Grant-making Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, transparent, and accountable framework for awarding research grants through the United Kingdom Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS). This policy applies to all funding opportunities, including small grants, collaborative research awards, and institutional support schemes. It ensures that all grant-making activities align with the association’s mission of advancing biotechnology and computational science for the benefit of society.

2. Principles

All UKABCS grant-making activities are guided by the following principles:

• Transparency: Clear criteria, processes, and decisions are communicated to applicants and stakeholders.
• Fairness & Equity: All applications are assessed objectively, without bias, and in line with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) principles.
• Accountability: Funds are managed responsibly, with monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure proper use.
• Excellence: Grants are awarded to high-quality projects with strong potential to advance knowledge and deliver impact.
• Sustainability: Resources are allocated to projects that demonstrate long-term value and alignment with global research priorities.

3. Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Individuals: Researchers at any career stage (students, early-career, senior academics, or professionals).
• Institutions: Universities, research centers, hospitals, non-profit organizations, or industry partners committed to R&D.
• Geographic Scope: While UKABCS is UK-based, funding opportunities may extend globally, provided projects demonstrate clear benefit to the UK research ecosystem or global science advancement.

4. Application Process

1. Call for Proposals: Public announcements are made on the UKABCS website and through partner networks.
2. Submission: Applicants must complete the standardized online application form, including project proposal, budget, timeline, and CVs.
3. Due Diligence: Institutional and financial checks are carried out to confirm credibility and compliance.
4. Review: Applications undergo an independent peer-review process, conducted by experts in the relevant field.
5. Decision: A Grants Committee, reporting to the UKABCS Board, makes final funding decisions based on peer-review recommendations.
6. Notification: Applicants receive written communication of outcomes, including constructive feedback.

5. Assessment Criteria

Proposals are evaluated against the following criteria:

• Scientific Merit & Innovation – originality, rigor, and contribution to knowledge.
• Feasibility – realistic methodology, timeline, and deliverables.
• Impact – potential benefits for science, healthcare, or society.
• Capacity Building – contribution to researcher development and knowledge transfer.
• Value for Money – efficient and responsible use of resources.

6. Monitoring & Reporting

• Grant recipients are required to submit mid-term and final reports, detailing progress, outcomes, and financial expenditure.
• UKABCS reserves the right to conduct site visits or request additional information where necessary.
• Outputs (publications, datasets, training materials) must acknowledge UKABCS support.

7. Conflicts of Interest

All reviewers, committee members, and staff must declare potential conflicts of interest (financial, professional, or personal). Where a conflict exists, the individual will not take part in related decision-making.

8. Appeals

Unsuccessful applicants may submit a written appeal regarding procedural fairness (not scientific judgment) within 30 days of the decision. Appeals will be reviewed independently by the UKABCS Appeals Panel.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years by the UKABCS Board to ensure compliance with best practices and alignment with evolving standards of UKRI and international research funders.