UKRI has adopted a harmonised approach to Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAA) which offers a unique opportunity to support impact creation through diverse and innovative ways, including interdisciplinary projects. This harmonised rapid response call aims to add value to existing funding and take advantage of new opportunities within the AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC and MRC remits. Rapid Response funding can support a wide range of activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly.
The all-council rapid response Impact Acceleration Account call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly.
- Awards: up to £15,000 per application
- Project start date: 12 January 2023-18 October 2024
- Project duration: up to three months
- Final deadline for applications: 4 September 2024 at 16:00
Funding is open to researchers employed by the collegiate University with project proposals within the AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC and MRC remits. All applicants must have department affiliation and all applications will require Head of Department signature. Applications from early career researchers (ECR) with principal investigators as co-applicants are encouraged*. Please note that previous/current UKRI funding is NOT a requirement.
*There is no standard definition of ECR. However, an ECR is generally considered as someone who is within eight years of the award of the PhD.
The nature of rapid response projects can vary by discipline and impact objectives. Proposals could include, for example, feasibility studies to test new ideas for potential further collaboration with external organisations which could lead to long-term partnerships, supporting innovation and enabling ‘fast failure’, pump-priming or the commissioning of external specialist advice and consultancy for market research, business planning, technology commercialisation or health economic modelling. In addition, the fund can support participation in time-sensitive policy workshops and select committees or channels for engaging end-users through public engagement activities such as exhibitions or work with schools.
In order to ensure the appropriate allocation of costs across funding councils, applicants are first asked to submit an expression of interest form via email to iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk. In this form, please outline the proposed project, estimate costs and relevant research council(s).
Applicants who are invited to apply for funding only after submitting the expression of interest form will be emailed the full application form. At this stage of the process, application is via the online IAA Application System. Please provide:
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Outline details of the project in the IAA Application System
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A completed Rapid Response IAA application form, including HoD signature
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A copy of the draft project costing from X5
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A letter of support from external partner (if applicable)
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Any additional documents, such as a Gantt chart showing the intended project timeline, as appropriate
If you would like to discuss your project or have any queries, please contact the IAA Team, Research Strategy Office, iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk, stating relevant research council(s).