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Will there be more rounds of ISSF funding after October 2020?

The Michaelmas Term 2020 round of the Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund (deadline 12pm on Wednesday 14 October 2020) is expected to be the LAST round of funding allocation from the current block grant from Wellcome. Future rounds will be dependent on the receipt of further funding from Wellcome. If you are considering applying for funding from the ISSF, please submit to the round closing on 14 October 2020.

i am in MSD; Can i apply for a wellcome ISSF small award and an MSIF Pump Priming award in the same round?

No, both of these types of award are reviewed by the same panel and only one award would be made. Small award applicants from MSD should only apply for an MSIF Pump Priming award. 

What type of research and activities will the ISSF support?

The ISSF is open to all academic members of staff across the whole University and will support proposals in Wellcome research areas that fit within the remit of the ISSF and meet the strategic priorities of the Oxford Wellcome ISSF.

I AM A POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER: AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

DPhil students are not eligible to apply. Postdoctoral Researchers and Clinical Research Fellows are only eligible to apply when a clear case is made for how an ISSF award will establish their independent career.

What is the expected duration of ISSF projects?

Both short and long proposals are welcomed, the length of the project should be appropriate for the proposed plan of work.

The funding for Oxford's Wellcome ISSF block grant will end on 31 March 2023; all projects must end and be fully spent by this date. No extensions beyond 31 March 2023 will be permitted.

Can a proposal have applicants from more than one division?

Yes, the ISSF Committee especially welcomes cross-divisional bids.

What value of projects will be supported?

Both small and large projects are welcomed. The costs of the project should be appropriate for the proposed plan of work. 

Can Match be in-kind?

Yes, match can be either cash or in-kind.

Can I apply for match funding from another University fund or from external sources?

Yes, match funding can come from external sources, departmental funds, or can be obtained through partial or full application to central University funds. This match funding must be established prior to submission of a full application.

If the match funding is coming from an external source, this funding must have been awarded specifically for the new project being proposed and not for an existing project. Please note that funding from existing or new Wellcome grants cannot be used as match funding for the ISSF.

Are ISSF grants eligible for Charity QR funding?

No, ISSF grants do not generate any charity QR funding.

Should i submit an X5 costing?

No. Your department administrator should use X5 to generate a costing and these figures should be used in the application form but an X5 Admin Output does not need to be appended to the application.