Covid-19 coronavirus [image by Laurence Pearl, Professor of Structural Biology]

Research England recently announced that the HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Fund) can be re-purposed to working with external, non-HEI partners to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the Covid-19 crisis.

The University is therefore exercising its HEIF flexibility to support its work with regional and national partners - which is being coordinated through the University’s Covid-19 taskforce and its subgroups on PPE, testing and research.

Sue Baxter, the University’s Director of Innovation & Business Partnerships, said: “This new flexibility is particularly welcome given the disruption to previous HEIF spending plans resulting from the lockdown. If you feel you have something in mind please take a look at this light-touch application form for HEIF support for any further project ideas. Time is of the essence so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to discuss any ideas you think might be eligible.”

Key facts

• HEIF project funding for up to £25,000 per project will need to be spent by 31 July 2020
• proposals must be able to demonstrate that they are needed and supported by the relevant partners
• proposals should also seek to embed long term collaborative relationships extending well beyond the Covid-19 period

Complete the HEIF Covid-19 application form