Focused Research Grants (FRG)

The FRG call is now closed and will reopen in autumn 2024

Value of award

Scope of the scheme

The Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research is offering a number of grants to fund focused research groups to work on adventurous and challenging mathematical problems, or to discuss a significant new developments in mathematics. There should be a clear problem to be addressed by bringing together a group of around 4-8 people for approximately a week. The funding is to be used to support travel and local expenses for visitors. FRGs are expected to take place in the UK, usually at the applicant’s institution. Grants will not normally be awarded to fund travel from the UK to another country.

What we’re looking for

o There should be a clear problem to be addressed by bringing together a small group of researchers for approximately a week.

o Proposals from these areas of research, interpreted broadly, will be given priority: Pure Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and Quantum Information.

o Problems should be adventurous, challenging and timely.

o The group is expected to go beyond an existing research team.

o Research groups are encouraged to include international participants but should also involve a substantial UK-based component.

o We encourage proposals for groups that have a balance of experienced and early career researchers.

o Proposals for groups that promote diversity are encouraged – see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.

Your proposal should include:

o An explanation of the mathematics to be focused on and the expected outcomes.

o Full names of participants and a brief statement of why each member of the team has been selected to participate.  Participants should have given prior commitment to attend in principle.

o An indication that consideration has been given to including a range of researchers eg in terms of experience, and from under-represented groups in UK mathematics.

o A clear outline budget.

o How much funding is requested from the Heilbronn Institute (up to £8K) and how will it be used.

o An outline of the working structure of the proposed event, noting that these grants are not intended for conferences/workshops.

How we will assess your application

Proposals will be judged principally on the importance and timeliness of the mathematics to be focused on, and on the track records of the senior members of the groups.  Applications will be reviewed by a panel chaired by the Chair of the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research. 

How to apply

Proposals of no more than one page of A4 to be sent to Heilbronn Administrator at heilbronn-administrator@bristol.ac.uk

Contact details

If you have any questions please contact the Heilbronn Administrator at Heilbronn-administrator@bristol.ac.uk

Grants under this scheme will be funded either through the UKRI/EPSRC ‘Additional Funding Programme for Mathematical Sciences’ (part of the £300M government investment announced in 2020) or by the Heilbronn Institute directly. Institutions will be reimbursed after the event has taken place and receipt of the final reports.

Final Report: Successful applicants are required to complete and submit a final report that highlights the key successes and the outcomes of their research activity funded by the Heilbronn Focused Research Scheme. Please complete and submit your final report using this form.