Principles for Allocations from the Research Matching Fund

 1. The purpose of the Research Matching Fund (RMF) is to provide a source of finance to which applicants normally seeking external funds on a competitive basis may apply for matching funds.

2. Allocations from the RMF will normally be restricted to cases where matching funds will strengthen the University's case for obtaining access to external funds. This is most likely to arise in situations where matching funds are a specific requirement of an external funding scheme, or in one-off circumstances where it can be demonstrated that a University commitment of funds will provide the leverage necessary to attract external funding. A RMF contribution will not normally exceed 25% of the total cost of a proposal.

3. Applications must state or include:

• a copy of the application for external funds (or alternatively, if the application is not available, the purpose of the request for funds should be set out in detail);
• the total capital cost of the equipment, or facility, or alternatively, the cost of the academic staff position;
• the amount being sought from the RMF;
• details of other financial contributions towards the total cost: departmental and/or faculty contributions must be significant and in writing;
• details of the recurrent, or operating costs of any equipment or facility;
• details of how the operating costs of any equipment or facility will be funded in future years;
• the case for RMF funding; in other words, how will the overall benefits to the University outweigh the overall costs?

4. Applications for loans to departments and faculties from the RMF for these purposes may be appropriate in some cases and will also be considered.

5. The applicant's head of department and executive dean must confirm in writing that they support the application, including any commitments which may have been outlined under 3 above. Executive deans should indicate how the initiative fits into the strategic development of the faculty.

6. In cases where a proposal to obtain external funds is not subject to recognised peer review, the PVC(R&I) will seek an external assessment of the quality and viability of the proposal.

7. Because of the nature of the RMF, it is unlikely that all applications will be assessed at the one time. RMF applications should be submitted at least three weeks before the closing date for external funding, unless an alternative closing date is set by the PVC(R&I).

8. In exceptional circumstances, an application may be submitted after an offer conditional upon obtaining matching funding has been received from an external source, but before the offer has been accepted.

9. Decisions on applications will be made by the PVC(R&I), on the recommendation of an advisory committee consisting of the PVC(R&I) as Convenor, the Chair of the Academic Board, one member of the Research Committee from a humanities/social science area, and one member of the Research Committee from a science area (including engineering and medical sciences).