Mandatory institutional processes (Level 3)

The University has several types of mandatory processes relevant to applying for research funding. Research development can support you in adhering to these mandatory processes. The details of processes and which schemes they apply can be found on our SharePoint page.

Process types

  • Mandatory University selection process applies when there is a cap on applications imposed by the funder, limiting the number of applications the University can submit
  • Compulsory University process is put in place for several reasons, examples of which are to ensure: 
    • the proposed project is viable and aligns with University/faculty strategy
    • application meets the University's financial recovery profiles
  • Internal review applies to many schemes to ensure that proposals are of high quality, the bid aligns to the scope and ambition of the call, applicant(s) are eligible etc. prior to submission to the funder
  • Faculty or school processes are in place across the University, please make sure that you follow faculty/school processes in addition to mandatory and internal processes

All funding opportunities are assessed against the University's attribute risk levels. Attributes are the key triggers for ensuring the appropriate processes, risks, and considerations have been identified and addressed during the application, bid and contract stages of funded research and research related activity. Each attribute is considered independently. The highest, identified single attribute triggers the level and determines the total rating for the activity and the process to be followed.

Key internal processes

  • Level 3 applies to any opportunity that is deemed to be ‘Level 3’ from the attribute risk levels
  • UPER: All ESRC schemes Any Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding opportunity must proceed with the University's internal UPER process, which is the University's responses to ESRC's demand management agenda, to raise the quality of submitted proposals, and improve success rates

Further support is offered to external applicants, by contacting research-development@bristol.ac.uk.