The UK Research Office (UKRO) – the Europe-based office of Research Councils UK – is set to visit the University of Lincoln on 7th September 2010 for a full day of presentations and discussion about European funding.

UKRO is the UK’s leading information and advice service on EU funding for research and higher education. Based in Brussels since 1984, UKRO is jointly funded by all seven UK Research Councils to promote effective UK participation in EU funded research programmes and other related activities.

The day will provide staff with an introduction to the different types of research and research-related funding available and update staff on the latest developments in EC funding. Sessions planned for the day include an overview of FP7 and the services UKRO provide to facilitate participation in EU research, Marie Curie Actions and European Research Council (ERC) opportunities. There will be an opportunity to arrange follow-up meeting with Research Office staff and our EC-specialist bid writer, Martin Pickard.

The University Research Committee recently endorsed the formulation of a European Funding Strategy for Lincoln, recognising the need to engage with European funding much more proactively across the University. This is becoming even more important in the context of announced and planned government cuts to the HE sector and the consequent squeeze on UK-based research funding resources. This event provides the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the funding available, as well as the wealth of support on offer to help you prepare bids and find partners.

Further details on the event will be communicated soon, both on this blog and via the staff message list, but if you’re interested in attending please hold the date in your diaries.