Platform grant fund: next deadline 12:00, 01 October 2013

Overview

The Mathematical Institute holds an EPSRC Platform grant. Platform grants allow flexible provision of underpinning 'platform' funding to world-leading research groups and departments. The overriding criterion is that of scientific excellence.

Funding is available under several headings and focuses on aspects of research support for which flexible funding is not readily available from elsewhere. The Research Committee will run at least three calls per year, and will review the scope of the schemes periodically.

Committee

The grant is managed by a subcommittee of the department’s Research Committee, chaired by the Research Committee Chair. Its composition is Professors Hitchin (chair), Ball, Howison, Heath-Brown, Lyons, Maini, Trefethen, and Dr Voyce.

Funds available

Scheme 1: support for (i) a range of feasibility studies for adventurous projects that are not yet ripe for standard funding mechanisms, or (ii) fellowship funds for outstanding early-career researchers (ECRs) that bring the ECR to Oxford on a short-term contract to enable applications for longer-term funding to be made. The committee expects to fund three one-year ECR posts, or a larger number of short feasibility studies during the period of the scheme. The application form can be downloaded here.

Scheme 2: support for extended overseas collaborative visits. For each application call the committee expects to fund up to two proposals for requests of up to £3.5k each. The application form can be downloaded here.

Scheme 3: support to bring leading mathematicians to Oxford in the framework of a visitors' programme to embed Oxford's research teams, and particularly early-career researchers, in wider networks. For each application call the committee expects to fund proposals to fund long-term visits at up to £8k each. The application form can be downloaded here.

Scheme 4: support for a programme of small, focused workshops in Oxford that bring together specialists from the UK and abroad, and that benefit the wider mathematical community. Applicants are required to assess the possibility of a public outreach event, and should organise such an event if at all feasible. Additional funds may be made available for public outreach events. Funds of up to £15k per workshop are available. The committee expects to fund approximately 10 workshops over the duration of the scheme. Applicants requiring more than £15k should apply to the LMS for the balance of funds. The application form can be downloaded here.

Scheme 5: a flexible source of baseline funds to further the strategic development of the Mathematical Institute's research agenda by offering (a) support for faculty for initiatives not covered by the more conventional project-oriented funding mechanisms comprising schemes 1-4 and (b) a mechanism to support the research activities of emeritus staff. Funds of up to £5k per proposal may be requested. The application form can be downloaded here.

Room hire charges

For events held in Oxford, Mathematical Institute room hire charges will be waived. The committee does not generally fund the cost of hosting events elsewhere, and in case of such a request, a justification should be provided.

Other resources

Where other funding sources are in place that could cover or part-cover the cost of the proposed activities, these should be used first.

Application deadline

The next deadline for applications for support under one of the above schemes is 12:00 on 01 October 2013. Applications received after the deadline will be considered under the following call.

Application procedure

Projects should start no sooner than one month after the application deadline. Applications for past activity will not be considered.

Projects that have office space implications should be discussed in advance with the Head of Administration and Finance.

Completed application forms (and supporting documentation where requested) should be sent by email to barbara [dot] hinks [-at-] maths [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (Barbara Hinks) by the application deadline.

Applications will be ranked by the committee, and funds awarded on that basis. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by email.

Expenses

Expenses claims should be marked with the award code, signed by the faculty member, and submitted to the Finance Officer in hardcopy. Faculty should ensure that visitors are aware of the university's expenses procedures, and should check and submit claim forms personally. Details of the University's expense procedures can be found here.

Reporting

Publication data, details of collaborative activities and other project outcomes are collected via completion of an online form, due six months following the conclusion of the project.