FAQs for Connections Funding – applicable to both Thematic and Open funding rounds
Link to existing activities
What if we received Connections funding previously?
You are welcome to apply to Connections fund as often as you like, however, your new application must be for a unique project, and not development of an existing project. Connections funding exists to progress ideas to the next stage and hopefully large-scale bids.
What is the difference between Connections and Exploratory Research Funding?
Connections funding focuses on bringing together a diverse group of people with a common interest, to discuss and explore potential ideas and research questions around that common interest that would take that research further. For example, Connections might provide funding for an academic, an artist and a practitioner to come together for a day or two – a sort of networking and exploratory phase. In this instance the funding could provide the fees for the artist and the practitioner (at their usual rates), perhaps a visit/excursion to a site, the cost of a meeting room and refreshments. The expectation is not for the funding to support a mini research project.
The Exploratory Research Funding is to consolidate the conversations and ideas that have previously been developed into a research project framed around one or a few related research questions. The approach/methodology would be clearly laid out along with a workplan, details of who is involved and a careful costing.
Ideas
What sort of activity should I propose?
This funding is for small scale workshops and conversations related to the co-design of research projects - whilst artistic or creative facilitation methods are welcomed the funding should not be seen as a source of funding for creative development only, or for knowledge exchange/impact or public engagement activities without a substantial research component.
Can I apply with two separate ideas?
Yes, however, the two research ideas and approaches must be unique and distinct from one another working with different teams with minimal overlap.
Application process
Can I provide additional information as part of my application?
To be transparent and fair to all applicants you can only submit the information requested. There is an online application form and you can view the questions and word limits via https://www.bristol.ac.uk/brigstow/funding/open-calls/open-connections/. The main body of the funding application is the Case for Support which should be no longer than 1000 words (any additional text will be removed prior to being assessed).
Please do not assume that those assessing your application will be aware of your prior work or even the full context you are or have been working within. So please ensure your application provides a full description of the project as well as the wider context and any previous, relevant work.
Do all Connections Funding applications need a Worktribe costing?
No, you will only need to complete a Worktribe costing if your project pays for the time of those employed by the University of Bristol, or someone listed as an official Partner of the University of Bristol in Worktribe. If you plan to pay self-employed individuals on the bid as a supplier, then you will not need to complete a Worktribe.
If we are a large team, can we have a larger word count on the application?
No, the word count is set at 1000 words, and you need to be realistic with what you can achieve with the funding available. Any detail of costings and budget breakdown can be outlined in the justification of budget section of the application.
Can I apply for Connections Funding as match funding for a specific aspect of a larger project?
Yes, however please keep in mind the purpose of Connections Funding is to facilitate research ideas in their early stages. Some examples of how it’s been used in the past might be to cover the time of a self-employed individual to take part in early research design conversations, to cover costs like travel and accommodation to bring expertise and knowledge from another context or locality, or to cover room hire in a neutral location easily accessible by all members of the research team.
Eligibility
I'm a member of Professional Service staff; can I lead a project?
Yes, we recognise the intellectual input and expertise of professional services staff so they can be listed as the Budget Holder on an application. We don’t have Principal Investigators on Brigstow projects – the project should be co-created and co-produced throughout.
We are a team of PhD students at the University of Bristol – can we apply?
You cannot apply for a project if the team are all PhD students. You could however be part of a larger team that applies to the Connections Fund and be paid for your input. Whether you are paid or not is down to you.
Do University of Bristol staff need to be permanent staff or above a certain grade to be involved?
No. We welcome all University of Bristol staff if they have the relevant expertise and skills to be involved. This includes technical staff, Professional Services staff and academics. You will however need to be a member of staff at the University if you are to be the budget holder (for financial accountability).
Would Visiting or Associate staff be eligible?
You can be involved in a project, but not as the budget holder. We need the budget holder to be a member of University staff to ensure financial accountability. If there is a particular case that you want to explore, please email us to enquire about your circumstance.
What if we don’t have any researchers on the team from an arts/humanities/social science background?
All of Brigstow’s themes will have a focus on human experience and encounters. Given this focus we expect to see arts/humanities researchers and/or social scientists as key members of interdisciplinary research teams. This is not only around the types of methodologies we would expect to see, but also if the proposed project would need someone to develop and coordinate the application for ethical approval (if appropriate).
But we do encourage projects that involve a range of disciplines. You can view the projects we have previously funded, and who was involved, at www.bristol.ac.uk/brigstow/research/.
I am an academic from another university (funded by UK Higher Education Funding bodies) – can I apply?
You can be involved in a project but if you are a full-time member of staff at another university you cannot be paid for your time. The team has to involve a University of Bristol member of staff though.
I’m not employed by the University and have a relevant project but no research team, can I apply?
Brigstow funding is research-led which means you cannot apply to lead or carry out a research project on your own. We support collaborative, co-produced research activities and projects that are co-created from the outset. We instead suggest taking a look at the Connections Funding teams to see where ideas may align, or reaching out to other relevant researchers and staff at the University to see how your research interests align.
Can I be included in multiple bids?
Yes, you can be listed in multiple bids should your expertise be required in them. We encourage you to manage your time accordingly and should both projects be funded you will need to manage your own capacity and involvement.
I applied for Connections Funding before and was unsuccessful. Can I apply the same idea?
Yes, you can apply if you were unsuccessful. We advise integrating reviewer feedback from your previous application or taking a look at other teams funded in previous Connections round to see if there is overlap with your ideas.
Support
Can we book a 1:1 chat with you? We have some specific questions
To be fair and transparent to everyone who wants to apply, we have decided that rather than having a chat with anyone, we will instead capture any (anonymised) questions you might have and our responses here in the FAQs and also answer any other questions at the webinar, a recording of which will be made available online shortly afterwards.