Summary of Eligibility:
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The Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) Fund has been established to support peer-led professional development
activities for researchers. We are keen to sponsor initiatives which demonstrate wide appeal and benefit to
researchers across disciplines and career stages.
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Activities should complement or build on the Researcher Development Unit’s current provision of professional
development opportunities for researchers; however, funding cannot be used to support research travel, course
or conference attendance, or staffing costs. Similarly, research projects are outside the scope of this funding
stream.
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Applications are invited from researchers of all career stages: doctoral researchers, research staff, and academic
colleagues.
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Applications are made by an individual (the lead applicant); the application may be made on behalf of a wider
team, but the lead applicant must be currently affiliated with the University of Aberdeen.

Applications must clearly identify that the need for professional development is not currently addressed within
the University.
Applications must clearly define how the skills will be developed and how the learning will be shared more
widely and be beneficial across disciplines.
Applications where funding is sought to attend training events; facilitate travel for speakers and/or trainers;
and/or facilitate meetings to share best practice will be viewed favourably.
Applications containing disproportionate levels of funding for catering and sundries, absent compelling
arguments, will be viewed less favourably or may only be part funded.
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Applicants are requested to consider the following before making an application:
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How is the proposed activity (or programme of activities) intended to enhance professional development of
researchers?
How interdisciplinary is the proposed activity? Is it relevant to doctoral researchers or research staff in other
Schools and if so, how might the activity be opened up to others?
How the activity might be reused and repurposed by researchers in other disciplines?
How the activity might be sustained for future programmes?
Summary of Terms:
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Applications will be reviewed in October, March and May of each academic year.
Applications must be made on the RLI-application form at www.abdn.ac.uk/develop
The Researcher Development Advisory Group, chaired by the Vice Principal for Research and Knowledge
Exchange, will assess applications on the above criteria.
The decision of the panel is final and there is no appeals procedure.

The panel reserves the right to consider the distribution of Researcher-Led Initiative Fund allocation across the
University, and to favour proposals from first-time applicants.

The panel reserves the right to offer partial funding for applications, and may seek expert advice on any aspect of
the application.
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Applicants may be asked for further information, or to amend their application.
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You must be able to manage your normal study / research / work-load in addition to undertaking the additional
activity for which you have applied
You are required to write a report at the end of the project, using the template provided, for the Researcher
Development Unit, which can be included on the website www.abdn.ac.uk/develop and circulated in the
monthly e-zine. The report should detail where possible the impact of the event together with your experiences
of managing the project.
Applications that lead to a Public Engagement project are invited to make a parallel application to the Public
Engagement with Research enabling fund at www.abdn.ac.uk/engage clearly stating how the two applications
complement one another.
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Application Form – Researcher-led Initiatives Fund
Please email completed reports to Dr Lucy Leiper, Researcher Development Adviser at l.leiper@abdn.ac.uk
Application Lead Name:
Lead position: (please indicate)
e.g. Doctoral researcher / Research staff / Academic staff
Email address:
Telephone:
School and College:
Date of application:
Other participating Schools and
contacts:
Title of activity:
Type of activity:
(conference, workshop, etc)
Proposed start date:
Total funding requested:
£
Signed by your Head of School (if above £1,000)
Section A: About the activity
1. Please provide an overview of your proposed activity, what skills it will help you develop, why this is
important and how it relates to your professional and/or career development. Please also include any
colleagues or partners involved and when it will take place. Max 500 words.
2. Please identify how the activity will be organised, managed and evaluated. Max 250 words.
Please note: the Researcher Development Unit will be able to assist in managing and promoting your event through the
booking system, RD website, monthly e-newsletters and social media sites.
2
Section B: Budget
1. Please provide an indicative budget, including a breakdown of costs.
ITEM
£
Total cost of initiative:
£
Total amount requested from the Researcher-led Initiatives fund:
£
2. Please outline any other funds or resources committed to the activity by your School/College and
elsewhere. Please indicate the type of commitment (e.g. funding, expertise, physical space, etc.).
Section C: School context and support
1. Please indicate how your initiative will appeal to a wider audience e.g. researchers in different
disciplines and / or a cross-section of career stages (doctoral researchers, research staff, faculty). Max
250 words.
2. Supporting statement from your supervisor or line manager. Max 100 words
3