As new Director of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) I am excited to let you know about a promotional week taking place on campus to raise awareness of RIS to the academic community.

During the week commencing Monday 16 September a staffed promotional display will be in the Foyer of the Claverton Rooms, providing information on our services and the relevant staff who can assist you.

RIS support researchers throughout the research lifecycle; from identifying research funding opportunities, developing proposals, finding partnerships, running projects and disseminating findings.

Examples of how we can work with you include:

  • developing high quality proposals and securing grant funding

  • checking and advising on your research funding application prior to submission

  • getting you a contract for your research if it involves an external organisation

  • providing professional project management support to give you more time for your research

  • advising on funding matters when your research has been awarded

  • building relationships with industry and external partners

  • supporting you with our research information systems, such as Pure, ResearchFish and Research Professional

  • helping maximise the impact from your research and submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

  • making it possible for you to provid expert advice to a range of external organisations through consultancy

  • helping you identify and protect your intellectual property and commercialising research outcomes through the most appropriate route

  • supporting entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers with potential for developing high-growth businesses

Engaging with RIS as early as possible enables us to maximise the level of support we can offer, increasing your chances of success.

Over 1000 applications were supported by RIS in 2018/19 totalling £206 million; £39 million of awards were secured from 120 different funders. We are therefore well-placed to support you achieve your research ambitions.

We hope to see many of you during our RIS awareness week in advance of the new academic year to answer any questions you might have and open discussions on how we can support your research efforts in the year ahead.

Caroline Quest, Director of Research and Innovation Services (RIS)