Published on 2 February 2024
X5 Updated Rates - 1st February 2024
Effective from 1st February 2024, X5 has been updated with the new fEC, facility and inflation rates as well as salary files. The new fEC rates are available on the AFPA website and the X5 changes are listed ROO website. Most of the fEC rates have decreased compared to last year due to much lower indexation rates and a reduction in CPS pension provision.
For existing costings in X5, the Rates tab will show these files as out of date. To apply the new rates to existing costings, go to the rates table tab and update the out of date files by clicking on “apply all updated files now”. Please be aware that your costs will change due to the new 2024 rates.
ARIA Seed Funding Call
Advanced Research Invention Agency (ARIA) has opened a seed funding call under the Nature Computes Better programme. ARIA will fund high potential proposals, with awards between £10k and £500k each, and initially expect to fund up to 10 projects in this space. They’re looking for bold ideas that could challenge assumptions, open up new research paths, or provide steps towards new capabilities.
There are two possibilities for submitting to ARIA i) as an individual ii) through an organisation. It is strongly encouraged that University staff follow the second route. Please do note that:
- The standard approval processes should be followed for any application to be hosted by the University, including departmental and ROO approval before submission to ARIA
- An X5 or Worktribe costing is required by the University at application stage
- Due to the 24-day turnaround at award stage, it is essential that any issues are resolved before submitting the application
- Any potential due diligence issues should be flagged to rooduediligence@admin.cam.ac.uk well in advance of the submission date
If you have already given ROO notice of an intention to submit an application you may opt for the Round 1 deadline of 19th February 2024. If not, you should apply to the Round 2 deadline of early March 2024.
Please contact your ROO School Team if you have any questions about the above guidance.
Research Grants User Group Meeting – 15th February 2024
The next Research Grants User Group (RGUG) will take place on Thursday 15 February, 2pm – 3pm. This will be a hybrid meeting for you to join either online as a Teams call or in person at West 1, The West Hub, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge.
- To join online: use this link
- To join in-person: go to Meeting Room West 1 on the first floor of the West Hub. Refreshments can be purchased from the canteen coffee bar on the ground floor and taken to the meeting room upstairs.
The agenda will include details about the Worktribe rollout, updates on NIH grants and procurement policy. This is an open meeting for any staff with an interest in grants administration. If you have any queries, contact Hannah.Pawson@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Researchfish Funder Submission 2024
The annual submission period for UKRI, NIHR, CRUK, BHF, WT and other funders is 5th February to 14th March 2024 during which time PIs should use their Researchfish account to submit a return on their research outputs. Award holders will have received an email from their funder informing them that they need to complete their annual submission.
Further details can be found on the Research Office website.
EC Funding & Tenders Portal - Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
The Funding and Tenders Portal of the European Commission now has two-factor authentication (2FA) available on its portal, which will soon become mandatory. This will ensure additional protection of the valuable information it stores against increasing threats of cybersecurity.
If you use the EC Portal in your Department, please follow the instructions on the ROO website about how to set up your 2FA.
The EC have produced a presentation of the two-factor authentication options and a 2FA Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at horizongrants@admin.cam.ac.uk.