Register of interest – mandatory
This fellowship funding opportunity has a mandatory register of interest stage. Prospective applications should complete the Intention to submit form by 28 March 2024 at 4:00 pm UK time.
This is to support the management of the funding opportunity and facilitate ongoing partnership working. The outline will be shared with data owners and key funding partners who may be in touch with you about your project idea if sufficient resource is available. This is not a feasibility check or feedback stage. You should submit the form and continue work closely with the available contacts and materials to ensure that your project is feasible before you submit your full application.
Please contact us separately if you miss this deadline at adrfellowships@esrc.ukri.org
Data access, accreditation, and approval
ADR UK partners have rigorous safeguards in place to ensure the data cannot be accessed by any unauthorised persons, or for any reason other than research that passes the public benefit test. These safeguards are defined by the Five Safes developed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and include accreditation of the researcher and approval of the research project.
For data being accessed via the ONS Secure Research Service (SRS)
Successful applicants will need to become an accredited researcher of the ONS SRS and have their project approved under the data owners’ information governance review process.
Successful applications will be invited to submit an application through the Research Accreditation Service to get their project approved after the funding panel decisions. Project approval is not required at this stage although researcher accreditation can take place in advance of a funding decision.
For any questions regarding the ONS accreditation and approval process, please contact srs.customer.support@ons.gov.uk. If you have a query about a specific dataset please contact adrcuration@ons.gov.uk
To use the ONS SRS, you must access it through the appropriate safe setting.
The full range of safe setting access options currently available to access the SRS are:
Organisations can also include costs for a SafePoint. This will provide the necessary equipment and physical security from a room within your organisation for secure data access.
Organisations must apply separately to the SafePod Network for a SafePoint, and this must be completed prior to your research fellowship application. Your application must state that you have successfully applied for a SafePoint.
See more details about SafePoint and the application procedure.
Please check on permissions for the dataset you intend to use. More information can be found on the ONS website.
Please note, project using machine learning techniques are not currently suitable for the ONS SRS.
For data being accessed via the Integrated Data Service (IDS)
The IDS Hub is a secure platform where authorised users can access IDS products and services via the cloud. Users are typically granted access after their project has been approved.
The approvals process for the IDS will be the same as the ONS SRS. When accessing IDS for the first time you will need:
- your welcome email with your sign-in details
- access to a mobile device to set up two-step verification
Find out more information on how to access data on the IDS.
For data being accessed via SAIL databank (for example, Family court-Cafcass-Census 2021 linkage)
You must complete stage one of the two-stage process by clicking on the Discuss your research question with us today box. This will take you to the scoping form where you can submit information about your proposed research. A SAIL Databank analyst will then be in touch to discuss your project. This is to ensure that you can build data access costs associated with SAIL into your research funding application and receive advice on project feasibility.
We are running this funding opportunity on the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. You cannot apply on the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system.
The project lead (fellow) is responsible for completing the application process on the Funding Service, but we expect all team members and project partners to contribute to the application.
Only the lead research organisation can submit an application to UKRI.
To apply
Select ‘Start application’ near the beginning of this Funding finder page.
- Confirm you are the project lead.
- Sign in or create a Funding Service account. To create an account, select your organisation, verify your email address, and set a password. If your organisation is not listed, email support@funding-service.ukri.org
Please allow at least 10 working days for your organisation to be added to the Funding Service.
- Answer questions directly in the text boxes. You can save your answers and come back to complete them or work offline and return to copy and paste your answers. If we need you to upload a document, follow the upload instructions in the Funding Service. All questions and assessment criteria are listed in the How to apply section on this Funding finder page.
- Allow enough time to check your application in ‘read-only’ view before sending to your research office.
- Send the completed application to your research office for checking. They will return it to you if it needs editing.
- Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI.
Where indicated, you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. You must:
- use images sparingly and only to convey important information that cannot easily be put into words
- insert each new image onto a new line
- provide a descriptive legend for each image immediately underneath it (this counts towards your word limit)
- ensure files are smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format
Watch our research office webinars about the new Funding Service.
For more guidance on the Funding Service, see:
Deadline
ESRC must receive your application by 30 April 2024 at 4:00pm UK time.
Your intention to submit form must be submitted by 28 March 2024 at 4:00pm UK time.
You will not be able to apply after this time.
Make sure you are aware of and follow any internal institutional deadlines.
Following the submission of your application to the funding opportunity, your application cannot be changed, and applications will not be returned for amendment. If your application does not follow the guidance, it may be rejected.
Personal data
Processing personal data
ESRC, as part of UKRI, will need to collect some personal information to manage your Funding Service account and the registration of your funding applications.
We will handle personal data in line with UK data protection legislation and manage it securely. For more information, including how to exercise your rights, read our privacy notice.
Publication of outcomes
ESRC, as part of UKRI, will publish the outcomes of this funding opportunity at What we have funded.
If your application is successful, we will publish some personal information on the UKRI Gateway to Research.
Summary
Word limit: 550
In plain English, provide a summary we can use to identify the most suitable experts to assess your application.
We may make this summary publicly available on external-facing websites, so make it suitable for a variety of readers, for example:
- opinion-formers
- policymakers
- the public
- the wider research community
Guidance for writing a summary
Clearly describe your proposed work in terms of:
- context
- the challenge the project addresses
- aims and objectives
- potential applications and benefits
Core team
List the key members of your team and assign them roles from the following:
- fellow
- specialist
- grant manager
- professional enabling staff
- research and innovation associate
- technician
Only list one individual as the fellow.
Find out more about UKRI’s core team roles in funding applications.
Application questions
Vision
Word limit: 1,000
What are you hoping to achieve with your proposed work?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Explain how your proposed work:
- is of excellent quality and importance within or beyond the field(s) or area(s)
- has the potential to advance current understanding, or generate new knowledge, thinking or discovery within or beyond the field or area of its focus
- is timely, given current trends, context, and needs
- impacts world-leading research, society, the economy or the environment
- contributes to the four key ADR UK fellowship objectives
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.
In the Vision section we also expect you to:
- identify the potential direct or indirect benefits and who the beneficiaries might be
- identify how the research is being undertaken for public good
- identify datasets’ geography and years of data required
Approach
Word limit: 2,500
How are you going to deliver your proposed work?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Explain how you have designed your work so that it:
- is effective and appropriate to achieve your objectives
- is feasible, and comprehensively identifies any risks to delivery and how you will manage them
- uses a clearly written and transparent methodology (if applicable)
- summarises the previous work and describes how you will build on and progress this work (if applicable)
- will maximise translation of outputs into outcomes and impacts
- engages with a specific public group or groups, relevant to your project’s objectives, working with partner and intermediary organisations where appropriate
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.
Within the Approach section we also expect you to:
- demonstrate access to the appropriate services, facilities, infrastructure, or equipment to deliver the proposed work
- provide a detailed and comprehensive project plan, including milestones and timelines in the form of a Gantt chart or diagram
- demonstrate you have good understanding of the datasets you are applying for, confirm that you have reviewed the relevant data documentation associated with the dataset(s) you plan to utilise within this study and confirm your project is feasible with the data you have requested
- list your specific research questions and hypotheses and provide detail on how they will be addressed using the dataset. For example, variables that will be used and geographic level
- detail expected outcomes and planned publications
Applicant capability to deliver
Word limit: 1,500
Why are you the right individual to successfully deliver the proposed work?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Evidence of how you have:
- the relevant experience (appropriate to career stage) to make best use of the benefits presented by this funding opportunity to develop your career
- the right balance of skills and aptitude to deliver the proposed work
- contributed to developing a positive research environment and wider community
- the appropriate team working or leadership skills (appropriate to career stage)
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.
The word count for this section is 1,500 words, 1,000 words to be used for R4RI modules and, if necessary, a further 500 words for Additions.
Use the Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) format to showcase the range of relevant skills you have and how this will help to deliver the proposed work. You can include specific achievements and choose past contributions that best evidence your ability to deliver this work.
Complete this section using the following R4RI module headings. You should use each heading once, see the UKRI guidance on R4RI. You should consider how to balance your answer, and emphasise where appropriate the key skills you bring:
- contributions to the generation of new ideas, tools, methodologies, or knowledge
- the development of others and maintenance of effective working relationships
- contributions to the wider research and innovation community
- contributions to broader research or innovation, users and audiences, and towards wider societal benefit
Additions: Provide any further details relevant to your application. This section is optional and can be up to 500 words. You should not use it to describe additional skills, experiences, or outputs, but you can use it to describe any factors that provide context for the rest of your R4RI (for example, details of career breaks if you wish to disclose them).
You should complete this section as a narrative. Do not format it like a CV.
Career development
Word limit: 1,000
Why is this fellowship the right way to develop your career and how will you use it to benefit others?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Ensure that you have identified:
- career development goals appropriate to the fellowship funding opportunity
- how the fellowship will provide a feasible and appropriate trajectory for your personal development and to achieve your stated career development goals (as appropriate to your career stage and field)
- how you will instigate positive change in the wider research and innovation community, for example through equality diversity and inclusion (EDI), advocacy or advisory roles, stakeholder engagement, participation in peer review, influencing policy, public engagement, or outreach
Within the Career development section we also expect you to describe:
- how the proposed work will provide a feasible and appropriate trajectory for you to acquire additional skills, like research, leadership, communication and management
Host organisation support
Word limit: 1,000
How will the host organisation support your fellowship?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Ensure that you have:
- provided evidence detailing how the host organisation will support you, as appropriate for your career development and the vision and approach of the fellowship
- identified who you have engaged with in your host organisation (name and role)
- set out how your research environment will contribute to the success of the work, in terms of suitability of the host organisation and strategic relevance to the project
- set out how the host organisation will ensure your time commitment to the fellowship is protected
- identified what development and training opportunities will be provided and how they form a cohesive career development package tailored to your aims and aspirations
- identified what financial or practical support, such as access to the appropriate services, facilities, infrastructure, or equipment, is being provided and how this strengthens your application
Mentor support
Word limit: 10
Provide a statement from your primary mentor detailing why they (and any additional mentors) are the most appropriate person or people to support you.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Provide a statement from your mentor that demonstrates how they will support your career trajectory and how the support offered forms a cohesive career development package tailored to your aims and aspirations. Upload the statement and write ‘attachment supplied’ in the text box.
Your mentor support statement should articulate the following:
- how they have tailored their programme of support to your individual needs
- how they will ensure you are kept active and focused throughout the award
- how they will keep your long-term career prospects clearly in mind
- how they have the relevant skills and experience to be your mentor
The statement should be completed by the primary mentor but must detail the relevant skills and expertise of all mentors and their approach to mentoring. The statement should not exceed two sides of A4.
Unless specifically requested, please do not include any personal data within the attachment.
Upload details are provided within the Funding Service on the actual application.
Resources and cost justification
Word limit: 1,000
What will you need to deliver your proposed work and how much will it cost?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Justify the application’s more costly resources, in particular:
- project staff
- significant travel for field work or collaboration (but not regular travel between collaborating organisations or to conferences)
- all facilities and infrastructure costs
- training costs
- all resources that have been costed as ‘Exceptions’
Assessors are not looking for detailed costs or a line-by-line breakdown of all project resources. Overall, they want you to demonstrate how the resources you anticipate needing for your proposed work:
- are comprehensive, appropriate, and justified
- represent the optimal use of resources to achieve the intended outcomes
- maximise potential outcomes and impacts
Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI)
Word limit: 500
What are the ethical or RRI implications and issues relating to the proposed work?
If you do not think that the proposed work raises any ethical or RRI issues, explain why.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Demonstrate that you have identified and evaluated:
- the relevant ethical or responsible research and innovation considerations
- how you will manage these considerations
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.
References
Word limit: 1,000
List the references you have used to support your application.
Include all references in this section, not in the rest of the application questions.
You should not include any other information in this section.
We advise you not to include hyperlinks, as assessors are not obliged to access the information they lead to or consider it in their assessment of your application.
If linking to web resources, to maintain the information’s integrity, include persistent identifiers (such as digital object identifiers) where possible.
You must not include links to web resources to extend your application.
