Facility Day Fund

To be eligible for the fund, applications must satisfy the following:

• Applications are only open to those who work in a technical specialist role within a UK higher education institute or research institute.
• Applicants must work within EPSRC remit. N.B. You do not need to work solely within EPSRC remit as we realise that facilities can cover a range of funders. 
• Applications must have the support of a line manager – confirmation of this will be sought during the application process.
• Funding is only available for facility days to be delivered within the United Kingdom.
• The proposed facility day must clearly align with the goals of the Technology Specialists Network and demonstrate potential value to the wider Research Technical Professionals community.
• Applicants must provide a detailed budget and cost breakdown with their application.
• Recipients of the fund will be required to submit a post-event report detailing the outcomes and impact of the facility day.

All prospective applicants should read the following guidelines before submitting their application:

• Applicants must clearly outline objectives, agenda, and key activities planned for the facility day, including the symposium, facility tour, and networking opportunities.
• Applications must provide a detailed budget breakdown, covering all anticipated expenses such as venue costs, catering, speaker fees, materials, and any other relevant costs.
• Applicants should also show they have considered potential costs for accommodation for delegates.
• Applications should consider how they will make the event inclusive and promote diversity of participants.
• Host institutions are responsible for advertising the facility day and registering delegates.
• Applications should outline a marketing and communications plan to ensure good engagement with the wider RTP community.
• Applications should detail the plan of delegate registration (i.e. is it a selective event, will preference be given to certain demographics, use of a waiting list).
• Applicants are encouraged to seek collaboration from suitable industrial partners.
• Applications should detail how they plan to gather feedback and evidence any impact that the facility day may have had.
• Successful applicants have the option of a mentor if they wish, to assist them with planning the facility day.

Post Event Evaluation

Host institutions will be required to write a report following the event covering:

• What the event was that you hosted.
• Who attended (job titles and institutions only, in line with GDPR).
• Details of the talks, tours and networking activities delivered on the day..
• What the take away actions from the event were.
• Impact of the event on the RTP community – use any evaluation gathered during or after the event.
• Future plans.

Facility day funds will not be awarded to:

• Fund staff salary costs.
• Purchase alcohol or provide alcohol alongside catering.
• Applicants who have previously received this funding.
• Events that would otherwise have happened without this funding.

Applicants are requested to submit their applications by downloading the form provided on this webpage, and emailing it to Kay Doncom, TSN ROKS Project Manager: kay.doncom@warwick.ac.uk.

For those seeking guidance prior to applying, please contact Kay Doncom, TSN ROKS Project Manager, on kay.doncom@warwick.ac.uk.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experienced Research Technical Professionals and judged on how well they meet the following criteria:

• Relevance: How well the event aligns with EPSRC remit and the objectives of the Technology Specialists Network.
• Impact: Potential to enhance knowledge and skills, showcase innovations, and strengthen networks within the community.
• Feasibility: Clear and detailed event plan, including a realistic agenda, budget, and logistics.
• Inclusivity: Evidence of making the event accessible to as wide a range of research technology professionals as possible.
• Support: Evidence of line manager support and any additional partnerships.