Launch of the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA)
The start of the I
mpact Acceleration Account (IAA) was officially marked with a launch event in the 4W Atrium last week, on 11 October.
The IAA commenced on 1 October to follow on from the £3.4 million KTA, awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in October 2009 to maximise the impact of EPSRC funded research at the University.
The event, which took place from 12:30-14:30, included a buffet lunch and poster exhibition of KTA projects, along with presentations outlining new funding opportunities to stimulate pathways to impact projects.
It is hoped the new £1.4 million IAA will continue to deliver similar success in the sharing of knowledge between researchers and industry, encouraging new collaborative opportunities.
The event was hosted by Professor Jane Millar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Dr Jon Hunt, KTA Project Director, and Dr Denise Cooke, Research Project Manager.
Professor Millar said: “Our KTA has helped to change the culture at the University, highlighting the benefits of collaborative working for both parties and enabling more researchers to engage. Our aim is to continue this under the Impact Acceleration Account”.
The IAA will last three years to fund projects which relate to an EPSRC grant, either during or within two years of completion, to stimulate pathways to impact and collaborative research and development projects. Non-EPSRC award-holders can apply in collaboration with an EPSRC award-holder.
The two mechanisms in the IAA are Partnership Development Awards, co-funded with business or third parties, and Feasibility Awards, available to smaller projects which are taking the first steps towards impact.
For further information please see the new IAA website: www.bath.ac.uk/iaa
Photos:
Dr Jon Hunt, Project Director, Professor Jane Millar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Dr Denise Cooke, Research Project Manager, who hosted the IAA launch addressing the delegates.