance. At the peer review stage, these are all equally weighted and are assessed against pass/fail thresholds. Your application needs to score 6 or more to progress. At the funding panel stage, the first four criteria are each worth 15% and the final four criteria are each worth 10%.

  1. Ambition
  2. Creativity and Innovation
  3. Leadership/Changemaker
  4. Viability of delivery
  5. Impact
  6. Scalability and Sustainability
  7. Value for Money
  8. Additional Considerations

While new ideas and new leaders might align with creativity and innovation, make sure that your application addresses as many of the criteria as both possible and appropriate. Sometimes your ideas will be innovative – and that’s great – but for other applications the ‘innovation’ may come in the approach or the implementation of your ideas. What we reallywant to see are ideas that will lead to change!

Demonstrate Potential to Challenge Hierarchies

A key objective of the InFrame project is to challenge established institutional hierarchies and create new leadership opportunities. Your application will stand out if you can clearly show how your project might disrupt traditional power structures within the research environment. Consider including specific mechanisms for empowering voices that are typically underrepresented in leadership positions and explicitly state how your project creates space for new leaders to emerge.

Embed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The fund aims to widen the definition of what a "research leader" looks like by embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion principles throughout funded projects. Your application should demonstrate how these principles are integrated into your project design, implementation, and outcomes - not merely mentioned as an afterthought. Consider how your project will specifically address barriers that have historically prevented certain groups from assuming leadership roles.

Plan Realistic Project Timelines

The Culture Catalyst Fund supports projects lasting up to 10 months in Round 2, though shorter projects are also welcomed. Your application should include a well-defined timeline that demonstrates thoughtful planning and realistic milestones. Remember that projects will be starting in Spring 2025, so consider how your timeline aligns with academic calendars and institutional cycles. A clear, feasible timeline shows the reviewers that you've thought through practical implementation issues.

Create a Strong Budget Proposal

With funding available up to £50,000 per project, your budget should be sufficiently detailed, justified, and demonstrate value for money. Clearly link budget items to specific project activities and outcomes. Ensure you include a brief explanation of why each expense is necessary and how it contributes to your project's success. Remember that the overall fund aims to support multiple projects across the three universities, so requests should be proportionate to your project's scope and ambition.

Secure and Demonstrate Institutional Support

While not explicitly stated in the InFrame documentation, successful applications for similar funding opportunities typically demonstrate strong institutional support. Consider obtaining a statement of support from relevant leaders within your institution who can affirm that you'll have the time, resources, and backing needed to implement your project successfully. This demonstrates sustainability and increases confidence that your project can achieve its aims.

Highlight Potential for Wider Impact

The InFrame project seeks to create systemic change in research culture. Your application should articulate how your project, beyond its immediate objectives, might contribute to this broader transformation. Consider how your findings, methods, or outcomes could be scaled or adapted across different contexts, departments, or institutions. Discuss your plans for disseminating results and learnings to maximise impact beyond the project period; explain how your project will live on beyond the funding provided by InFrame.

Prepare a Compelling Narrative

Finally, prepare an application narrative that communicates your vision while addressing all the required elements. Begin with a compelling summary that captures your project's essence and innovation. Ensure every section builds toward demonstrating how your project will contribute to more collegial research leadership. Remember that you're not just proposing a project but advocating for a new approach to research leadership that centres on collaborative working, mutual cooperation, and care for colleagues.

Conclusion

The InFrame project's Culture Catalyst Fund offers a significant opportunity to contribute to reshaping research leadership across three major Scottish universities. By focusing on collegial approaches, challenging hierarchies, and expanding definitions of leadership, successful projects will help create more inclusive research environments. Applications that thoughtfully address these ten areas will be well-positioned to secure funding and contribute to this important transformation in research culture. Whether you're planning a 10-month comprehensive initiative or a shorter focused intervention, these tips will help you develop an application that resonates with the fund's core objectives.

 

Want to know more about the Culture Catalyst Fund?

Round 2 of the Culture Catalyst Fund opened on 31 March 2025, with applications open until 3pm on Friday 9 May 2025. To share information about the Culture Catalyst Fund and let those who are interested in applying, an online Information Event was held on Wednesday 2 April 2025. Throughout the event, our expert panel, featuring leads from each institution, members of the InFrame team, and funded project leads, provided valuable insights into the Culture Catalyst Fund’s application and review process, sharing their passion for improving collegiality and leadership in research. You can watch the video of the Information Event on YouTube.

Further information on the whole InFrame Project and the Culture Catalyst Fund, including how to apply and the application and supporting documents can be found on the InFrame Sway page, with support available from the dedicated InFrame based at each partner university:

You can find out about projects that were funded in Round 1 of the Culture Catalyst Fund on Sway, and you can also keep up with the news and events of the InFrame project on our LinkedInpage.

First published: 5 May 2025

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