Application guidance

Resources to help you prepare a strong application
Mathematics. Image courtesy of Shutterstock

All funding agencies will have their own criteria for deciding on the allocation of their resources. It is worthwhile taking time to familiarise yourself with these and ensuring that your proposal clearly addresses your targeted source of support.

Funders’ websites will contain the call information and guidance, this is designed to help you through the application process and all information should be carefully read and clearly taken into account as you proceed with developing the application.

University of Plymouth Research and Innovation Department has prepared the following additional resources to help you with your application.

Successful Application Library

Our online library contains examples of successful research funding applications from academics at the University of Plymouth and is only available to staff and students at this University (login required).

We have examples from UKRI funded projects, The Leverhulme Trust, NIHR and others.

These examples are for internal reference only and should not be shared with anyone who is not a member of staff or student at the University of Plymouth.

If you would like to submit your own successful application for inclusion, or if you have any questions about the library, then please contact researchadvice@plymouth.ac.uk.

You may also find it useful to review funded applications on the UKRI database.

Guidance resources

  • In addition to the Successful Application Library, information about previous award holders at University of Plymouth can be found by contacting colleagues in your school and via the Research Funding Managers at researchadvice@plymouth.ac.uk
  • For advice and guidance on research data management please see Research Data Management.
  • Further information, guidance and support can be found in our Research Impact section. Enquiries about research impact can be sent to the Research Impact and Policy Officer, Jane Minett.
  • The Sustainable Earth Institute has built relationships with a collection of local creative industries through its Creative Associates programme. Consider working with such partners when preparing your application and considering impact.
  • If your project concerns research in health, public health, or social care, you might also find it helpful to consult the Research Design Service.
  • The Faculty of Science and Engineering and Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business have published guidance on the percentage of Investigator time that is requested in the Full Economic Costing of proposals (internal staff and students only).

Guidance resources available for internal staff and students only:

Research Application Initial Steps Checklist                           Risk Assessment Guidance

General advice for applicants                                      Project Management Guidance

Writing effective funding applications – a checklist                      Project Legacy and Sustainability Guidance

Why are proposals rejected? – top tips                              Guidance on Impact for UKRI applications

Guidance on the Case for Support                                  Guidance on responding to reviewer comments

Justification of Resources – a template for UKRI applications             SoECAT flowchart guidance

Fellowship guidance                                             Capability to deliver/narrative CV guidance

Research Funding Courses

Research and Innovation provides a range of training to help you find funding sources and write successful applications. For further information on the programme and how to book please visit our training page.