At Aston University, we are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant research culture and environment while supporting our talented researchers in their pursuit of excellence. Our Internal Research Funding Program offers a range of exciting opportunities to empower researchers, foster collaboration, and drive high quality outcomes.

Our Internal Research Funding Program includes the following key opportunities:

  • Research Pump Priming Funding: This funding is specifically designed to provide researchers with the necessary resources to kick-start new and innovative research projects. It offers financial support to explore novel ideas, conduct pilot studies, gather preliminary data, and develop research proposals for external funding opportunities. The Pump Priming Fund can be used to fund travel with a view to fostering new national and international collaborations with clear research outcomes. 
  • Supporting returning researchers: This fund is designed to help reignite the research programmes of colleagues who have taken extended career breaks.
  • Bridging between Externally Funded Projects: We understand that transitioning between externally funded projects can sometimes pose financial challenges. Our funding program offers support to bridge these gaps, ensuring researchers can continue their work seamlessly without disruption. This opportunity helps maintain momentum, safeguarding research progress and ensuring valuable outcomes are achieved.
  • Support for research-based policy making: We believe in the power of research to inform and shape policy decisions. Our funding program provides resources for researchers to engage in policy-based initiatives, promoting evidence-based policymaking and contributing to societal impact. This opportunity enables researchers to collaborate with policymakers, conduct policy-related research, and disseminate their findings effectively.