September 2002
Research and Teaching

Research Council training in interdisciplinary research bidding

More than 50 researchers from across three Schools recently took part in an interactive workshop led by Dr Lesley Thompson, Programme Manager of the Life Sciences Interface Programme (LSI), of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Assisted by colleagues from the EPSRC and the Research Office, Dr Thompson led a hands-on session on developing interdisciplinary research across the Schools of Engineering, Design and Technology, Life Science and Informatics.

The LSI is a scheme cutting across the portfolios of several of the Research Councils and administered by the EPSRC, which encourages engineers and physical scientists to explore emerging possibilities in life sciences in conjunction with research leaders in this field.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Taylor opened the seminar with an incisive overview of current interdisciplinary thinking in science and engineering research and its cutting edge interface with the Life Sciences.

With 13 years of experience in the University's Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Polymer Science and Technology, Professor Phil Coates provided personal insight into the 'dos and don'ts' of successful interdisciplinary research.

The LSI team then led the attending academics from the Schools of Engineering, Design and Technology, Informatics and Life Sciences through the process of putting together an interdisciplinary research bid.

Patricia Leach, of the Research Office, said: "We hear a lot about the need for more interdisciplinary research, but rarely have the opportunity to develop the requisite links and cross-disciplinary thinking. This workshop provided practical advice on how to go about that process. It was particularly pleasing to see a good balance of researchers from the various Schools and from all levels. Real links between the three Schools were established which are now developing into active research bids."

The Research Office is now preparing further seminars on opportunities for research funding. The ESRC, EPSRC and UK Research Office in Brussels are already planning to visit the University and others are in the pipeline. Further details can be found at www.brad.ac.uk/admin/rsil, or contact Sean Kelly on s.m.kelly1@bradford.ac.uk or 01274 (23)5232, or Patricia Leach on p.a.leach@bradford.ac.uk or 01274 (23)3174.

Other initiatives for the new academic year include:

Research Fortnight. Well known for the quality of its paper publication, Research Fortnight recently launched an online service that allows staff to search for funding opportunities and access the latest news on research. The Research Office subscribes to this service, which can be accessed at www.researchresearch.co.uk Individual accounts will soon be available. For further information contact Sean Kelly.

EU Framework Programme 6. More information is being received daily on the next EU Framework Programme for research. The new Framework (FP6) includes a number of key changes. Staff that need further help should contact Jennifer Bellamy on 01274 (23)3171 or email J.M.Bellamy@bradford.ac.uk

Contact the Research Office on 01274 (23)3170 or email research.office@bradford.ac.uk or visit www.bradford.ac.uk/admin/rsil

• Director of the Research Office Neil Johnson has been elected for a second two-year term to the Council and Board of Directors of the Association for University Research and Industry Links (AURIL). AURIL represents the interests of industrial liaison, technology transfer and research administration specialists in universities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. AURIL is a network of professionals dedicated to the development of partnerships between Higher Education and organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors. Members operate in a changing political, social and technological environment and AURIL endeavours to influence change to the benefit of its member organisations. AURIL provides an informal view to Government and others and is recognised and consulted by Government, researchers, journalists, professionals and associations and other representative bodies, some of who are Associate Members of AURIL.

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