Published on 9 May 2025
Security changes to EU Funding and Tenders Portal Login: Two-factor Authentication
The Funding and Tenders Portal of the European Commission has two-factor authentication (2FA) on its portal. Having reviewed its cybersecurity, the EC is removing one of the 2FA options from 30th June 2025, because it does not provide enough protection -
- Mobile phone + SMS, which sends a code to the mobile phone number that is registered to the account
We know that this 2FA method is particularly useful for colleagues who have a shared need to access specific accounts. Instead, the EC advised using a USB security key which has to be registered to your account, for example Yubikeys with USB-A.
An alternative to using a USB security key as the 2FA, would be to install the EULogin app on to your mobile phone. However, the EULogin app is intended to be linked to an individual’s account, not a shared account. Users of a shared account would need to use the USB security key option.
A recording of the EU presentation on the new 2FA arrangements is available on their website. If you need any further support or advice, please contact the EU Team at horizongrants@admin.cam.ac.uk
Staff undertaking postgraduate study whilst employed on a grant – delayed date for new scheme
In February’s bulletin, it was announced that a new Staff Bursary Scheme that supports staff undertaking postgraduate study would be introduced at the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Following departmental feedback, the scheme will now be delayed by one year and instead will be introduced at the start of the 2026-27 academic year (replacing the Staff Fee Scheme). Staff members in receipt of the current Staff Fee at the start of Michaelmas Term 2026 will continue to receive it until the end of their course, provided they continue to meet the criteria for that scheme.
About the new Staff Bursary Scheme
All University staff undertaking a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge that overlaps almost entirely with their employment (for full-time courses) or contributes directly to it (for part-time courses) and who are employed at a minimum of 40% FTE on one of a number of pre-approved grant schemes would be eligible for a bursary.
For research grant applications, where appropriate, Research Assistant positions can be included with the possibility of undertaking PhD/MPhil study during their employment as long as the scheme guidelines are met.
Research Grants User Group meeting 8th May - recording now available
The Research Grants User Group Meeting (RGUG) took place on 8th May 2025 and the recording and slides are now available. Presentations included Worktribe plans, audit feedback and funder updates.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 16th July 2025 at 10:15am and will be an online Teams meeting. Further details will be circulated nearer the time and if you have any questions, please contact Hannah.Pawson@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Timesheet Training - Key Funder Considerations
As part of their terms and conditions, many of our research funders require evidence of an individual’s time worked on an award. This online training session will explain the process of completing, authorising and retaining timesheets to meet funder requirements.
Places are available on the following date –
| Thursday 12th June | 10am - 11:30am | Book your place |
Please note that this session is a repeat of the training held on 10th April.
Build connections: Join the Grant Administration Community of Practice
On 30th April, the Grant Administration Community of Practice (CoP) hosted a vibrant Worktribe insights event at the Postdoc Academy, drawing an impressive crowd of 65 attendees. Guest speakers from various University departments shared their Worktribe knowledge and experiences, sparking insightful discussions that promise to drive continuous improvements for the system and its users.
One attendee remarked: "Worktribe, the CoP, and events like this have fostered conversations across the research community at Cambridge. I now know who people are. We've developed relationships by navigating change together."
Discover more about the event and the benefits of joining the CoP. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow grants administration professionals and share best practices.
To join the CoP, fill in this short form and we'll add you to the CoP Teams Channel.