May 22, 2024, by Rob Ounsworth
Our key role in attracting global R&D investment and driving economic growth
Professor Tom Rodden’s research update
The University of Nottingham is part of a ground-breaking coalition of Midlands universities that has launched a £3m international campaign to attract inward investment into R&D, innovation and science – leveraging our global connections to drive economic growth across the region.
I am delighted that the university is part of this initiative, which showcases our outstanding research expertise and facilities, promotes the region as a destination for global investment and will secure funding for regeneration projects that have universities such as Nottingham as their core partner.
Big ideas – keep them coming
Thank you so much to everyone who has responded to our call for research big ideas.
Keep them coming! We’ve received submissions from colleagues at all career stages, across a wide range of disciplines and from all five faculties.
These big ideas span the research lifecycle – from fundamental ideas to looking at new ways to better translate our research into real-world applications.
We’re planning events where colleagues can seek collaborators to develop their big idea. We will update on support for interdisciplinary research and opportunities to network and pitch your ideas. In the next academic year, we will offer emerging areas dedicated research development support to take their ideas to the next level through building networks, developing funding applications and engaging with external partners.
Please continue to submit ideas for the future of research at Nottingham: do you have a radical new idea which might change the world?
Use this online form or contact the Research Growth team via email. Remember we want to hear from research across all career stages and disciplines.
A member of the Research Growth team will be in touch for an initial conversation about your ideas and how they might be taken forwards.
Rolling out British Academy’s Early Career Research Network
Nottingham is now a key partner in the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (BA ECRN).
The BA ECRN is accessible to all UK-based early career researchers (ECRs) working in the humanities and social sciences – regardless of their funding source or background.
Following a three-year pilot, the network will embark on a nationwide roll out, with the University of Nottingham leading the Midlands and mid-Wales cluster alongside Lincoln and Coventry Universities.
If you are not already a member, register now to become part of a dynamic and collaborative network of 4,000 ECRs.
Research Culture Conference 2024
The University of Nottingham’s Research Culture Conference is now in its third year and has become an important fixture in the university calendar. I’m pleased to invite you to join us for the next edition of this conference, taking place on Thursday 11 July at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University Park.
The conference brings together all members of our research community, including postgraduate researchers, research-focused staff, academics, technical, research-related and research support staff.
Improving the researcher experience
I am delighted with the progress of this important project. This has only been possible from everyone working together on a shared vision and desire to simplify and improve our processes for fund bidding and grant management.
Our mission is to place the researcher at the heart of research grant processes, streamline and simplify how we do things and ensure efficiency every step of the way.
I’m optimistic that by keeping up this momentum, we can revolutionise our operations. This transformation will not only bolster the university’s reputation but also help attract the best talent, crucial for driving forward our world-class research.
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships: sign up for summer school
With the UK’s association to Horizon Europe now fully ratified, we’re seeking to build on our historic success in using the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSC PF) to bring excellent individuals to Nottingham. Schools and faculties have been contacted to encourage academic colleagues to reach out and find prospective applicants overseas.
MSC PFs are highly competitive, well-rewarded and prestigious. They represent an excellent opportunity to bring high-quality, fully funded post-docs from anywhere outside the UK to Nottingham on two-year projects (European Fellowships), or to send post-docs currently at Nottingham to a host outside Europe for up to two years with a one-year return phase back at Nottingham (Global Fellowships).
The latest MSC PFs call deadline is 11 September 2024. To help prospective fellows and their supervisors at Nottingham maximise chances of success, a virtual summer school is taking place over the week commencing 3 June.
Academics who have identified applicants are urged to register for the event. If you haven’t seen the email notification and the form, please contact Matthew Rackley and Madalina Stalniceanu for more information.
Trusted Research safeguarding against security risks
To enhance the university’s security, the Trusted Research team has put in place safeguards that address MI5’s warning to UK universities about hostile foreign states targeting sensitive research.
As a leading UK university, we remain in discussion with our national security services about the latest developments. I want to reassure everyone, that at the University of Nottingham, we are in a strong position, with our Trusted Research team providing support to ensure our research is safeguarded while maintaining a relationship with our overseas funders that remains open to innovation and collaboration.
If you have any queries around funders’ Trusted Research requirements or would like to discuss specific training requirements, please contact Jason Feehily, Head of Trusted Research.
Research In Action Week
A reminder that Research in Action Week takes place from Monday 17 to Friday 21 June 2024, featuring a series of free expert talks for staff and students aimed at strengthening the integrity of research conducted across the university.
All sessions for the week are now available online for booking and further information.
HR Excellence in Research Award
The University of Nottingham has retained its HR Excellence in Research Award after a 12-year review. Congratulations to all those who support our researchers and help deliver these principles.
The award is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, which sets out a series of principles and expectations for the creation of a fairer, more equitable and inclusive research culture and environment in the UK.
With thanks and best wishes
Professor Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange
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