ARMA & AHRC in conversation – focus on changing AHRC funding opps

When I saw the invitation from ARMA to an AHRC focus group of research administrators on their new responsive mode funding schemes, I must admit that I didn’t think to apply. However, a colleague gave me a nudge, I filled in the short  form and a couple of weeks later was in an online meeting with more than half a dozen AHRC staff and a varied selection of around 20 research managers.

AHRC started by giving us a brief introduction to the new structure for their responsive mode calls focused around the trio of Catalyst awards, Curiosity awards, and Research grants. A draft of a handy infographic showed how these mapped out against the progression of a career or an idea – and against the soon-to-be old structure. This introduction was followed by a breakout into three focus groups, so that delegates could discuss in-depth their individual and institutional experiences and perspectives. Introductions revealed the ever surprising variety of job titles found in our profession, and a real diversity of HEIs represented. Then we were guided through an open discussion in three parts – firstly about the scope and sustainability of the new schemes, then around inclusivity throughout the whole process, and finally issues around implementation and support both for researchers and for research organisations. Nothing was off the table, and topics ranged from the increasing flexibility in the shape and style of the new awards and the competency model, through the ups and downs of supporting a wide range of researchers and ECRs, to the thorny issues of peer review, evaluation, and assessment.

I found that many comments from colleagues found a resonance across the group as common challenges for institutions, as well as being areas of focus for the AHRC too. It’s always interesting to hear colleagues talk about their own experiences, and to hear their ideas, but perhaps most noticeable was just how quickly an hour of conversation passed… and how much more we could have discussed!

by Clare Thornbury, Research Support Services Manager, City University of London