Funding opportunity

Undertake activities related to scientific ocean drilling

• Opportunity status: Open
• Funders: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Funding type: Other
• Award range: £2,000 - £10,000
• Publication date: 12 January 2022
• Opening date: N/A
• Closing date: Open - no closing date

Last updated: 28 June 2022

Apply for funding to undertake small-scale activities related to scientific ocean drilling.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

Activities could include:

• workshops or events
• training
• outreach.

The full economic cost of your project can be between £2,000 and £10,000.

You can apply for this scheme at any time during the current phase of the research programme (2020 to 2024).

This funding opportunity is the UK International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) activity support scheme.

Who can apply

Applications will be accepted from UK researchers employed by a research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

What we're looking for

This scheme aims to provide support for UK scientists to undertake small scale IODP-related activities. This could include but is not limited to:

• the organisation of, or participation in, workshops
• training
• outreach
• other events.

Any activity that benefits UK IODP will be considered for funding.

Any proposed workshops must make use of one of the following:

• IODP samples
• data or results
• planning for the collection of such materials (for example, cores collected as part of an expedition).

You can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000. In exceptional circumstances, requests for larger amounts of funding will be considered.

You should have considered other sources of funding prior to submitting applications to this scheme, particularly the MagellanPlus Workshop Series Programme. You must provide an explanation if you have not applied to such schemes.

This scheme is open for applications at any time during the current phase of the UK IODP research programme (2020 to 2024). The funding of applications by NERC will, however, be subject to UK IODP having funding available in its budget.

How to apply

Early submission of applications is recommended as:

• UK IODP’s funding for this scheme is limited
• successful applications will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

You should (in the first instance) contact NERC to discuss your funding request.

If given approval to apply, you will need to complete an application form.

Download the application for funding to UK IODP activity support scheme document (DOCX, 48KB).

Applications should include a description of what the funding will be used for and an explanation of its relevance to IODP.

You must include a justification for the amount being requested, including a breakdown of costs with reasonable estimates.

Application forms must be submitted to iodp@nerc.ukri.org.

How we will assess your application

Applications will be assessed by the chair of the UK IODP Programme Advisory Group (PAG), who may (depending on the level of funding being requested) ask for advice from other members of the PAG.

Following assessment, funding recommendations will be made to NERC. NERC may reject an application or, on the advice of the PAG, request a resubmission. Resubmission does not, however, guarantee funding.

Feedback on applications will only be provided if the PAG thinks it would be helpful.

Contact details

Get help with developing your proposal

For help and advice on costings and writing your proposal, please contact your research office in the first instance, allowing sufficient time for your organisation’s submission process.

Ask about this funding opportunity

Email: iodp@nerc.ukri.org

Additional info

The UK IODP research programme supports the UK’s membership in the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP).

IODP is made up of an international partnership of scientists and research institutions, building upon 50 years of ocean drilling. The programme provides a better understanding of:

• plate tectonic processes
• the Earth’s crustal structure and composition
• environmental conditions and life in ancient oceans
• climate change.

NERC’s research programme is supporting the UK’s membership in IODP, enabling UK scientists to:

• help ensure that IODP carries out the best and highest priority science
• participate in and obtain material from drilling legs
• capitalise on the results of IODP drilling and UK technologies, allowing them to benefit from technological advances in deep sea drilling.

Learn more about the UK IODP on their website.

Successful applicants

To receive funds, the organisation of the successful applicant will need to invoice NERC. Details will be provided to applicants when notified of their success.

All successful applicants will need to acknowledge UK IODP funding and provide content based on their funded activity for the UK IODP newsletter.

Supporting documents

Application for funding to UK IODP activity support scheme document (DOCX, 48KB).