UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service
We are running the BBSRC FoF and super FoF funding opportunity on the new UKRI Funding Service. You cannot apply for this opportunity on the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system.
If you do not already have an account with the UKRI Funding Service, you will be able to create one by selecting the ‘start application’ button at the start of this page. Creating an account is a 2-minute process requiring you to verify your email address and set a password.
If you are a member of an organisation with a research office that we do not have contact details for, we will contact them to enable administrator access. This provides:
- oversight of every UKRI Funding Service application opened on behalf of your organisation
- the ability to review and submit applications
Research offices that have not already received an invitation to open an account should email: support@funding-service.ukri.org
To find out more about the role of research office professionals in the application process, watch a recording of a recent research office webinar on YouTube.
Submitting your application
Applications should be prepared and submitted by the lead research organisation but should be co-created with input from all investigators, and project partners, and should represent the proposed work of the entire consortia.
To apply:
- Select the ‘Start application’ button at the start of this page.
- This will open the ‘Sign in’ page of UKRI’s Funding Service. If you do not already have an account, you’ll be able to create one. This is a 2-minute process requiring you to verify your email address and set a password.
- Start answering the questions detailed in this section of ‘How to apply’. You can save your work and come back to it later. You can also work ‘offline’, copying and pasting into the text boxes provided for your answers.
- Once complete, use the service to send your application to your research office for review. They’ll check it and return it to you if it needs editing.
- Once happy, your research office will submit it to UKRI for assessment. Only they can do this.
As citations can be integral to a case for support, you should balance their inclusion and the benefit they provide against the inclusion of other parts of your answer to each question. Bear in mind that citations, associated reference lists or bibliographies, or both, contribute to, and are included in, the word count of the relevant section.
Deadline
BBSRC must receive your application by 4 April 2023 at 4:00pm UK time.
You will not be able to apply after this time.
You should ensure you are aware of and follow any internal institutional deadlines that may be in place.
Processing personal data
BBSRC, 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
If your application is successful, some personal information will be published via the UKRI Gateway to Research.
Confidentiality and disclosure
BBSRC takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the contents of applications for FoF are treated confidentially.
BBSRC would like to make applicants aware that project summaries and personal data from the first page of successful applications will be transferred to publicly available databases.
Applicants should therefore word the title and summary of the proposed project in a way which protects commercially confidential or sensitive areas.
The following details will be transferred for all funded projects:
- title and project summary
- institution
- name(s) of applicant(s)
- name of any project partners
- the value of the award
- start and end dates and duration of the award
If you do not wish personal data or information that could affect intellectual property rights to be transferred to these databases, or there is data about you, BBSRC must be notified in writing at this stage. Please refer to the section ‘Sensitive information relating to you as an applicant’ in the application and described under ‘How to apply’.
Applicants must abide by the principles of good scientific practice.
UKRI Funding Service: section guidance
Summary
In plain English, provide a summary of your application. Describe your proposed work in terms of its:
- context
- aims and objectives
- fit to the scope of this opportunity
This summary may be made publicly available on external facing websites. Write with disclosure in mind and make sure readers of all levels can understand it.
Word count: 550
About your application
Specify which of the funds you are applying for, and positions of the main applicants.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Enter either ‘Follow on Fund’ or ‘Super Follow on Fund’.
As principal investigator, detail your:
- name
- salaried position
- length of contract
Repeat this for any co-investigators named on this application.
Word count: 20
Applicants
List the key members of your team and assign them roles, for example:
- principal investigator
- co-investigator
- researcher
- technician
You should only list 1 individual as principal investigator.
Background to the proposal
What is the background to this application?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Provide a brief overview of the background to this application:
- include the key grants (and funders) that have enabled and informed the work proposed in the application, specifying any previous BBSRC grant references
Additionally:
- identify if the application is a resubmission (including invited resubmission) and how the proposed work has developed
- reference any other correspondence with BBSRC relevant to and regarding the application
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 2,000
Opportunity and market
What is the opportunity or challenge you are seeking to exploit or address, that could lead to the development or deployment of a new or improved product, service or technology?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
You should:
- describe the market opportunity or need that this proposal will seek to address, including the sector and scale
- outline the proposed solution to address the opportunity or need, considering the scalability of the proposed approach
- where there are existing or competing innovations or solutions, explain how your proposed approach improves on them
- identify the end-user or customer base, explaining how the proposed solution provides a practical solution to their needs
You can use the upload file function to provide directly relevant excerpts of market research reports. This must be no longer than 10 sides of A4 in Arial 11pt and uploaded as a PDF of no more than 8MB.
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 1,200
Development plan
How has the idea or solution been developed to date and what is the proposed approach for further development?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
You should:
- detail the current understanding or maturity of the innovation or technology and how the proposed work will enable its development, referencing any pertinent data from previous research
- explain how key users, customers and any investors will be engaged throughout the project, referencing any prior interactions
- include specific project deliverables and the resourcing necessary to deliver the proposed work using a Gantt chart or similar aide
- detail any necessary access to facilities, expertise or consultancy essential to delivering the proposed work
- outline where intellectual property (IP) and freedom to operate considerations will need to be accounted for (for example: where licenses will need to be obtained)
- make clear any risks that exist, outlining mitigation strategies for the issues that may limit this project from delivering on its financial, commercial and technical objectives
- detail the contribution of any industry or other organisation with whom you plan to partner
UKRI does not anticipate any business to have exclusive rights to the assets and IP arising from the funded project, either at the time of application, or during any subsequent grant.
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 1,600
Route to market and intellectual assets
How will the proposed project progress the innovation or technology towards achieving market or application?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
You should:
- describe how the proposed work will inform or deploy the product, service or technology using the most appropriate route to market
- outline what further support you may need, following this funding, to deliver your product, service or technology, for example: access to networks, further funding, private investment and skills
- outline how any intellectual assets generated, including IP, will be managed throughout the project to enable further development and ensure future success
Please note: funding cannot be used to support the direct costs associated with applying for IP protection, for example patent filing.
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 1,200
Wider benefits
Beyond the commercial opportunity, what are the potential societal, environmental and economic benefits of the proposed approach?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
You should:
- explain why public funding is appropriate and essential for the proposed programme of work, including why private investment cannot, or will not enable this
- consider the potential impact on high-level societal challenges, for example: gender equality, diversity, social inclusion and climate change
- outline any wider economic impacts, for example: job creation, skills and capacity building
- describe the steps you will take to maximise any potential benefits
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 1,200
Ethical considerations
Over and above any research involving humans, human tissue, genetically modified organisms or animals (covered in other sections) are there any ethical considerations associated with your product, service or technology, including those that are beyond formal regulatory and legal frameworks?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
You should:
- outline whether there any ethical considerations relating to the project or its impacts, including any potential impacts on the environment and potential dual use implications
- consider societal acceptance of your idea and, where you think this might limit uptake, outline strategies that could mitigate this
Number your references in this section using a superscript citation style. Then include the details of these references in a corresponding list, in the ‘References’ section of this application.
Please note, external web links are not permitted in this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 700
Your organisation’s support
Provide details of support from your research organisation.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Provide a statement of support from your research organisation detailing why the proposed work is needed. This should include details of any matched funding that will be provided to support the activity and any additional support that might add value to the work.
The committee will be looking for a strong statement of commitment from your research organisation. This should include a statement regarding the organisation’s support of the innovation to this stage, involvement in business or industry engagement and business development activities.
BBSRC recognises that in some instances, this information may be provided by the research office, the technology transfer office (TTO) or equivalent, or a combination of both.
You must also include the following details:
- a significant person’s name and their position, from the TTO or research office, or both
- office address or web link
If you are requesting funds to support equipment costs that require a letter of support from your organisation (for example, equipment between £10,000 and £138,000), please include that letter within this section.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Word count: 1,400
Project partners
If you require project partners’ information, use the following two sections:
Project partners: contributions
Provide details about any project partners’ contributions using the template provided.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Please download and complete the project partner contributions template (DOCX, 52KB) then copy and paste the table within it into the text box.
Word count: 500
Project partners: letters (or emails) of support
Upload a single PDF containing the letters or emails of support from each partner you named in the table in the previous ‘contributions’ section.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Project partners listed in the previous ‘contributions’ section, enter the words ‘attachment supplied’ in the text box.
Each letter or email you provide should:
- confirm the partner’s commitment to the project
- clearly explain the value, relevance and possible benefits of the work to them
- describe any additional value that they bring to the project
- for more guidance, refer to the BBSRC grants guide, collaborations section
Please do not provide letters of support from host and co-investigator’s research organisations.
Unless specifically requested, please do not include any personal data within the attachment.
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.
Word count: 10
Applicant and team capability to deliver
Why are you the right people to successfully deliver the proposed work?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Evidence of how you, and if relevant your team, have:
- the relevant experience (appropriate to career stage) to deliver the proposed work
- the right balance of skills and expertise to cover the proposed work
- the appropriate leadership and management skills to deliver the work and your approach to develop others
Use the Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) format to showcase the range of relevant skills you, and if relevant your team (investigators, researchers, other (technical) staff for example research software engineers, data scientists etc., and partners), have and how this will help to deliver the proposed work. Individual’s specific achievements can be included but only choose past contributions that best evidence their ability to deliver this work.
Complete this section using the R4RI module headings listed. Use each heading once and include a response for the whole team. See the UKRI guidance on R4RI. You can enter ‘N/A’ for any you think irrelevant, and won’t be penalised for doing so, but it is recommended that you carefully consider the breadth of your experience:
- 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 (you can use this heading to provide information which provides context to the wider application, such as detail of career breaks. It is not a requirement)
You should complete this as a narrative and you should avoid lists.
Word count: 1,500
Data collection or acquisition
How will you manage and share data collected or acquired through the proposed research?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Provide a data management plan which should clearly detail how you will comply with BBSRC’s published data sharing policy, which includes detailed guidance notes.
Word count: 700
Intellectual property rights (IPR)
Provide a brief description of the intellectual assets underpinning the proposed work
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Include any IPR if appropriate. If your IPR is a patent, please include the patent number or numbers along with a summary scope of the claims. BBSRC recognises that not all applications to the FoF will have a patent or other IPR.
Word count: 500
Outsourcing
Are you outsourcing any Follow-on Fund activity?
If you are not, enter ‘N/A’ in the text box, mark this section as complete and move to the next question.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
UKRI recognises that sometimes, it may be appropriate to outsource elements of the proposed work. If that is the case then provide the following information:
- the scope of the outsourced activity, that is, what is being undertaken and what will be delivered
- the relevance of the outsourced activity to the application
- why the outsourced activity cannot be undertaken in house
- why this provider is the most appropriate
- the cost or costs of the outsourced activity and the tendering process that has been followed
Please provide any goods and services quotations.
Word count: 700
Genetic and biological risk
Does your proposed research involve any genetic or biological risk?
If not, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
In respect of animals, plants or microbes, are you proposing to:
- use genetic modification as an experimental tool, like studying gene function in a genetically modified organism
- release genetically modified organisms
- ultimately develop commercial and industrial genetically modified outcomes?
If yes, provide the name of any required approving body and state if approval is already in place. If it is not, provide an indicative timeframe for obtaining the required approval.
Identify the organism or organisms as a plant, animal or microbe and specify the species and which of the three categories the research relates to.
Identify the genetic and biological risks resulting from the proposed research, their implications and any mitigation you plan on taking. Assessors will want to know you have considered the risks and their implications to justify that any identified risks do not outweigh any benefits of the proposed research.
Word count: 700
Research involving the use of animals
Does your proposed research involve the use of vertebrate animals or other organisms covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986?
If not, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and do the same for the next question.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If you are proposing research that requires using animals, write ‘Yes’ in the text box. Then, download and complete this question template document (DOCX, 74KB), which contains all the questions relating to research using vertebrate animals or other Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulated organisms. Then, save it as a PDF.
Word count: 10
Conducting research with animals overseas
Will any of the proposed animal research be conducted overseas?
If not, enter ‘N/A’ in the text box, mark as complete and move to the next question.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If you are proposing to conduct overseas research, it must be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with those in the UK, as per responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research, on page 14.
You should also ensure all named applicants in the UK and overseas are aware of this requirement and provide a statement to confirm that:
- all named applicants are aware of the requirements and have agreed to abide by them
- this overseas research will be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with the principles of UK legislation
- the expectation set out in ‘responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research’ will be applied and maintained
- appropriate national and institutional approvals are in place
Overseas studies proposing to use non-human primates, cats, dogs, equines or pigs, will be assessed during the National Centre for the Replacement Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) review of research proposals. The required information should be provided by completing the template from the question ‘Research involving the use of animals’.
For studies involving other species listed, you should select the relevant checklist or checklists from the list, complete it and save it as a PDF and use the file upload feature to attach. If you need to complete more than one checklist, you should merge them into a single document and then save it as a PDF before uploading it.
Other species:
Word count: 10
Research involving human participation
Will the project involve the use of human subjects?
If not, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If you are proposing research that requires the involvement of human subjects, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place. Then, justify the number and the diversity of the participants involved, as well as any procedures.
Provide details of any areas of substantial or moderate severity of impact.
Word count: 700
Research involving human tissues or biological samples
Does your proposed research involve the use of human tissues, or biological samples?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If not, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
If you’re answering ‘yes’, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place.
You should justify the use of human tissue or biological samples specifying the nature and quantity of the material to be used and its source.
Word count: 700
Personal information
Will your research require personal information about human participants to be used?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If not, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
If you are proposing research that requires the involvement of human subjects, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place. Then justify the number and the diversity of the participants involved, as well as any procedures.
Provide details of any areas of substantial or moderate severity of impact.
Word count: 700
References and resources
List the references you’ve use to support your application.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Ensure your application is a self-contained description. You can provide hyperlinks to relevant publications or online resources. However, assessors are not obliged to access the information they lead to or consider it in their assessment of your application. You must not include links to web resources in order to extend your application. If linking to web resources, include persistent identifiers such as digital object identifiers, to ensure the information’s integrity is maintained.
Word count: 500
Facilities
Does your proposed research require the support and use of a third-party facility?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If not, enter N/A into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
If you will need to use a facility, you should follow your proposed facility’s normal access request procedures. Also, where prior agreement is required, ensure you obtain their agreement that, should you be offered funding, they will support the use of their facility on your project. In the text box, provide:
- the name of the facility
- a description of the type of access they are granting you, for example: hours, units or value requested
- an explanation of how you will use the facility in your research
Do not put the facility contact details in your response.
Word count: 700
Full economic costs and your justification of those resources
Complete the template contained within ‘What the assessors are looking for in your response’ to provide full economic costings for your proposal and then justify them.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Download this FEC template (DOCX, 97KB), complete it and then upload it as explained.
Using the text box, explain why the resources requested are appropriate, taking into account the nature and complexity of the research proposal. It should not be simply a list of the resources required, as this will already be given in the ‘costs’ section. Where you do not provide explanation for an activity that requires justification, it will be cut from any grant made.
Do not duplicate information that you have included in the ‘‘Your team and Your Capability to Deliver’ – or equivalent’ section. Your answer in this section should describe how your project offers value for money.
Estates, indirect and infrastructure technician costs do not need to be justified within the justification of resources. Quotes for equipment exceeding £10,000 are not necessary for this application.
However, appropriate processes must be used to ensure requested costs are:
- accurate
- inclusive of VAT
- include import duty, where appropriate
Successful applicants must be able to show UKRI evidence of adherence to procurement rules (such as quotes) if audited.
If you are including animal costs please provide detailed information, such as numbers that need to be bred or maintained, as part of what you write as your justification of resources. Please use robust processes to accurately estimate directly allocated animals costs to ensure that appropriate costs are requested to maintain high welfare standards.
If your organisation is audited and asked for further information, you will need to provide evidence of how you arrived at these costs. If there are estimated costs entered under the fund headings, the grants will be cash limited and BBSRC will not provide additional costs at a later time.
Word count: 1,400
Sensitive information relating to you as an applicant
Use this section to provide us with sensitive information you need to tell us that you do not want shared with assessors.
If you do not need to tell us anything, enter ‘N/A’ into the text box, mark this section as complete and move on to the next section.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If you need to tell us something you wish to remain confidential, please enter the words ‘email sent’ in the text box below.
Then, contact the funding service helpdesk on support@funding-service.ukri.org Include your application name and number in the subject line, after the pre-populated words ‘sensitive information’.
Typical examples of confidential information include:
- an applicant is unavailable until a certain date
- declaration of interest
- additional information about eligibility to apply that would not be appropriately shared in the track record
- conflict of interest for BBSRC to consider in reviewer or panel participant selection.
For information about how UKRI handles personal data, please see UKRI’s privacy notice.
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