I started writing this week’s blog a little prematurely as major deadlines were still approaching and clearly in my mind- but when ideas come, I usually need to make some notes before they dissipate. So, here’s a little bit about my week.
I’ve worked as a Research Funding Specialist as part of Edinburgh Research Office, affectionately known as ERO, for a little over 15 months now. Before Christmas I felt like I was starting to develop a feel for the rhythm of the research funding year, but then Blam! January and February arrived. These last two months have been extremely busy, and this week the busiest of them all, as I submitted 2021 applications worth a little over £10m in all.
Collaboration
I am very grateful for my School Research Office colleagues, and of course our researchers, who largely recognized the mountain of applications we were facing, and pulled together to submit in record time. This has been a massive effort across the research ecosystem and we should be really proud of how we have managed such busy deadlines together. We always try to work collaboratively, but it has felt especially collegial this week and I hope we can continue to channel this going forward. We are after all working towards the same outcome- for quality research projects to be properly costed, and the best of these (we hope) to be awarded.
My role
What is my small part of the puzzle of research funding applications? I sometimes cost, and mostly check funding applications prior to submission to UK funders. I am proud to have delegated authority to submit funding applications on behalf of the University of Edinburgh. This week has mostly been taken over by checking applications which involves quibbling over categories, and querying the eligibility of costs which varies widely from one funder to the next. Broadly we check:
- Key information – dates, title, funder, call, partners
- Finances – checking costing is appropriate
- Applications – funder unique requirements
When there is more time, I usually like to proofread applications too for spelling, grammar, sense, and occasionally word choice–though I make sure to leave the science to the experts! This week has, for the most part, not permitted deeper contemplation, but budgets, dates and project details must match, and budgets must be approved by the Schools prior to submission.
Anyway, while we have been suspended in the application zone, the day-to-day continues, and all of the contract liaison that has been piling up in my inbox throughout the week will need to be addressed tomorrow. I hope you have enjoyed a brief insight into an (extra)ordinary week in the life of a Research Funding Specialist. If you’d like to know more about what we do, feel free to reach out.
Here’s a wee snap of the ceiling of the Ballroom which is ERO’s open-plan office. Bet you your cornicing doesn’t come close to that!
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