Dr Rob Head, Director of the Research Development & Support OfficeAbout the Research Development & Support Office
The Research Development and Support Office (RDSO) is responsible for advancing the University's international reputation for research and knowledge transfer by:
- increasing the volume of externally funded research
- improving grant application success rates
- enhancing strategic and operational support to academic departments
The RDSO is the primary conduit for industry, business and other funders to access the research expertise and knowledge of the University of Bath.
The following are the core service areas of RDSO:
- Research Support & Funding (RSF) is the University’s central administrative authority for all externally-funded research dealing with the checking, approval and submission of proposals and the acceptance of awards.
- Research Development & Collaborations (RD&C) team disseminates research opportunities, prepares research proposals, works in partnership with academic leaders and provides project management.
The RD&C team comprises three functions:
Research Project Management
Research Development
Marketing Communications
- Research Information Management: RDSO manages the information on the University's research which is used for internal reporting and external exercises such as the forthcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF).
- The Enterprise and Knowledge Exploitation (EKE) team within RDSO is the major interface between the University of Bath’s academic staff and external parties to stimulate and develop routes to exploit University research outcomes.
EKE consists of three teams:
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to develop KTP funding proposals, liaise with KTP funding bodies, provide academic, business and graduate support, including graduate recruitment and programme administration;
- Research Commercialisation to identify and develop the University's most exciting business prospects;
- The Innovation Centre to provide practical support and expertise to local technology enterprises and companies that emerge from the University’s student and academic research base.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to provide flexible and accessible courses in a range of subjects and delivery formats to individual looking to enhance their skills and career prospects, or an employer looking to develop their workforce.