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Introduction

For most research active staff, securing external funding is a priority.
Applying for external research funds is extremely competitive and only the best applications are likely to be funded – most major grant schemes fund about one application in every four received.
The chances of success are increased with good advice on the scientific, presentational and administrative aspects of applications.
Whatever the nature of your project, all external funding also brings responsibilities and resource implications for the University and so it is essential that you are aware of the issues involved and follow the correct procedures.
The Research Funding Managers and Funding Advisors are available to help you and provide advice and guidance on applying for external research funding. University of Plymouth staff and students should aim to contact the Funding Advisors for help with estimating the budget for their project as soon as possible (at least three weeks before the deadline). 
We advise that applicants should leave at least one week prior to the Funder's deadline to complete the peer review and internal sign off process. Some funders require additional documents that require the Office of the Vice-Chancellor's (OVC) sign off. Please contact a research funding manager to check if this is necessary.
For a full index of our resource and guidance pages, please see the gallery below.
The Research Funding Managers can support your application for funding in the following ways:
  • review your application and advise on structure, content and formatting
  • help you understand the Funder's guidance and requirements
  • help identify appropriate funding sources.
The Funding Advisors can:
  • check your costing meets Funders’ requirements
  • enter the costs in Award Manager
  • support the internal approval process.
R&I also provides support on ethics, impact, commercial research, KTPs and intellectual property.

Application support

Marine Building, Plymouth