UNICAS, a university scheme that brings together cross-disciplinary groups and provides pump-prime funding for exciting, novel research projects, is welcoming registrations to a new series of sandpits, which facilitate networking and are an essential springboard to developing collaborative projects between teams drawn from across the university. 

UNICAS is also seeking new committee members for its 2023-2024 funding call. They are asked to chair one of the sandpit events held between October and December. The committee is made up of academic, technical and professional staff from around the university representing all faculties. It meets four times per year to plan the delivery of sandpits and to make funding decisions. 

UNICAS is keen to have a representative group on the committee in support of researchers across the university. 

To register your interest in becoming a UNICAS committee member, please complete the short MS Form. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 6 October 2023 at 5pm. 

UNICAS sandpits

Sandpits are an essential part of face-to-face networking, fostering collaboration and supporting the development of new, excellent interdisciplinary research projects. 

This year (2023-24), there will be four in-person events to allow researchers to network, showcase their expertise, discuss research challenges and find solutions.  

Following these events, researchers (including PGR students) will be able to apply for funding for an interdisciplinary research project.  

Register to attend a sandpit 

Funding will be available to fund activities up to 31July 2024, with two streams open to researchers from all faculties: 

• UNICAS grants of up to £15,000 (lead applicant must be a member of Research, Academic or Technical staff in a position to apply for external grants). 
• UNICAS at Researcher Academy grants of up to £5,000 (lead applicant must a member of Research [R&T4A-R, 4-R or 5-R] or Technical staff or a PhD student [2nd year or above]). 

Information on funding and eligibility

More information on UNICAS 

Any questions?

Please email  BB-UNICAS@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.