Event Details

ARMA, in partnership with PraxisAuril and Research England, is pleased to invite members to attend a virtual roundtable discussion on in-kind contributions to collaborative research.

Venue: Virtual event using Zoom

Date: 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Wednesday 28 April 2021

Deadline for registration: Closed, due to event being over-subscribed

In-kind contributions represent an important proxy for knowledge exchange activity and performance and constitute valuable evidence to demonstrate how publicly funded research leverages in private investment. The HESA HE-BCI survey collects information on both cash and in-kind contributions to collaborative research. However, there is currently significant variance in the practice of recording in-kind contributions across the sector.

In August 2020 Research England convened a round table event to begin to explore how to improve the recording of in-kind contributions to collaborative research, in order to improve the consistency of the data returned to HE-BCI. The background to – and outputs of – this discussion are presented in a paper published in January 2021.

Event outline

This event will offer an opportunity for colleagues from both ARMA and PraxisAuril to build on the initial ideas outlined in the discussion paper.  Research England will offer an overview of the issues and ideas and invite an institution to speak about their experience in working to improve the practice of how it is recorded in their own institution. Participants will then be split into break-out groups to have a more detailed discussion of the following questions:

Group 1 – Types and methodologies

Are there types of in-kind contributions are missing from our initial list?  What are existing methods or good practice guidance for valuation of such contributions, including those from fields outside of academia?

Group 2 – Guidance

How detailed and prescriptive should lists of types of in-kind contribution and methodologies for valuation be?

Group 3 – Systems and burden

How can we overcome the barriers arising from current pre-award, contract or finance systems? What are the dependencies with other reporting and returns to UKRI and other funders? What is the burden vs. benefit provided by the various options, as well as any potential to incentivise or disincentivise university knowledge exchange?

The groups will then reconvene into a plenary session with each group invited to feedback the main points of their discussions.

Who should attend?

All colleagues working in related roles are welcome, but this will be of particular interest to those who are responsible for valuing, recording or collecting in-kind contributions to collaborative research and those involved in liaising with external partners to agree contributions.

On registering to attend the event, please indicate your preferred break-out group and highlight any relevant experience.

Preparation

A zoom link and confirmation of your allocated break-out group will be sent to you in advance of the event.

Please read the previous Research England discussion paper prior to attending.