Published:
Heriot-Watt has received almost a million pounds worth of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to advance its Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAA)
We will use it to……shorten the time between the discovery of knowledge and the point at which it can deliver benefits to society and the economy.
These Accounts allow institutions the flexibility to operate tailored schemes to help increase the likelihood of impact from their research. The IAAs speed up the contribution that scientists make towards new innovation, successful businesses and the economic returns that benefit the UK.
The £992,000 funding package will be used to support mobility and secondments, Proofs of Concept and Demonstrators and collaborative projects with stakeholders. It will also support focussed thematic workshops and develop the University's already strong strategic partnerships programme.
Social and economic benefits
Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said, “If innovation is an ecosystem then it is dependent on having a fertile soil of research and the fresh air of ideas to nourish its growth. These new EPSRC IAA investments will provide the right conditions in which new technologies and products can be developed more quickly. In turn, this will return social and economic benefits and ensure the UK continues to be one of the best places in the world to research, innovate and grow business.”
Professor Garry Pender, Deputy Principal (Research and Innovation), said, “Research Impact is defined as the contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy. It includes the many ways in which research-related knowledge and skills benefit individuals, organisations and nations.
“This funding will help Heriot-Watt to build on our already impressive track record as leaders in ideas and solutions. We will use it to best effect to shorten the time between the discovery of knowledge and the point at which it can deliver benefits to society and the economy, delivering innovation and using our world-leading research to solve global challenges.”
Academics can apply for funding via an Open Call process, which has now been launched. The first deadline for applications is 25 August. Full application details and guidelines are available.