Some Advice, Tips & Acquired Knowledge Prof Richard McClatchey Centre for Complex Cooperative Systems FET, UWE

Qualities I should have developed Communication skills Intellectual skills IT skills Organizational skills Motivation Independence Perseverance Knowledge of different worldviews of subject & related subjects of methods/methodologies of networks & contacts

Actions I could/should have taken Learn about others’ successful bids – where, how, with whom, on which projects ? Cultivate links with industry and academia. Look for initiatives. Network, exchange ideas, keep up-to-date with developments Play to your strengths. If you already have expertise in one area, develop that first. Do not spread yourself too thinly. Research resources are valuable and difficult to grow. Be prepared to fail in bidding. Persevere despite disappointment. Be patient, focussed and determined….

Collaboration & Communication Look for like-minded researchers. Develop trust and inter-dependence. Be flexible and willing to compromise ideals. Stay in regular contact with collaborators. Seek co-bidding, co-authoring and co-supervision arrangements. Go for quick successes as well as longer term targets. Keep the activity ticking over. Build confidence in your partners. Build competence in your staff. People are the research resource.

Advice on Support & Funding Institutional commitment is a pre-requisite. It’s essential to have support of your superiors Seed-funding / pump-priming helpful Carry out pilot projects & test-cases (walk before you run). Prove your worth. Seek local, limited funds and invest in success Then move to national funding bodies Look for external funds too (e.g. EU, GGF etc) Success breeds success…. BUT it may be long time in coming (have patience & perseverence)

Summary : Maximising Success Get informed Get networking Get started early Get good partners Get support from UWE Get good at it Get confident Get lucky