This funding opportunity, part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) program, aims to support the development of one Knowledge Exchange and Communication (KEC) NetworkPlus. This NetworkPlus will coordinate and enhance knowledge exchange of computational research, setting good practice for disseminating software developments in UK science across the UKRI remit. The funding opportunity is open to UK research organizations eligible for UKRI funding.

Scope of Work

The KEC NetworkPlus will play a crucial role in bringing together and promoting developments across the UK digital research infrastructure landscape and its investments. It will drive activities that bring the diverse community together, onboard new user communities, and represent UK software, algorithms, and people at national and international initiatives. The NetworkPlus will facilitate the dissemination of lessons learned between communities and the sharing of good practice.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is led by EPSRC on behalf of UKRI. Applicants must be based at a UK research organization eligible for UKRI funding. Business and international organizations are not eligible to apply. The project lead should have a collaborative and inclusive mindset, alongside excellent leadership and management abilities. International applicants can be involved as project partners, members of advisory boards, or collaborators but are not eligible to be investigators.

Budget and Duration

The full economic cost (FEC) of the grant can be up to £1,875,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC at £1,500,000, including indexation. The award will have a duration of three years, with projects starting by 1 April 2025.

Additional Information

The KEC NetworkPlus should build upon the knowledge exchange network introduced to the Exascale Computing: Algorithms and Infrastructures Benefiting UK Research (ExCALIBUR) program. The project lead is expected to engage closely with various stakeholders, including users, academics, industry, and policymakers. They should be an equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) role model for the community.

Key Dates

• Opening Date: 5 September 2024, 9:00 am UK time

• Closing Date: 12 November 2024, 4:00 pm UK time

• Outline Panel Meeting: Late November 2024

• Full Application Opening Date: 28 November 2024

• Full Application Closing Date: 6 February 2025

• Interview Panel: 28 February 2025

• Decisions Communicated: March 2025

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. The project lead is responsible for completing the application process, but all team members and project partners are expected to contribute. Only the lead research organization can submit an application to UKRI.

Selection Process

The assessment process is two-stage: outline application and full application. The outline panel will evaluate applications against the assessment criteria and recommend proposals for full application. The full application will be assessed by an expert panel through interviews, and a funding recommendation will be made based on the panel's evaluation.

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