Since 2017, the University of Liverpool has invested £1.53 million from its Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) provision to pump prime projects with partners outside of academia with an aim of generating and accelerating impact from our research. A recent review of all projects that completed by 2022 has shown that this funding leveraged a 30-fold return from £854,000 invested (2017-2021) bringing in £25.9 million of research income from UKRI, charities and industry over 62 separate projects and has resulted in significant impact and outputs.
The Partnership and Innovation Fund (PIF) supports project development across all three faculties spanning a wide range of specialisms and sectors. The core purpose of these funds is to ‘pump prime’ activities facilitating the potential for future collaborative grant applications. The next funding round is now open. PIF awards range from £10,000 and £50,000, and academics from across the University are invited to submit applications by Friday 6 September 2024.
The University’s Partnerships Team, within Research, Partnerships and Innovation, utilises HEIF allocations to develop projects in key areas, with businesses, policy makers, cultural partners and other organisations, to address UKRI challenges. The aim of these funds is to provide a catalyst to develop large and impactful projects and relationships to address pressing global challenges, which will target substantial external funding opportunities.
The next round of the PIF fund is now open until Friday 6 September 2024 at 12pm, with applications invited from academics from across the University. For further information, eligibility criteria and an application form, please see the website here. Please contact fund managers at pifund@liverpool.ac.uk with general enquiries about the scheme.
Policy Support Fund
If your research is specifically related to collaboration with policymakers, then the Policy Support Fund may be more suitable. A copy of the application form and associated guidelines can be found here. Closing date 12pm, Friday 13 September 2024.
