UKRI are inviting applications from across the research system for panel chairs and panel members for a new Interdisciplinary Assessment College (the college). This a unique opportunity to be part of an important new approach to funding interdisciplinary research.
The college will support the new cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme, which is designed to support new interdisciplinary ideas emerging from the research community outside current disciplinary boundaries. This will open a new route for research ideas that transcend, combine or significantly span disciplines.
The new funding opportunity is being piloted over an initial two rounds of funding, allowing us to assess demand and test and refine our processes.
We will work closely with the college to learn and apply lessons between rounds.
For more details about the scheme see the funding opportunity pre-announcement.
Who we are looking for
Outstanding interdisciplinary ideas, and their assessment, depend on interdisciplinary expertise from across the full range of research roles and career stages.
Our panel membership will reflect the breadth of disciplines and subjects across UKRI, including those working in new and emerging areas.
Applications are open to everyone with experience of interdisciplinary research, from academic and non-academic backgrounds (including business, public and third sector organisations), and from across the diverse range of roles needed for successful research (for example, technicians and professional services).
Colleagues from early, mid and late career stages are welcome to apply.
We welcome and encourage applications from international colleagues. As panels will be run using online platforms, there will not be a requirement to travel. Please note that any international college members would be required to attend virtual panel meetings at UK times outlined in the ‘what you’ll be doing’ section.
UKRI is committed to the principles of fair and transparent decision making, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in our peer review processes, including women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
As this is a new scheme, UKRI will provide preparatory support and guidance to enable you to understand the aims of the scheme and assess interdisciplinary proposals. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to, and learn from, UKRI assessment processes and be part of the evaluation process for the scheme.
Members of the college will still be eligible to apply for funding through the UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme.
As this is a pilot scheme, we are initially seeking around 200 members, and around 20 chairs, to enable us to respond to the potential demand and breadth of applications. The number of college members who are used as assessors for the first funding round will depend on the applications received.
This is an open recruitment call and UKRI is inviting direct applications from individuals. We are not accepting nominations, if you know someone who would be excellent at this or might like the opportunity to contribute, please alert them to this call.
We are looking for individuals who:
- understand interdisciplinary research and have experience of one or more of the following:
- undertaking interdisciplinary research
- working in interdisciplinary environments
- developing, managing, working with or supporting interdisciplinary research
- assessing interdisciplinary research
- can contribute to a positive peer review culture for interdisciplinary research, and are willing to work collaboratively with others, providing their views and listening to diverse opinions
- are willing to contribute to helping evaluate the pilot, providing feedback to UKRI on the process and helping identify key learning points
The full person specification and essential criteria are set out in annex A under the ‘further information’ section.
We will hold detailed briefing sessions for all panel members, to explain the specifics of the call, ways of working and assessment processes.