1. How to put together a strong application to the Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) fund Sarah R-H Doctoral School www.sussex.ac.uk/doctoralschool/internal/rli

2. 3-steps to a strong application: 1.Read and understand the guidance notes 2.Address all the criteria in your application 3.Submit your application on time

3. Read and understand the guidance notes Scope of the fund Expected award amount Deadline for applications Criteria for applications Application process Selection process Terms and conditions of awards

4. Address all the criteria in your application Clearly show how your initiative meets the criteria How it will boost the professional development of researchers How it is cross-or interdisciplinary How it appeals to researchers across career stages How it is innovative

5. Submit your application on time Current cycle deadline: Tuesday 30 th April 2013 Allow time for: Getting support statement from your DODS Proofreading Getting accurate costings Input from other parties

6. How the RLI fund operates Panel considers all applications after deadline Allocation of funds: panel considers all applications in that round, and budget available Applicants informed of outcome within 4 weeks of closing date Successful? Doctoral School opens a budget code for your project

7. Possible outcomes 1.Successful - accepted 2.Partially successful - offered partial funding, with explanation and advice 3.Revise & resubmit – feedback on application with advice on how to improve it 4.Unsuccessful - rejected

8. Winning initiatives… Broad appeal across disciplines / schools Benefit researchers at different career stages Involve collaboration across departments Request only partial funding – co-sponsors; other resources Showed outreach – Outside of Sussex or non-academics Potential to lead onto something else Have a legacy: website, resources

9. Lesser applications… Lack signs of being innovative Application incomplete / unclear Unreasonable budgets – catering & speakers fees, ‘wages’ Aimed at undergraduates or PGTs School-based / departmental event Event off-campus (costly) for no discernible reason Requested funds to be transferred to personal bank account