Submitting your application
Once you're application is ready, you need to submit it through Worktribe.
Your application needs to be submitted 5 working days before the funder's deadline, unless:
- you're not able to meet the 5 day deadline, and need to use the late applications process
- you're applying using the small applications process
- you're applying to the European Research Council’s Synergy, Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grant calls. If this is the case, you'll need to submit your application 7 working days before the deadline
- you're applying for a US federal agency funding opportunity with a submission deadline of 1st October 2024 onwards, and the University of Cambridge is the lead (either as a collaboration or stand-alone entity) If this is the case you'll need to submit your application 7 working days before the deadline
Small applications process
Small applications can be submitted to the Research Operations Office (ROO) 2 working days before the funder's deadline. These applications are not checked by ROO.
You won't be able to use the small applications process if:
- the project fEC is equal or greater than £250,000 fEC
- the project is a collaboration, and Cambridge is the lead
- you're working with a new funder, or a funder that's not listed in Worktribe
- you're working with an overseas funder (excluding Horizon Europe)
- you're applying to Wellcome, British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK
- you're applying for a restricted call
When you first create your project in Worktribe, select 'Small Application' as the project type.
If you're applying for funding from EU Proof of Concept, or Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), your project will automatically be considered a small application.
Late applications process
In exceptional cases, a Head of Department (or their Deputy) can request that a Standard Application, which did not meet the 5 working day deadline, is submitted to the funder. This is on the understanding that:
- ROO does not carry out any checks
- the department will accept liability and risks, including any shortfall in funding
- the request is submitted at least 2 working days before the funder deadline
The request can be:
- added directly to the Worktribe project record as an approval comment
or
- emailed to ROO along with the Worktribe Project ID, PI Name, Funder and Funder Deadline
The request should include:
- the reason for the late submission
- the following approval statement: 'I acknowledge that although this application is late, I would like it to be submitted to the funder, and understand that this will not be checked by ROO. I acknowledge and accept that any errors or omissions in the application will be the responsibility of the department which shall bear any costs or consequences arising from such.’
Where the late application is a multi-department collaboration, HoD exceptional approval is required from each collaborating Department.
Applications Deadline Calculator
Use our calculator to work out when you need to submit your application.
