Pump Prime Expression of Interest FAQs

Can the Pump Prime Fund be used to fund the time of researchers?

The Pump Prime Fund should be used to pay for the time of the researcher(s) (normally a postdoc or student) directly undertaking the work on a project. See Appendix 4 in Pump Prime Information (Academic) – UK Metamaterials Network for further definition of Operating Expenses, Overhead Expenses and On-costs.

Are the budgets for the Pump Prime funds are to be costed at 100% of eligible costs?

As per the guidance Pump Prime Information (Academic) – UK Metamaterials Network, the Network will pay the Operating Expenses as described below at 80%. The overhead costs will not be covered by the Network funds. If the submitted budget is not costed at 80% the application will be rejected.

Can I include a partner who is not based in the UK, but are part of the network??

You are able to include a partner who is not based in the UK providing that it does not contravene any knowledge export controls. Also, it will be the UK applicant that receives the funding and the UK participant must fulfill the EPSRC applicant criteria.

Are publication fees eligible costs?

You are permitted to include publication fees in your costings. Final decisions on applications and costs will be at the panel’s discretion.

Can I include a researcher co-I in my application?

You are permitted to include researcher co-I costs. Final decisions on applications and costs will be at the panel’s discretion.

Can a post-doc be a lead applicant for this call?

Postdocs can (provided they have a letter of support from the grant holder for the project they are working on and that they fulfill the other terms and conditions of the Pump Prime Fund) be named as the PI for a Pump Prime Grant.

Is a support letter is required with my application?

The lead applicant must have received preliminary financial and contractual approval from their university. We do not require a formal letter of support from your organisation at this stage, but if your application is successful, we will ask for the financial and contractual approval from your institution (e.g. email, letter, other written confirmation).

Does the funding also cover the time of researchers who are lecturers or professors? Or must it be postdocs or students?

You are able to include lecturer or professor’s time in the costing if it will be beneficial to the overall project plan. However, please consider the most effective use for the funds and whether the Pump Prime Funds could be used in conjunction with existing research time.

Funding is provided at 80% of eligible costs, but no overheads are chargeable. If so, can you please clarify what costs are eligible to be funded and at what rate they will be funded.

Operating expenses are costs such as salary, travel, and consumables, they represent direct costs to the project which means these expenses are required and cannot be avoided.

Overhead expenses are other costs not related to labour, travel, or consumables. They represent more static costs and pertain to general functions, such as estates, insurance, professional services and
Overhead expenses are other costs not related to labour, travel, or consumables. They represent more static costs and pertain to general functions, such as estates, insurance, professional services and generic university facility costs such as access to seminar rooms (please enquire as to specific costs). Tracked facility costs required for a project may be included.

On-costs are any additional costs that need to be taken into account, in addition to salary, to budget the full employment costs of a new post or existing staff member. The primary on-costs that are borne by the University are: National Insurance, Pension and Apprenticeship Levy. We advise that you consult with your finance department for further guidance.The Pump Prime Fund may be used for the operating of a project. It may not be used to pay the Overheads of a project. The Pump Prime Fund should be used to pay for the time of the researcher(s) (normally a postdoc or student) directly undertaking the work on a project.

Will funds cover Postdoctoral Research Assistant or student time on the project – or would this be considered an operating cost?

Yes, this is an eligible cost.

My current contract end date is in 14 months. Could you please let me know if I am eligible to apply.

You would be eligible if your planned project could be and would be completed by that date, given that it is likely the awards will be made and the legal agreements finalised within 4-5 months after application. Please plan an application accordingly. Applicants must be in post for the full duration of the project.