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Research Operations Office

 

Published on 19 October 2017


RCUK Researchfish Submission Period 2018

The RCUK submission period for Researchfish will be the 5th February to 15th March 2018. In preparation for the submission period, all Principal Investigators are encouraged to update their Symplectic Elements account with their current research outputs. Research outputs from all PI’s Symplectic Elements account will be uploaded to Researchfish in advance of the submission period, date to be confirmed.

We will update you with further details about award checking and the submission period once we have received this information. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please email RFCam@admin.cam.ac.uk

Research Dashboard

The Research Dashboard is a web-application, designed for Researchers to see their research project activity in one place.

The first phase of the dashboard has been designed to give researchers an overview of their grants and contracts, so they can plan and manage finances, staff and deadlines. The dashboard will be available in November with the next phase focusing on additional functionality including the needs of Departmental Administrators.

In preparation for phase two, there will be some workshops for administrative staff to capture their requirements and seek feedback. Further details will follow but if you have any initial queries, please contact Kate Livingstone at UIS kl491@uis.cam.ac.uk.

 

Grant Lifecycle Guidance

The Grant Lifecycle Guidance has been developed to help staff in Departments who work on research grants, topics include costing PI time, risk assessment and audits. This is a new project and any feedback regarding additional topics or suggestions are welcome and can be emailed to Debbie West-Lewis.

 

New Wellcome Trust Policy on Equipment Purchases

From 1st October 2017, the Wellcome Trust (WT) changed their policy regarding equipment purchase contributions and equipment maintenance. 

  • The host organisation will now be expected to contribute at least 25% for equipment items that cost £100,000 or more. Previously it was a 10% contribution.

  • WT will continue to fund the maintenance costs of equipment purchased on their grants for up to five years. They will also now fund maintenance costs for existing equipment over five years old, whether or not they initially funded the equipment purchase, so long as it’s essential to the research project and it’s cost effective to maintain.

International Research Collaborator – Due Diligence

Research funders are increasingly asking PIs to undertake a thorough process of due diligence, particularly for international research partners. The main aim is to demonstrate that the PIs and the University have assurances that international research partners can demonstrate their ability to deliver the proposed research and have appropriate governance and financial controls.

The Research Office is currently piloting a new due diligence questionnaire via the recent Global Challenges Research Fund 2nd Collective Call Fund and further information will be available in due course. In the meantime the following areas can be used as a guideline for anyone who is considering undertaking research with international collaborators.

  • Legal status of the organisation
  • Corporate governance of the organisation
  • Income
  • Research grant management
  • Costs
  • Travel and subsistence
  • Accountings systems
  • Audit
  • Insurance
  • Sub contracts, partner organisation, consortium and collaborative agreements
  • Project Risks
  • Human Tissue Collection (if applicable)

If you have any queries, please contact GCRFduediligence@admin.cam.ac.uk

 

Research Administrators' Programme 2018

The Research Operations Office is about to embark on the next Research Administrators' Programme for 2018 (ROOTS Tier 2) and we are pleased to invite expressions of interest from all staff within the University who play an active role in the grants lifecycle. Applications to be on the programme need to be submitted by 7th November and there are 15 places available. Further details and the expression of interest form is available on the ROO website 

If you have any queries, please contact Debbie.West-Lewis@admin.cam.ac.uk

Research Associate Salary Changes Reminder

From 1st October 2017 the minimum starting salary for Research Associates will be spine point 41 (£31,076pa), as approved by the General Board and Council (subject to any further changes determined by UKVI). This follows the UKVI requirement that individuals requiring a Tier 2 visa to work in the UK who are classed as ‘experienced workers’ must receive an annual salary of not less than £30,000pa. In line with current guidance, departments may appoint within a 3-point range (spine points 41-43) without the requirement to seek HR approval.