The sandpit event designed to increase the number of diverse Project Leads/ PIs on EPSRC projects was hosted by C-DICE at Loughborough University and facilitated by Dr Dave Filipović-Carter on 16 and 17 April 2024.  

Participants spent two intensive days networking and collaborating on ideas for energy / net zero to design collaborative proof-of-concept research proposals which will be submitted to the IGNITE Network+ Flexible Funding (up to £60,000 available for up to 6 projects).

These projects are intended to result in larger multi-partner EPSRC grant submissions under the EPSRC’s Energy and Decarbonisation Theme or other relevant UKRI funding schemes with an energy focus.

In addition, participants were provided with advice and mentorship on how to craft a high quality research funding proposals by Prof Tim Green (Imperial College London), Prof Tanvir Hussain (University of Nottingham & Prof Becky Lunn (University of Strathclyde) - thanks everyone ��!

The sandpit event

The sandpit event is designed for participants to leverage their experience and expertise to design collaborative proof-of-concept research projects, intended to result in larger multi-partner EPSRC grant submissions under the EPSRC’s Energy and Decarbonisation Theme or other relevant UKRI funding schemes with an energy focus.  The Project Lead(s) [Principal Investigator in JeS] attended the sandpit on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 April 2024 to be eligible to apply for the funding call.  There were up to 30 places available, and all accommodation and meal costs will be covered by IGNITE Network+. 

We were looking to fund projects up to £60,000 at 100% full economic cost (fEC). We will fund 80% of the eligible full economic cost (fEC). The total fund available is £360,000 at 100% fEC.  Find out about the funded projects