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Strategic Research Fund

This is a University of Oxford fund and seeks to build lasting research capacity through major transformative investments in researchers and research.

The Strategic Research Fund (SRF) seeks to build lasting research capacity at the University through major transformative investments in researchers and research. It is designed to have impact at scale. The fund typically approves between one and five awards each year.

Full details about the SRF objectives, remit, eligible costs and process can be found on the Research Services website.

The SRF is administered by Research Services, however bids must first be approved for submission by the host division. For applicants based within the Medical Sciences Division, bids are first considered by the Medical Sciences Strategic Research Fund sub-panel.

If you are considering an application to the Strategic Research Fund, please contact the MSD Head of Research Strategy & Funding Leila Whitworth in the first instance.

Before applying to the SRF applicants must also have discussed their proposal with their Head of Department and Departmental research support team.

On the SRF application process page (SSO login required) there are case study examples and a run-through of the full application process, as well as useful finance and FAQ guidance for applicants.

The SRF has application deadlines approximately every two months, with Divisions submitting proposals to Research Services ahead of each meeting of the main SRF Board. Please contact Leila Whitworth regarding your proposal, who can confirm your deadline for submitting your application to the MSD sub-panel for consideration, prior to submission to the SRF Board. 

For further information on How to Apply please see the Research Support page.

 

Hilary Term 2024 Trinity Term 2024
Deadline to submit to Division 04 April 23 May
Deadline for bids approved by Division to submit to Board 25 April 13 June
Board meeting 04 May 03 July

 

Further deadlines are expected to be set on a regular basis

If you are considering a bid to the Strategic Research Fund, you must contact the MSD Head of Research Strategy & Funding Leila Whitworth as soon as possible and before starting to prepare the application.

 

At a Divisional level the Medical Sciences Division Strategic Research Fund sub-panel reviews and approves applications to the Strategic Research Fund. Only applications that are supported by the MSD sub-panel will be considered by the main SRF Board. 

The Medical Sciences Division SRF sub-panel consists of the Associate Heads of Division and the Head of Research Strategy and Funding.

The main SRF Board comprises:

  • Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)
  • Pro-Vice-Chancellor (People and Digital)
  • The Heads of all the academic divisions.

The SRF Board may draw on advice from external academic or other advisors as required. The SRF Board provides reports to Research & Innovation Committee.

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