News and Events

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Consultancy

13 December 2023, 12:00-13:00

Learn more about these important sources of income and the support available from first approach to project conclusion.  We will walk you through the steps involved, the forms to complete and the pros and cons of each option. 

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to the Worktribe Ethics Application Process - Part 2 

6 December 2023, 12:00-13:00

This session will provide researchers with an overview of the Worktribe Ethics application process, including the responsibilities of the student applicant’s Supervisor.  The session will also provide an opportunity to discuss the associated question sets within the application process so that applicants will have a clearer understanding of the expectations of the Ethics Boards/Committees. There will be opportunities for Q & A throughout the session.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Research Ethics - Part 1

29 November 2023, 12:00-13:30

This session will provide researchers with a general introduction to the topic of research ethics, including a discussion of the types of research activity that require ethical approval.  The rationale behind research ethics and its implementation in the context of research integrity will also be discussed, and researchers will also be provided with a *general overview of the research ethics approval processes within the University.  There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation. 

*Please note that researchers who plan to submit an ethics application via the Worktribe Ethics application process are also encouraged to attend the ResearchBite on ‘Introduction to the Worktribe Ethics Application Process’ as this will allow a more in-depth discussion of the requirements of the Worktribe Ethics process.

Sign up here. 

ResearchBites Series: How to get more out of Pure

22 November 2023, 12:00-13:00 

This session will guide you through the key functions in Pure, the University’s Research Information System.  This session is relevant for colleagues engaged in research and will include guidance and walkthroughs on:

• Increasing visibility for research centres, groups, or facilities in Pure
• Connecting Pure to ORCiD and Researchfish
• Automation and publication imports in Pure

The session will allow plenty of time for questions and any improvement suggestions that you might have. 

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Safeguarding in Research

15 November 2023, 12:00-13:00

This session will provide researchers with an introduction to the University’s Code of Practice for Safeguarding in Research and Innovation.  It will cover the main safeguarding principles in research activity, including the researcher’s obligations to ensure that the welfare of all staff, students and others involved in research activities is prioritised and that the potential risks of harm arising out of their involvement have been considered and mitigated against. The session will also discuss safeguarding plans and the required reporting mechanisms in the event of any safeguarding concerns being raised within a research project.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series:  Introduction to Research Contracts

8 November 2023, 12:00-13:00

This session will give a basic overview of the importance of research contracts within the University.  We will look at reasons why we need a contract, how we form contracts, the benefits from contracts and how and why they are put in place to help improve and protect our research within the University.  All welcome to attend.

Sign up here. 

Interdisciplinary Challenges – Open Sessions Day

Friday, 13th October – All-day event

Location: Elphinstone Hall

Hosted by the Interdisciplinary Challenge Areas, this Open Sessions Day will provide an exciting opportunity to highlight the latest developments in interdisciplinary research and education using case studies from across the University of Aberdeen. The sessions will facilitate cross-disciplinary discussions, explore new ideas and enable informal networking, and bring together colleagues from across disciplines to develop new initiatives. Featuring flash talks, panel discussions, network introductions and poster sessions, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore the University’s five interdisciplinary challenges. Our aim is to use this day as a platform to promote interdisciplinarity, encourage networking and collaboration among colleagues, celebrate our achievements, and shape future work.

Call for Interdisciplinary Posters:

We invite poster submissions of interdisciplinary projects and research that fall under one or more of our five interdisciplinary challenges. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the Open Sessions Day in Elphinstone Hall on Friday, 13th October.

Poster call information: https://forms.office.com/e/wChBHkVtgm

Aberdeen 2040 - Our Interdisciplinary Challenges

Working together, we will address five interdisciplinary challenges of our time. These urgent and wide-ranging problems require complex solutions, which draw on both theoretical and applied knowledge.

• Energy Transition
• Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity
• Environment and Biodiversity
• Data and Artificial Intelligence
• Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

We have the expertise to face these particular challenges, which speak directly to our region, our society and our century. We will engage with them collaboratively, combining ideas and approaches across our areas of excellence. As we work, we will also look ahead and identify new challenges for the future.

To be added to the circulation list for the event please email the Grants Academy: grantsacademy@abdn.ac.uk

ResearchBites Series: Applying for EU Funding

12 October 2023, 12:00-13:00

An update on the European funding landscape- UK participants continue to be eligible to apply to Horizon Europe calls- this session will provide an update on the forthcoming opportunities to collaborate with European colleagues through EU network grants, apply for ERC grants as well as host Marie Curie post-doctoral fellows. There will also be a Q&A opportunity at the end of the session. 

Sign up here. 

ResearchBites Series: Managing your Project Finances Post Award

4 October 2023, 12:00-13:00

In this session we will discuss how to manage the financial aspects of your project.

This will include:

Staff appointments/changes
Managing budgets
Eligible/Ineligible costs
Extensions/Additional Funds
Financial reporting

There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.

Sign up here. 

ResearchBite Series: Building your Budget Part 1 - Worktribe

27 September 2023, 12:00-13:00

This session will demo the University’s Research Award Management System (Worktribe).  The session will show you how to create a project record; explain the importance of populating the relevant fields; and explain the types of costs which should be included within the budget.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the demo.

Sign up here.

Scottish Universities Insights Institute (SUII) Insights Session

21 September 2023, 10:00-11:30

All Welcome

The Scottish Universities Insight Institute’s Charlie Woods (Director) and Laurence Estanove (Programme Manager) will be visiting the Old Aberdeen Campus on Thursday 21st September for an informal session looking back at the SUII knowledge exchange programmes and to present details of SUII’s new open call for proposals (open to all disciplines). SUII supports programmes of knowledge exchange which address and provide insight on substantial issues that face Scotland and the wider world. Drawing on wide-ranging research knowledge from Scotland’s top research-led universities, together with international expertise and multi-sector perspectives, their programmes help to establish communities of practice, linking academia to the wider policy and practice community, and providing universities with pathways to impact for their research.

To register to attend please email the Grants Academy.

ResearchBite Series 2023-24: Getting Started with Funding Applications

20 February 2023, 12:00-13:00

This session is most suitable for those who are new to making research funding applications. It will provide a starting point from which to approach a first grant application and will cover what you need to think about, who can support you and the internal University process. Ther e will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the session. 

Sign up here.

COP 28 – Call for Delegates

In 2021 the University gained observer status at the UN Convention on Climate Change and has subsequently sent delegations of staff and students to COP 26 in Glasgow, COP 27 in Egypt, and SB 58 in Switzerland. This has provided the University with an excellent opportunity to discuss its ground-breaking research and global impact with opinion leaders and climate specialists. To maintain the linkages and profile gained from this initiative we intend to form a small delegation to represent the University at COP 28 in the United Arab Emirates in November/ December.

If you would like to be considered for the University’s delegation to COP 28 please submit a short statement of justification (maximum 400 words) outlining the purpose of your attendance, the benefits to you and the University, and the mechanisms by which you propose to disseminate insights gained from the experience. This opportunity is available to all staff or students.

COP 28 will take place in Dubai from 30 November until 12 December 2023 and we anticipate that each delegate would attend for one of the two weeks. For COP 28 the University can nominate both onsite and virtual delegates. Please indicate your preference for onsite or virtual attendance and available dates when submitting your statement of justification.

A limited budget will be available to support travel and accommodation expenses for those who do not have access to personal budget to attend.

Please submit applications to Emma Morrison (emma.morrison3@abdn.ac.uk) by 12 noon on Wednesday 26 July at the latest. The University must submit its nomination of delegates to the UNFCCC by 31 July.

The statements will be reviewed by a panel including Interdisciplinary Directors and members of the Sustainable Development Committee, and successful applicants will be informed prior to the submission of the nominations on 31 July.

For further information of COP 28 please see COP28 UAE | United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), and you can read more on the University’s previous delegations to COP events here COP conferences continue to hold world leaders to account | Opinion | News | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk).

NHS Sustainability Sandpit

4 July 2023, 14:00-15:00

The Interdisciplinary Centres are facilitating a sandpit on environmental sustainability in the NHS. The aim is to develop research projects ideas which may help to reduce the health sector’s high environmental impact and meet new potential collaborators. This event is open to colleagues across the University and NHS Grampian – there is no requirement to have a background in environmental sustainability or health, and early and mid-career researchers are particularly welcome! Email grantsacademy@abdn.ac.uk to register.

ResearchBite Series: Update to Horizon Europe participation with focussed session on Marie Curie Doctoral Networks

29 June 2023, 12:00-13:00, MS Teams

Join the EU Research Development Executives, Anpu Varghese and Wendy Rudland to hear about the updates regarding UK participation in Horizon Europe. 

UK participants continue to be eligible for European Commission calls under the UKRI Horizon Europe guarantee. In this session, Dr Branwen Hide, National Contact Point for Marie Curie and ERC will give an update on UK participation in European Commission calls and deliver a focussed session on the Marie Curie Doctoral Network calls (deadline Nov 2023).

(deadline Nov 2023).

This will be held via MS Teams.

Sign up via Coursebooking using this link www.abdn.ac.uk/coursebooking/13933 

Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) In Person Information Session

22 June 2023, 12:00-13:00, Committee Room 2, University Office

The DASA community enables ambition and cutting-edge organisations to engage with the best people in defence and security. They encourage collaboration between organisations of all shapes and sizes, to foster new and dynamic relationships to make your innovations a success. Join Dr Debra Carr for an in-person information session about DASA, the funding available, application process and current and upcoming calls. If you would like to speak to Dr Carr on a 1-2-1 basis, please contact Grants Academy.

Sign up at www.abdn.ac.uk/coursebooking/13495

An Interdisciplinary Conversation On…Death!

9^th May 2023, 12.30-15.00, New Kings 14

Death intimates ending, extinction, finality. And yet, this full-stop on life is also a unifier.

Join this opportunity to explore diverse and interdisciplinary responses to ‘the great leveller’.

Death offers an under-used focus to bring together researchers and teachers from a wide range of disciplines and across the university’s interdisciplinary challenge areas: health and wellbeing, cultural diversity and social inclusion, environment and biodiversity, energy transition, and data and artificial intelligence. Join us for a conversational opportunity to broaden our horizons and stimulate new connections and potential collaborations.

Topics might include, but are not limited to: What does it mean to die and grieve well, and how can healthcare and other death care practices support people in death and bereavement? How, why and with what effects do people respond to death through rituals and creative artistic means? How do political concerns and power structures influence death, mourning and memorialising? How do burial and cremation practices impact energy and land use and the broader environment, and how should they (and newer body disposal technologies) be managed and regulated? How do and how should diverse religious, cultural, commercial and economic concerns shape these debates? What can we learn from, and how should we respond to the occurrent and potential deaths and extinctions of non-human species? How does and how should death feature in educational curricula? What can we learn from the past and from different parts of the world about all of these questions?

Our first Conversation on Death will begin with brief self-introductions from all participants. Up to six colleagues from different areas of the University will then give 5-minute presentations about their death-related research. The presentations will be followed by open discussion, including about scope for more collaborative work on death-related topics within the University and potential submission to the upcoming UKRI cross council interdisciplinary call. If you would like to give a 5-minute presentation, please contact grantsacademy@abdn.ac.uk) by 12 April 2023 with a brief outline of the research you propose to share.  This Conversation On event will be held in person only. If you are unable to attend but would like to be kept informed about future discussions (including online) on the topic, please let the Grants Academic team know. 

Environment and Biodiversity & Data and Artificial Intelligence
‘Match-making Event’

Friday 31st March 2023: 10am – 4pm - Sir Duncan Rice Library, Seminar Room 224

The challenges of our time are becoming increasingly complex, for example, how we address the biodiversity crisis and climate change are multifaceted problems. Representing complex systems and developing future proof solutions for global challenges requires innovative and flexible methods. With an ever-increasing availability of environmental and biological data, integrating data science and AI technology to develop solutions to utilise big data and deliver on environmental needs is essential. For example, in comparison to climate research, accurate biodiversity forecasting is lacking. Developing computational approaches that synthesis and addresses scarcities in species data (multimodal learning) could transform research and how the current biodiversity crisis is managed.
In collaboration with the Environment and Biodiversity and Data and Artificial Intelligence interdisciplinary centres, we invite researchers from across the university to a ‘match-making’ workshop that will help to strengthen our interdisciplinary network across the key challenge areas identified in The University of Aberdeen’s 2040 strategy.

What: The workshop will consist of: flash talks to allow participants to pitch their ideas/needs, examples of successful interdisciplinary collaborations within the University, discussion groups to identify collaborations with regards to creating internal capacity to respond to recently announced UKRI cross council funding for interdisciplinary research.

Why: Get to know your collaborators within the University and foster internal interdisciplinary research between schools. Attendees will identify groups of collaborators to create proposal outlines to develop bids for UKRI interdisciplinary calls (e.g.https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-cross-research-council-responsive-mode-pilot-scheme/)

If you are interested in joining the session please complete this short questionnaire and contact the Grants Academy.

ResearchBites Series: Impact

Details to follow shortly... 

TO BE RESCHULED ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Consultancy and Contract Research 

8 March 2023, 12:00-13:30

Learn more about these important sources of income and the support available from first approach to project conclusion.  We will walk you through the steps involved, the forms to complete and the pros and cons of each option. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A at the end.

Sign up here.

Defence and Security Accelerator Information Session

1 March 2023, 12:00-13:30

The Defence and Security Accelerator funds innovative ideas that benefit the defence and security of the UK and contribute towards growth through Themed and Open Calls. Dr Debra Carr will give a short presentation about DASA, the funding available, the application process and current and upcoming calls.  Refreshments will be provided.

Previous calls and previously funded projects are relevant to:

• Physical Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Psychology
• Biological Sciences

Debra Carr will be available for one-on-one meetings with academics and researchers before and after the event.  If you would like to arrange for a short discussion with Debra, please contact Barbara Gorgoni.

Interdisciplinary Workshop - Aberdeen Ageing Well

1 March 2023, 14:00-16:00

Ageing well is about maintaining health and well-being into old age, and creating an environment to live fulfilling lives at all ages. We are hosting an interdisciplinary workshop on “Ageing well” on Wednesday March 1st from 2-4 in the University Court Room in Old Aberdeen. We invite researchers from all around the University with an interest in healthy aging to meet and hopefully spark some new and interesting collaborations. The format will be very informal, with everyone invited to provide one powerpoint slide outlining their interest in aging, which they can then talk about for one minute at the meeting if they wish. This will give us a chance to hear the diverse interests across the University in relation to aging and hopefully see some points of overlap and complementarity. We will discuss relevant funding streams, brainstorm on themes and questions of mutual interest and perhaps think about how to take the network forward.

If you are interested in attending please contact Alice Toulson () so we know numbers. If you cannot make this meeting but would like us to keep you informed about the network let Alice know too. If you have any suggestions/questions about the meeting please email Professor Louise Phillips.  We are particularly keen to encourage early career researchers (including PhD students) or those new to Aberdeen to come along.

KTP Capacity Building Series 

22 February - End March

Details to follow

ResearchBites Series: Accessing Genetic Material from Abroad

16 February 2023, 12:00-13:30

Research with genetic resources or their derivatives (e.g. proteins, enzymes) from outside the UK might fall under access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regulations. This session will explain why these rules are in place and which conditions must be met for research to be within the scope of the Nagoya protocol, a legal framework established by the Convention of Biological Diversity. We will highlight the responsibilities you have as a researcher when accessing resources and explain which steps will be necessary to comply with regulations. There will be a Q&A at the end of the session.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Knowledge Transfer Partnership

8 February 2023, 12:00-13:00

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is an Innovate UK funding scheme which promotes knowledge transfer between an academic and a company.  KTP projects connect businesses that have an innovation idea with academic expertise to help deliver it.  Funding is open to projects in any sector and there are multiple application rounds per year.

This virtual lunchtime event will provide an overview of KTPs, and the application process. You will get to hear from our North of Scotland KTP team about the advantages of KTPs and the support available. The session will cover general information about the scheme as well as provide more detailed guidance on the application process, the support available to assist with assessing opportunities and preparation of applications/submissions.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Research Ethics 

1 February 2023, 12:00-13:30

This session will provide an introduction to research ethics, its rationale and implementation in the context of research integrity and will provide researchers with an overview of the research ethics approval processes within the University.

Sign up here.

ResearchBite Series: Data Management and Digital Support

25 January 2023, 12:00-13:30

This workshop is ideal for any researcher who plan to write grant proposals and wishes to know more about how Digital and Information Services can help with this:

• Data collection tools and support
• Data Management Planning including DMPs
• What technologies are available to support research
• How to cost IT into projects
• What other services and support are available across the project lifecycle

There will also be time for Q&A's

Sign up here.

Networking Breakfast - NERC Cross Disciplinary Research  

23 January 2023, 09:00-11:00

The University has NERC funding available to support academics and researchers to ‘discipline-hop’ and, in doing so, facilitate and enhance interdisciplinary research in areas of relevance to their Discovery Science agenda. The Interdisciplinary Centres for Environment & Biodiversity and Data & AI are holding a networking breakfast to connect colleagues working in AI and data science with the broader NERC-relevant community. Attendees are encouraged to come along with prospective research ideas they wish to explore that can leverage available internal funding.

Please email the Grants Academy to register your attendance.

ResearchBites Series: Data Protection and Research: Key Requirements

18 January 2023, 12:00-13:30

This session will summarise the key requirements under UK GDPR and other data protection legislation.  It will focus on the areas most relevant to Researchers including privacy notices, lawful grounds for using and sharing personal data and Data Protection Impact Assessments.  It will also make reference to contractual and international data transfer requirements and the relevant University guidance and other documentation.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Public Engagement in Research

23 November 2022, 12:00-13:00

Public engagement with research has a lot to offer. It can empower researchers, help develop new and transferable skills as well as influence your research. This workshop will explore the world of engagement and introduce you to different approaches as well as outline the engagement opportunities that are available at the University of Aberdeen.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Contracts

16 November 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session will give a basic overview of the role of research contracts within the University.  We will look at reasons why we need a contract, how we form contracts, the benefits from contracts and how they are put in place to help improve and protect our research within the University.  All welcome to attend

Sign up here.

Defence and Secuity Accelerator In Person Information Session

15 November 2022, 13:00-14:00

The Defence and Security Accelerator funds innovative ideas that benefit the defence and security of the UK and contribute towards growth through Themed and Open Calls. Dr Debra Carr will give a short in-person presentation about DASA, the funding available, the application process and current and upcoming calls.  Refreshments will be provided.

Previous calls and previously funded projects are relevant to:

• Physical Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Psychology
• Biological Sciences

Debra Carr will be available for one-on-one meetings with academics and researchers before and after the event.  If you would like to arrange for a short discussion with Debra, please contact Barbara Gorgoni.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Applying to the European Commission for Research Funding

7 November 2022, 12:00-13:00

An update on the European funding landscape, reshaping our engagement to continue to work with European partners and an update on the UKRI guarantee fund and Plan B. National Contact Point for ERC and Marie Curie, Dr Branwen Hide from UKRO will be joining the session

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Consultancy and Contract Research

3 November 2022, 12:00-13:30

 Learn more about these important sources of income and the support available from first approach to project conclusion.  We will walk you through the steps involved, the forms to complete and the pros and cons of each option. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A at the end.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Getting Started with Funding Applications

6 October 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session is most suitable for those who are new to making research funding applications. It will provide a starting point from which to approach a first grant application and will cover what you need to think about, who can support you and the internal University process.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Building your Budget

29 September 2022, 12:00-13:30

New to developing a budget for research applications? This session will primarily take you through the process of developing your grant budget and the type of costs you need to consider. We will use Worktribe (the University’s Research award Management System) to build the budget.  There will be time at the end of the session to ask questions.

ResearchBites Series:  Research Funding Landscape - How to Find Funding

21 September 2022, 12:00-13:30 - via MS Teams

An introduction to the UK research funding landscape with resources to help you identify internal and external research funding opportunities. 

Carnegie Trust Information Session 

20 September 2022

12:00-13:00

The Carnegie Trust is delighted to announce that its Research Incentive Grants (RIG) scheme for Early Career Researchers will re-open to new applications this Autumn. The scheme will continue to support Early Career Researchers who wish to undertake, a short research project, either of a stand-alone nature or in the form of an initial study leading to a more extensive project. The principal criteria for the award of a RIG are that the planned research is of excellent quality, will enable the principal investigator to develop a new project or line of research, and will lead to high quality outputs and outcomes.

The recording of the session is available here.

Scottish Universities Insights Institute (SUII) Insights Session

13 September 2022, 12:00-14:00

All Welcome

The Scottish Universities Insight Institute’s Charlie Woods (Director) and Nicola Duncan (Programme Manager) will be visiting the Old Aberdeen Campus on Tuesday 13th September for an informal session looking back at over 10 years of SUII knowledge exchange programmes and to present details of SUII’s new open call for proposals (open to all disciplines).

SUII supports programmes of knowledge exchange which address and provide insight on substantial issues that face Scotland and the wider world. Drawing on wide-ranging research knowledge from Scotland’s top research-led universities, together with international expertise and multi-sector perspectives, their programmes help to establish communities of practice, linking academia to the wider policy and practice community, and providing universities with pathways to impact for their research.

To register to attend please email the Grants Academy.

Research Bites Series: Online PERU Information Session

16 June 2022, 12:00-13:30

Do you want to engage with public audiences to showcase and discuss your research? Do you want to raise awareness of your research with local communities in the region and beyond? Join the Public Engagement with Research Unit for lunch and to find out how doing public engagement can benefit you and your research, upcoming public engagement opportunities, including Explorathon and the Festival of Social Sciences taking place later this year, and opportunities to access funding to deliver public engagement activities.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to the Centre for Sensing, Imaging and IoT Systems (CENSIS)

15 June 2022, 12:00-13:00 

Introduction to CENSIS – The centre for sensing, imaging and IoT systems.  CENSIS, are one of the 7 Innovation centres setup by the Scottish Government to support innovation and collaboration between Scotland’s universities and industry.   This virtual lunchtime event will provide an introduction to the organisation, their capabilities and opportunities for funding.    CENSIS would also like to hear about current areas of interest at the university and opportunities to build collaborative projects together.

Sign up here.

Conversations on...Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Tuesday 14th June, 1-4.30 pm, 7th Floor, Sir Duncan Rice Library

All welcome

The Grants Academy in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Centres for Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing and Social Inclusion & Cultural Diversity are pleased to invite you to join this event which aims to disrupt, inspire and provoke participants to view women’s health from new perspectives and challenge perceptions of wellbeing.

The key aims of the session will be to enable participants to make connections, be curious, and seed collaborations. To guide discussion, we have tentatively identified four broad themes under which research questions/ challenges may sit:

(i) Quality of life & wellbeing

(ii) Inequalities & wellbeing

(iii) Wellbeing & the law

(iv) Societal perception of health and illness - portrayal of women’s health and the role of the arts and popular culture

Lunch will be available from 1 pm and the meeting will commence at 1.30 pm.

To register to attend please email the Aberdeen Grants Academy grantsacademy@abdn.ac.uk. For catering purposes we would be grateful if you could register, and advise of any dietary requirements, by Tuesday 7th June. 

ResearchBites Series: In-Person PERU Information Session

8 June 2022, 12:00-13:30

Do you want to engage with public audiences to showcase and discuss your research? Do you want to raise awareness of your research with local communities in the region and beyond? Join the Public Engagement with Research Unit for lunch and to find out how doing public engagement can benefit you and your research, upcoming public engagement opportunities, including Explorathon and the Festival of Social Sciences taking place later this year, and opportunities to access funding to deliver public engagement activities.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Research Culture Briefing

1 June 2022, 12:00-13:00 

Join Dr Jess Butler, Dr Claire Hawes, Jack Hellberg and Dr Ashish Malik to find out what research culture means, hear about the work of the University's Research Culture Group, and find out about related activities happening across the University.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

26 May 2022, 12:00-13:00 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is an Innovate UK funding scheme which promotes knowledge transfer between an academic and a company.  KTP projects connect businesses that have an innovation idea with academic expertise to help deliver it.  Funding is open to projects in any sector and there are five application rounds per year with at least £33M of funding available in 2022/23.

This virtual lunchtime event will provide an overview of KTPs, and the application process. You will get to hear from our North of Scotland KTP team about the advantages of KTPs and the support available. The session will cover general information about the scheme as well as provide more detailed guidance on the application process, the support available to assist with assessing opportunities and preparation of applications/submissions.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Pure - Take control of your Pure profile

18 May 2022, 12:00-13:30

How to share content confidently through the University’s research Information system, Pure.  The session will cover:

The public side of Pure:

• What information does Pure send to Staff pages, the Research Portal, and AURA
• Open access and Open research benefits

Security, confidentiality, and accuracy:

• Who can see your data, and why
• How to report issues or errors

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Sharing Data from Third parties for Research Projects 

12 May 2022, 12:00-13:30

Have you ever acquired data from an organisation for your research? Not all data is in the public domain and when you request data from a third party you might find there are some restrictions on how, when and where you can use it. This session will explore the need for data that is confidential, proprietary, or otherwise considered sensitive and help you to understand your responsibilities when utilising that data in your research project. We will explore the legal agreements that staff and students are often asked to sign and guide you through the approach taken at the university to minimise the risks involved in using third party data.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Practical Management of a Research Project

5 May 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session has been devised to support those who are encountering funded research activities for the first time.  Delegates should have applied for funding and/or secured their first research grant in the past 12 months. 

The session will detail the key milestones within a research project; from accepting an award from the funder, project kick off activities including recruitment and ethical approval, resource management, working with collaborative partners and reporting on activities and deliverables. 

Delegates will be taken through a series of scenarios relevant to each of these key milestones where they will learn some of the practical solutions that can be applied to common project-based challenges.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Nagoya Protocol Regulations - Accessing Genetic Material from Abroad

27 April 2022, 12:00-13:00

If you plan to carry out research with genetic materials or their derivatives (e.g. proteins, enzymes) obtained from outside the UK, chances are you need to follow rules regarding access and benefit-sharing with the country of origin. This session will explain why these rules are in place and which material falls under the Nagoya protocol, a legal framework established by the Convention of Biological Diversity. We will highlight the responsibilities you have as a researcher when accessing these resources and explain which steps will be necessary to comply with regulations. 

Sign up here.

Advanced Evaluation - Train the Trainer with Jamie Gallagher

27 April 2022, 13:00-16:00 

This course will be approached from the perspective of the trainer and will take you through the simple questions to ask researchers to ensure they can not only demonstrate the success of the intervention but capture the long term impact of it. This course will allow you to help researchers plan effective evaluation for reporting. 

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Open Access, Open Data, Open Research - What do I need to Know

21 April 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session from the Scholarly Communications team in the library will give you an introduction to open research and how to make your research data and publications open access. We will cover the basics of open access, open data and open research. How they can benefit you, what you can do to make your research open and the services that are available to support to you. 

There will be time for you to ask any questions you might have and get some practical help with Pure etc. if required.

Sign up here.

Evaluation of Engagement  - Train the Trainer with Jamie Gallagher

20 April 2022, 13:00-16:00

This course will be approached from the perspective of the trainer and will take you through the simple questions to ask researchers to ensure they can not only demonstrate the success of the intervention but capture the long term impact of it. This course will allow you to help researchers plan effective evaluation for reporting. 

Sign up here.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) Introduction for University of Aberdeen

13 April 2022, 13:00-14:00

An introductory event exclusively for University of Aberdeen staff.

OEUK is the leading representing body for the oil and gas industry, formerly known as OGUK, who is now branching off into alternative offshore energies: CCUS, Hydrogen and Floating Wind. Bianca, one of the Membership Relations Advisers, will give an overview of what’s available and how to gain access to the benefits, thus, ensuring the University gets the most out of their membership.  The University of Aberdeen's membership of OEUK offers the following benefits to anyone within the University:

1. Increased exposure to the Energy Market.

2. Create valuable connections with the industry.

3. Unique research and development opportunities for PhD students.

4. Access to award winning publications, reports and technical guidelines.

5. Access to prestigious networking events.

You can sign up here.

Evaluation of Engagement - An Interactive Course with Jamie Gallagher

23 and 30 March 2022, 13:00-16:00

Discover the secrets of evaluation. This three-hour interactive course will guide you through the creation of an evaluation plan, data capture, interpretation and reporting.

At the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the purposes, uses and limitations of evaluation
• Apply event-appropriate evaluation methods in multiple scenarios
• Prepare useful, answerable and relevant evaluation questions
• Devise and deliver your own evaluation plan
• Interpret and report evaluation data

Sign up here for 23 March 2022
Sign up here for 30 March 2022

Researchbites Series: Introduction to Research Ethics

16 March 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session will provide an introduction to research ethics, its rationale and implementation in the context of research integrity and will provide researchers with an overview of the research ethics approval processes within the University.  There will also be a Q&A at the end.

Sign up here.

Writing Lay Summaries

14 March 2022, 09:30-11:30

Writing summaries of research projects for lay audiences can be challenging. This two-hour session, with Jo Edwards, will demystify the process and offer the chance to polish your own lay summary and receive feedback.

The session will cover:

• Why writing for non-expert audiences is important
• What makes a good lay summary
• Examples of lay summaries from different disciplines
• How to approach your own lay summary
• Reviewing and editing your own lay summary, with feedback

Sign up here.

Writing Lay Summaries 

7 March 2022, 13:00-15:00

Writing summaries of research projects for lay audiences can be challenging. This two-hour session with Jo Edwards, will demystify the process and offer the chance to polish your own lay summary and receive feedback.

The session will cover:

• Why writing for non-expert audiences is important
• What makes a good lay summary
• Examples of lay summaries from different disciplines
• How to approach your own lay summary
• Reviewing and editing your own lay summary, with feedback

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: My Grant and Research Finance

2 March 2022, 12:00-13:30

This workshop will provide an overview of what to do when you receive grant funding and the service that the Research Finance team will provide to help a PI with the financial aspects of their grant.  In the workshop we will consider: 

• Who to contact when you receive new funding
• Information required to get a grant code set up
• Financial updates throughout grant period – monitoring budget v spend
• Eligible/Ineligible Costs on a grant
• Financial Reporting to funder
• When amendments are required – e.g. change in end date, virement between budget headings

There will also be time for a Q&A with the RFS team. 

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Research Contracts

23 February 2022, 12:00-13:30

This session will give a basic overview of the role of research contracts within the University.  We will look at reasons why we need a contract, how we form contracts, the benefits from contracts and how they are put in place to help improve and protect our research within the University.  There will also be a Q&A session. All welcome to attend.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: Impact Part 2 - Embedding Impact into Grant Applications

16 February 2022, 12:00-13:30

Impact is an integral part of the research process. By embedding impact into your research project, it will become easier to identify who your key stakeholders are, develop relationships, optimise communication and perhaps even work with them to shape the research questions. By considering impact early on, you can also build in the means to evaluate the impact of your research at later stages. This session will outline the steps needed to embed impact into your research and demonstrate open access e-toolkits available to support this process.

Sign up here.

ResearchBites Series: An Introductory Workshop on Public Engagement

 2 February 2022, 12:00-13:30

What is public engagement? What can it do for me? What can the University offer in terms of opportunities? Public engagement has a lot to offer, it can increase the impact of your research, empower researchers and help develop new and transferable skills. These are a few of the points that we will cover in this session, as well as discuss upcoming opportunities to engage different audiences with your research.

ResearchBites Series: Impact Part 1 - Creating Impact from Existing Research Projects

26 January 2022, 12:00-13:30

Put your research into action by creating and/or maximising impact from an existing project. Using practical examples from across the University, this session will give you an understanding of what is needed to realise and/or accelerate your own impact, tips and strategies for engaging with or accessing stakeholders groups as well as some of the considerations needed when planning and evaluating your impact. If participants would like to contact us with queries in advance, we would be happy to include a maximum of two worked examples in the session (examples should be made available by mid-December; please note that these will be anonymised).

ResearchBites Series: The Conversation

20 January 2022, 12:00-13:30

The Conversation is a news analysis and opinion website written by academics and funded by more than 80 UK and European universities. Working with an editor, researchers write short pieces that deliver academic expertise directly to the public.

In this session we'll take you through what The Conversation is - our origins and aims; what we do and why.

We’ll look at why you should communicate research to the public, what writing for The Conversation involves and what the benefits are for academics and universities.

We’ll give you tips on style, tone and structure (with examples), look at how to pitch (with examples) and look at different approaches and article types.

Benefits of attending

- Find out how to raise your profile in the media and among your peers

- Understand what makes a good story

- Understand how to pitch to editors.

ResearchBites Series: Introduction to Digital and Information Services

18 January 2022, 12:00-13:30

This workshop is ideal for any researcher who plan to write grant proposals and wishes to know more about how Digital and Information Services can help with this:

• Data collection tools and support
• Data Management Planning including DMPs
• What technologies are available to support research
• How to costs IT into projects
• What other services and support are available across the project lifecycle

There will also be time for Q&A's

ResearchBites Series: European Funding - Securing fund through Horizon Europe

14 December 2021, 12:00-13:30

This workshop will provide an overview of the European Commission’s commitment to Research and Innovation through their flagship investment mechanism, Horizon Europe, which will invest over €100 billion in projects over the next 7 years.  Through our new status as an Associated Country to Horizon Europe, the UK will continue to benefit from these funds in the same way as when we held EU Member State status. Whether you have held, or currently hold a grant from the European Commission, or are entirely new to the process of seeking and securing research funding; this topical workshop will cover a variety of thought provoking scenarios that may change the way you view and plan your next project.

In the workshop we will consider:

• The division of funds across the structure of Horizon Europe and the different types of projects supported
• The practical arrangements that are in place to support EU projects at the University of Aberdeen
• Advice for forging future collaboration with EU partners and joining consortia

 The session will be rounded off with a Q&A portion, so please join us to find out more.

ResearchBites Series: Introducing the UKRI Narrative CV

1 December 2021, 12:00-13:00

Traditional academic CVs often emphasise positions and publications. They don’t systematically capture the wider range of contributions necessary for world-class research and innovation. UKRI has recently piloted a new narrative CV format, to allow researchers to demonstrate how they develop teams, contribute to the research community and engage with users of research.

This session will talk you through the format and the pilot, and will include advice from Professor Gary Macfarlane on making the switch.

ResearchBites Series: European Funding - Securing Funds through Horizon Europe

30 November 2021, 12:00 - 13:30

This workshop will provide an overview of the European Commission’s commitment to Research and Innovation through their flagship investment mechanism, Horizon Europe, which will invest over €100 billion in projects over the next 7 years.  Through our new status as an Associated Country to Horizon Europe, the UK will continue to benefit from these funds in the same way as when we held EU Member State status. Whether you have held, or currently hold a grant from the European Commission, or are entirely new to the process of seeking and securing research funding; this topical workshop will cover a variety of thought provoking scenarios that may change the way you view and plan your next project.

In the workshop we will consider:

• The division of funds across the structure of Horizon Europe and the different types of projects supported
• The practical arrangements that are in place to support EU projects at the University of Aberdeen
• Advice for forging future collaboration with EU partners and joining consortia

 The session will be rounded off with a Q&A portion, so please join us to find out more.

ResearchBites Series Writing Lay Summaries

24 November 2021, 12:00-13:30

Writing summaries of research projects for lay audiences can be challenging but is an essential aspect of funding applications and dissemination activities. This session will articulate what makes a good lay summary, address challenges and common pitfalls and provide useful tools. You will then have the chance to analyse and discuss lay summaries from different disciplines.

ResearchBites Series Getting Started with Consultancy and Contract Research

17 November 2021, 12:00-13:30

Learn more about these important sources of income and the support available from first approach to project conclusion.  We will walk you through the steps involved, the forms to complete and the pros and cons of each option.

EVENT POSTPONED - to be rescheduled.

Carnegie Trust Visit

Linklater Rooms, 20 May 2020 - 12:30 - 14:00

The Grants Academy will be hosting a visit from Patricia Krus and John Thompson, representatives of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland on Thursday 20th May 2020.  A sandwich lunch will also be provided.  

EVENT CANCELLED - to be rescheduled

UKRO Meeting – 21 May 2020

Venue: KCF 7

Please be aware that this session was previously scheduled for 28 November 2019.

** Those who were booked on the November session will need to re-register Course Booking site.**

Branwen Hide, our UKRO representative will be visiting the University of Aberdeen to present up to date information on the UK’s future relationship to the EU funding mechanism, Horizon 2020 and its successor programme, Horizon Europe which will launch in 2021.  Based in Brussels, UKRO are the UK’s National Contact Point for the ‘Excellent Science’ opportunities within Horizon 2020 and are the UKRI’s permanent representative in Europe.  

From 2 pm onwards, academic staff have the opportunity to book a one to one session with Branwen to pose questions about existing projects and their plans to apply in the future to European Commission funding calls.  

Event Cancelled - to be rescheduled

Leverhulme Trust Visit

Meeting Room 1 and Breakout, Level 7, Sir Duncan Rice Library - 4 June 2020

More Details to follow.....

UKRI Funding Service update

During 2023, all UKRI research councils will transition from the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system to the new UKRI Funding Service for the submission of research applications.  The Funding Service has a number of differences to Je-S and and colleagues planning UKRI applications should familiarise themselves with the new requirements.

Researchers planning UKRI applications: Researchers can create an own accounts by selecting the ‘Start Application’ button located on the page where the opportunity is listed. However we recommend only starting an application when you are certain of the deadline you plan to apply to as you will not be able to save your application and submit to a later call.

The usual requirements to follow the applicable School’s Intention to Submit (ITS) / Supporting Grant Application (SGA) process apply and applications must be costed and collect internal approvals in Worktribe before submission.

On going development: UKRI are continuing to develop the Funding Service functionality and updated versions will be published regularly. Accordingly, the guidance and requirements for using the Service will evolve. The Grants Academy will keep researchers up to date with changes as they are announced and recommend researchers also take steps to stay in touch with progress.

More information: Further UKRI information on the Funding Service can be found here and a webinar here. Details of the transition from JeS to the Funding Service can be found here.  

7 August 2023

Showcase your Research – Discover Altmetrics

Did you know The University of Aberdeen subscribes to Altmetric Explorer to allow researchers to discover online attention for research, provide additional evidence when applying for funding, and to evidence potential impact.

The Altmetric Explorer provides a number of tools for researchers including badges that can be added to your web pages, these badges can be used to highlight specific papers or research which has received lots of positive online attention.  Research and Innovation have created a guide to help you add these badges. You can download the guide from https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/research/altmetrics.php

If you would like any further details please contact Nykohla Strong.