EPSRC will fund workshops focused on stimulating future research activities.
Workshops should:
- focus on shaping future research directions or bring together researchers from diverse disciplines
- be devoted to considering solutions to identified problems or identifying future research directions – agendas should include participative sessions such as breakout groups, open forums, and panel sessions
- have a small number of participants, generally no more than 60 attendees
- take equality and diversity into account in their preparation, as these are important principles for EPSRC
It is important to consider why this workshop should be supported as a stand-alone activity and how it links to other activities in this area.
General conferences and dissemination workshops will not be eligible for EPSRC workshop funding, nor will student bursaries to attend them. Requests for complete or partial funding of an event are subject to peer review. Individual themes may have additional guidance for workshop funding. We expect applicants to discuss their proposal with the relevant theme’s contact before applying.
Applying for funding
Occasionally, funding opportunities are publicised for specific areas. These have a deadline for submission, and may have additional criteria.
If there is no specific workshop funding opportunity open for applications, workshop applications should be submitted through Research Council’s Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system by selecting document type ‘Standard proposal’ and scheme type ‘Standard’. Applications should include the word “Workshop” within the proposal title.
Check if you are eligible for EPSRC funding.
Proposal documentation
The word ‘workshop’ should be included in the proposal title.
An eight page case for support comprising a two page Track Record, and up to six pages describing the proposed workshop including:
- the area of research
- the need for a workshop in this area, and the relationship to other events in the UK
- the aims of the workshop, and its likely level of demand
- programme content and likely speakers
- plans for workshop support
- plans to aim for a balanced participation in particular with regards to equality and diversity
- plans for publicity
- plans for workshop impact evaluation and follow-on activities.
You should also include:
- A two-page justification of resources
- A one-page proposed workshop timetable, taking the place of the work plan
- a covering letter to state that this proposal is a workshop application.
Support can be requested for:
- project lead and co-lead time – costs for the project lead and up to one project co-lead
- administrative support
- travel and subsistence costs for organisers and keynote speakers
- venue and equipment hire
- reasonable catering costs
- student support – up to 10% of the total cost. EPSRC funded students must be given priority
- estates and indirect costs
- impact related activities
- childcare costs.
Specific guidance for maths workshop applicants.
Assessment
Proposals will be assessed using the Standard research process. Peer review will use the Standard grants reviewer form.
Assessment criteria
Workshop proposals are judged on:
- scientific quality and timeliness of the workshop
- national importance
- balance of participation
- added value and synergy
- track record of the applicants
- management arrangements, including administration, publicity, support and cost effectiveness
- plans for dissemination and evaluation.
Last updated: 27 July 2023