Research Management

Research is at the core of our mission - accounting for close to 40% of our income. In order to build the University’s global standing as a world-class research-intensive university and attract the most talented researchers - particularly in this era of increasingly competitive academic environments - it is essential that we offer world-class research management support to all staff so as to develop and encourage ambitious early career researchers and high-achieving academics.

The Research Management Office - part of the College Research Support Office - provides expert advice and specialist support across the research project lifecycle including strategically important large-scale initiatives. The office has two primary functions: 1) to work in partnership with academic staff and researchers to deliver a dedicated end-to-end support service from the proposal stage through to final reporting, ensuring high-quality submissions and effective management of awards, and 2) to drive the development, implementation and delivery of research-led ‘value-added’ activities - in consultation with Institute management - thereby helping to inform future research management and maximise opportunities for research income generation. 

To help manage the high volume of proposals under development, the College has a MVLS Grant Management Process 2024 that confirms the expected timescales for notifying the Research Management Office of grant applications (generally, a minimum of four weeks’ notice for costings).  Any requests that come in later than this need to be discussed and agreed with the School’s Director of Research before they can be progressed.

Expertise

Specialist pre- and post-award research management advice and support

  • Coordinating application planning and development
  • Costing support
  • Specialist advice and guidance on funder Terms & Conditions
  • Developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key funders to share knowledge and provide expert advice
  • Liaising with partners / collaborators
  • Proof-reading
  • Post-award reporting and financial administration

High-level support for strategically significant / large-scale initiatives

  • Project management for application phase
  • Technical writing support (proportionate to scale and complexity of project)
  • Post-award support for large-scale initiatives

Strategy support and implementation

  • Identification and targeted promotion of funding opportunities
  • Coordinating internal peer-review
  • Supporting mentoring
  • Facilitating interdisciplinary interactions

Income generation support

  • Growth and diversification of research income portfolio through enhanced support for application development
  • Coordinated support for the development of optimally costed applications
  • Dedicated post-award support to improve the financial management of awards