Supporting research that benefits the European community
Peter Hompstead is European Funding Manager within the Department of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) at the University of Bath – a department providing a dedicated resource to help researchers develop proposals, run projects, and disseminate their findings.
With overall responsibility for the financial administration of European research funds, Peter plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role monitoring project finances for European Commission grants across the whole University.
I love my role because of the people I meet and the people I help.
Most EU-funded research is collaborative, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with institutions and businesses across the globe. The portfolio is diverse and wide-ranging – with everyone bringing something different to each new project.
Peter ensures that European Commission funds that enable research for the benefit of the European Community run smoothly financially by liaising with external funders and meeting their rules and regulations, providing information and advice on financial management to grant holders, and preparing and submitting financial claims.
I’m the supporting financial arm for each project.
The specialist bank of knowledge I’ve built up over the years helps the academics who don’t need, or want to focus on the project financials, more effectively use their time to focus on research and innovation.
Through his role in RIS, Peter helps protect the University as, without the correct documents and policies in place, the University could have to return funding to the European Commission.
I enjoy working across all faculties and giving advice on how best to use the money allocated to the University and its European partners.
With EU framework agreements changing every eight years, there is plenty to learn!