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:
- project lead (PL)
- project co-lead (UK) (PcL)
- researcher co-lead (RcL)
- specialist
- grant manager
- professional enabling staff
- research and innovation associate
- technician
- visiting researcher
Only list one individual as project lead.
Find out more about UKRI’s new grant roles.
Vision
Word limit: 2,000
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 fields or areas
- has the potential to advance current understanding, or generate new knowledge, thinking or discovery within or beyond the field or area
- is timely given current trends, context, and needs
- impacts world-leading research, society, the economy, or the environment
As part of this section, we expect you to:
- introduce the topic of research and explain its academic and wider context
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of past and current work in the subject area both in the UK and internationally
- provide a summary of the results and conclusions of your recent work in the research area(s) relevant to the proposal
- identify the overall aims of the proposed sLoLa research programme, set in the context the funding opportunity’s frontier bioscience scope, current knowledge, and the leading edge within the research domains
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant, please:
- provide only directly relevant images that complement the written content in a section. Images should not be used to extend the word count
- include within the image itself only text that is an integral part of it, including the legend. Ensure each image and any text included in it is clearly readable after uploading it
- include a brief description of the image within the “Alternative description” text field, so that screen reader software can describe the image to meet accessibility requirements
- include all other text associated with the description of the image, such as the figure number, and figure title, within the narrative text so that it can be read by screen readers and contribute to the word count of a section
- files must be smaller than 8MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format
Approach
Word limit: 6,000
How are you going to deliver your proposed work?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Explain how you have designed your approach so that it:
- is effective and appropriate to achieve your objectives
- is feasible, and comprehensively identifies any risks to delivery and how they will be managed
- uses a clearly written and transparent methodology (if applicable)
- summarises the previous work and describes how this will be built upon and progressed (if applicable)
- will maximise translation of outputs into outcomes and impacts
- describes how your, and if applicable your team’s, research environment (in terms of the place and relevance to the project) will contribute to the success of the work
As part of this section, we expect you to:
- provide the individual measurable objectives for the planned sLoLa and explain how these will be tackled. This should include a detailed description and justification for the methods and approaches to be employed
- describe the programme of work, indicating the research (experimental and data analysis) to be undertaken and the milestones that can be used to measure its progress. The detail should be sufficient to indicate the programme of work for each member of the research team. Identify any potential risks within the research programme and strategies to mitigate these risks (for example, alternative approaches)
- identify any equipment or resources you will need to access
- explain why the proposed project is of sufficient timeliness and novelty to warrant consideration for funding. Highlight features which are particularly original or unique. sLoLa proposals are expected to be ambitious and potentially transformative, resulting in a step change in knowledge that will have a major impact on the research area
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant, please:
- provide only directly relevant images that complement the written content in a section. Images should not be used to extend the word count
- include within the image itself only text that is an integral part of it, including the legend. Ensure each image and any text included in it is clearly readable after uploading it
- include a brief description of the image within the “Alternative description” text field, so that screen reader software can describe the image to meet accessibility requirements
- include all other text associated with the description of the image, such as the figure number, and figure title, within the narrative text so that it can be read by screen readers and contribute to the word count of a section
- files must be smaller than 8MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format
A project Gannt chart is compulsory and should be inserted as an image at the very end of this section. The Gannt chart should identify appropriate deliverables, responsibilities and time points for each objective.
Added value
Word limit: 700 words
How will your sLoLa project add value to the research landscape?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
- justify the need for sLoLa funding, describing the added value of funding through this mechanism. Outline a clear strategy for how the research team’s outputs (experiments, data and results) will be fully integrated to deliver ‘greater than sum of parts’ outcomes which could not be achieved through a series of smaller, shorter grants (for example, Responsive Mode awards)
- outline how the proposed research complements and does not overlap with other research funded in this area nationally and internationally, including BBSRC’s research portfolio. For information on BBSRC’s portfolio, please see Gateway to Research and downloads on the funding opportunity web page
Strategic case
Word limit: 700 words
What is the strategic case for your sLoLa project?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
- the significance and importance of the proposed research, including how the sLoLa award will enhance the international position of UK bioscience in the research area
- how the research programme will have an impact on the broader health and vitality of UK bioscience. Where applicable, this might include:
- plans for ensuring the longer-term legacy of data
- software
- technologies
- other community resources
- skills and national capability developed during the project
- identifying potential routes towards economic or societal impacts where these may already be evident
Applicant and team capability to deliver
Word limit: 3,000
Why are you the right individual or team 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
- contributed to developing a positive research environment and wider community
The word count for this section is 3,000 words: 2,500 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 and, if relevant, your team (project and project co-leads, researchers, technicians, specialists, partners and so on) have and how this will help deliver the proposed work. You can include individuals’ specific achievements 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 should consider how to balance your answer, and emphasise where appropriate the key skills each team member brings:
1. Describe the specific contribution of each applicant to the proposed sLoLa
- their scientific contributions, for example, research field and specialist knowledge, experience, technical and data analysis expertise
- their role and responsibilities, for example, managerial, leadership, mentoring
- references to specific work packages are recommended
- highlight where applicants will work collaboratively to deliver specific project requirements
- include clear time commitments for each applicant
2. Describe how each applicant has contributed to the generation of new ideas, knowledge, tools, or methodologies
- examples might include: contributions to (and skills acquired from) past research projects; key outputs such as publications, datasets, software and intellectual property
- the most relevant examples are likely to relate to previous work related to the proposed sLoLa project
3. Describe how team members have contributed to the effective working of research teams and the development of others
- examples might include: contributions to (and skills acquired from) past project management, supervision, mentoring or line management activities which were critical to the success of a team; strategic leadership which shaped the direction of a team or organisation; personal development activities; management of complex multi-investigator or multi-site projects
- examples provided should evidence the team’s collective capability to lead and manage the proposed sLoLa project
4. Describe how team members have contributed to the wider research and innovation community
- examples might include: contributions to wider collaborations and networks; establishment of community resources; contributions to the improvement of research culture including equality, diversity and inclusion practices; commitments such as editing, reviewing and committees
5. Describe how team members have contributed to broader society
- examples might include: engagement across the public or private sector or with the wider public; past research which has influenced policy development
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 information relating to periods that may have impacted team members such as career breaks, secondments, part time work or career disruptions (for example, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise) can be included here. An explanation of the specific circumstances that have caused disruption of outputs or affected career progression is not required.
In this section you can reference anticipated contributions of any collaborators, project partners or sub-contractors
Complete this as a narrative. Do not format it like a CV.
UKRI has introduced new role types for funding opportunities being run on the new Funding Service.
For full details, see Eligibility as an individual.
Management strategy
Word limit: 700 words
How to you plan to manage the sLoLa?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
- describe how the project will be managed to ensure effective working of the investigators and wider team, effective utilisation of resources, and successful delivery of the planned outcomes. The management approach should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the programme
- provide details about the governance, advisory and management structure, details of the approach to project and risk management, and the monitoring strategy for the proposed programme
- an independent advisory board is required for large-scale programmes. Provide information on the membership of this advisory board
You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.
Include any relevant figures and:
- provide only directly relevant images that complement the written content in a section. Images should not be used to extend the word count
- include within the image itself only text that is an integral part of it, including the legend. Ensure each image and any text included in it is clearly readable after uploading it
- include a brief description of the image within the “Alternative description” text field, so that screen reader software can describe the image to meet accessibility requirements
- include all other text associated with the description of the image, such as the figure number, and figure title, within the narrative text so that it can be read by screen readers and contribute to the word count of a section
- files must be smaller than 8MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format
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
Applications proposing to use animals must abide by the guidance on Animal Use detailed in the BBSRC Grants Guide.
Genetic and biological risk
Word limit: 700
Does your proposed research involve any genetic or biological risk?
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.
If this does not apply to your proposed work, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
Research involving the use of animals
Word limit: 10
Does your proposed research involve the use of vertebrate animals or other organisms covered by the Animals Scientific Procedures Act?
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 using animals, download and complete the Animals Scientific Procedures Act template (DOCX, 74KB), which contains all the questions relating to research using vertebrate animals or other Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulated organisms.
Save it as a PDF and upload the document as instructed. If this does not apply to your proposed work, please complete the box with N/A.
Studies proposing to use non-human primates, cats, dogs, equines or pigs will be assessed during NC3Rs review of research applications.
Conducting research with animals overseas
Word limit: 10
Will any of the proposed animal research be conducted overseas?
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 to conduct overseas research, it must be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with those in the UK, as in Responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research, page 14.
Ensure all named applicants in the UK and overseas are aware of this requirement. 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 NC3Rs review of research applications. Provide the required information by completing the template from the question ‘Research involving the use of animals’.
For studies involving other species, select, download, and complete the relevant Word checklist or checklists from this list:
Save as a PDF. If you use more than one checklist, save it as a single PDF.
The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply. If this does not apply to your proposed work, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
Research involving human participation
Word limit: 700
Will the project involve the use of human subjects or their personal information?
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.
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.
If this does not apply to your proposed work, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
Research involving human tissues or biological samples
Word limit: 700
Does your proposed research involve the use of human tissues, or biological samples?
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 work that involves human tissues or biological samples, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place.
Justify the use of human tissue or biological samples specifying the nature and quantity of the material to be used and its source.
If this does not apply to your proposed work, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
Resources and cost justification
Word limit: 3,000
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)
- any equipment that will cost more than £10,000, will be funded at 50% FEC but the 100% FEC cost should be inputted into the Funding Service under directly incurred – equipment. You must obtain 3 quotes for the equipment (from multiple suppliers where possible) and use these as the basis for your costings. We may ask successful applicants for quotes prior to award. A separate business case is not required.
- any consumables beyond typical requirements, or that are required in exceptional quantities
- all facilities and infrastructure costs
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
Your organisation’s support
Word limit: 10
Provide details of support from all the applicant research organisations
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Provide a Statement of Support from your research organisation(s) 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(s).
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
Upload details are provided within the service on the actual application.
Project partners
Add details about any project partners’ contributions. If there are no project partners, you can indicate this on the Funding Service.
A project partner is a collaborating organisation who will have an integral role in the proposed research. This may include direct (cash) or indirect (in-kind) contributions such as expertise, staff time or use of facilities.
Add the following project partner details:
- the organisation name and address (searchable via a drop-down list or enter the organisation’s details manually, as applicable)
- the project partner contact name and email address
- the type of contribution (direct or in-direct) and its monetary value
If a detail is entered incorrectly and you have saved the entry, remove the specific project partner record and re-add it with the correct information.
For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.
Project partners: letters or emails of support
Word limit: 10
Upload a single PDF containing the letters or emails of support from each partner you named in the Project Partner section.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
Enter the words ‘attachment supplied’ in the text box, or if you do not have any project partners enter N/A. 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
Save letters or emails of support from each partner in a single PDF no bigger than 8MB. Unless specially requested, please do not include any sensitive personal data within the attachment.
For the file name, use the unique Funding Service number the system gives you when you create an application, followed by the words ‘Project partner’.
If the attachment does not meet these requirements, the application will be rejected.
The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply. If you do not have any project partners, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
Ensure you have prior agreement from project partners so that, if you are offered funding, they will support your project as indicated in the contributions template.
For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.
Do not provide letters of support from host and project co-leads’ research organisations.
Data management and sharing
Word limit: 1,000 words
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 that clearly details how you will comply with UKRI’s published data sharing policy, which includes detailed guidance notes.
Facilities
Word limit: 600
Does your proposed research require the support and use of one or more of these specified facilities?
What the assessors are looking for in your response
If you will need to use a facility, follow your proposed facility’s normal access request procedures. Ensure you have prior agreement so that if you are offered funding, they will support the use of their facility on your project.
For each requested facility you will need to provide the:
- name of facility, copied and pasted from the facility information list (DOCX, 35KB)
- proposed usage or costs, or costs per unit where indicated on the facility information list
- confirmation you have their agreement where required
For more information, please see BBSRC guidance for applicants.
If you will not need to use a facility, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.
References
Word limit: 500 words
List the references you have used to support your application.
What the assessors are looking for in your response
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.
