FAQ_0708

Eduserv Research Grants 2007/2008: frequently asked questions

We have received a number of enquiries regarding the current call for research grant proposals. Some of these questions and answers may be of more general interest and are included on this page. If you have any further queries please contact grants@eduserv.org.uk

Question: Does Eduserv index automatically for inflation in the grants it pays or should applicants build inflation rises into their estimated costs?
Answer: Applicants should build inflation rises (for salaries for example) into their costings.

Question: Are staff salaries considered as allowable costs for research projects?
Answer: Generally yes, support may be requested for the salary costs of staff who work on the project. The host institution should normally be responsible for contracts of employment for project staff.

Question: How will Eduserv respond to Full Economic Costs (fEC) and allowable costs for research projects?
Answer: We do not require that you obtain institutional agreement about project costs before submitting your initial proposal. Applicants who are subsequently invited to submit a full application will need to provide cost details and obtain the relevant authorisation from their institution. Eduserv is a registered charity and our current view on fEC is that we will not pay the fixed percentage for example that has been agreed between the government and the research councils.

Question: Are overseas researchers eligible to apply for funding?
Answer: Grant funding is paid to a "host" education institution, not to individual applicant(s). Members of the project team could be located overseas but the host institution will normally be in the UK and be prepared to administer the funding payable to these individuals.

Question: Who will use the project's software deliverables and what IP arrangements will apply?
Answer: Project deliverables should aim to deliver benefit to the UK education community. Education will thus be the primary user of software and source code. Where appropriate, commercial exploitation of and licensing arrangements for deliverables will need to be agreed between Eduserv, the "host" institution and the project leader.

Question: Are applications from a consortium of institutions eligible?
Answer: Yes, provided that one institution acts as the lead site, for contractual and administrative purposes. Eduserv will make funding payments to the lead site only, and further disbursement of the funding will need to be administered by the lead site.