Focused Research Grants (FRG)
This funding opportunity is now closed. It will reopen in October 2025
The Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research offers a number of grants for projects supportive of UK mathematical research. There is an annual call for proposals, closing in February. The application process has been designed to be simple and we aim to offer a quick response to proposals, usually within a few weeks.
Value of award
The Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research is offering a number of grants of up to £8,000.
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 Equity, 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 two A4 page 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
Financial guidance to successful applicants:
Successful applicants are encouraged to contact their local financial team to discuss the management of the grants. Your institution will be reimbursed after the workshop has taken place. Please submit your financial statement together with your expense claims/invoice as soon as possible, or within 8 weeks after the end date of your workshop.
For more information about the reimbursement process and the conditions of the award please refer to your award letter.
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 submit your report as soon as possible after the end date of your research activity using this form.
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.