University of Aberdeen

Challenge:
Identifying a cost-effective funding information service provider
The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Scotland that focuses on a wide range of research disciplines across its constituent schools. It boasts a truly vibrant and international research community among staff and students and has an outstanding history of pioneering discoveries which have changed thinking and practice in medicine, science, arts and humanities over five centuries.

Dr. Andrew Phillips, Business Development Officer supporting the University’s research work stated “Our research strategy aims to improve Aberdeen’s position as a leading research institution. We recognised that the previous funding service had become increasingly less cost effective – a great concern when the University has to ensure value for money in all that it does.”

Solution:
Implementing an Idox software solution – ResearchConnect
After reviewing other services, ResearchConnect was an obvious choice. “The beauty of ResearchConnect is that our academics can access the service whenever they require and carry out fast, targeted funding searches in a matter of minutes. The project search tool is clear and simple to use – Idox has clearly invested in getting this right and creating a clean, intuitive user experience. Our users can easily set up email alerts notifying them of new and updated funding programmes relating to their funding searches. This information is delivered straight to their inboxes immediately on becoming available.”

With ResearchConnect they have the confidence of knowing that they will never miss a relevant funding opportunity. The University really values the breadth, scope and timeliness of the funding information available, particularly the Calls and Deadlines feature that forms such a vital part of the service. This feature displays valuable information at the touch of a button, ensuring users can quickly assess how programmes fit their project timescales and plan ahead with their applications. These time-saving and efficiency improving features are exactly what make the service so essential for the University’s academics and research support staff.

Outcome:
Implementing ResearchConnect has provided many new funding opportunities
As well as individual users being able to carry out searches, the service is also used by the research team to identify funding opportunities relevant to wider cohorts of students and, at the other end of the scale, specialist opportunities for individual projects.

“We are able to identify relevant programmes and support from a wide range of grants, scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships and more funding for a broad span of activities – from travel grants and researcher development to knowledge exchange and research commercialisation.”

“Looking ahead, we will be making increasing use of the Comment and Workgroup tools to help disseminate information across collaborating academic and project teams effectively.”

“Idox’s support has continued beyond implementation into ensuring the university get the best out of the service on an ongoing basis. Having such a responsive and dedicated partner in Idox gives us confidence that our decision to invest in ResearchConnect is justified.”