FAQ

Can I attend a Frontiers symposium if I have previously attended a Frontiers event? 

For each Frontiers event we try to extend the opportunity to a new cohort of people, so while you may be considered to attend again, priority is given to people who have not attended a Frontiers symposium before. Please do recommend the symposia to your colleagues.  

What costs does the Academy cover? 

We cover all reasonable costs to support your participation. This will not include salary costs, but will include, for example, travel, accommodation, subsistence, and the costs of any access requirements. For virtual events, we can also cover boosted internet costs and any other reasonable expenses to support you to participate. In most cases, we need to know your expected costs in advance, so please get in touch to discuss any specific needs with the team. 

More detailed guidance on costs will be given when we confirm your place at the Symposium. 

View the full previous applicant guidance notes - please note the details may change for future funding calls. 

Can I be part of more than one application? 

Yes, however we recommend that you consider your workload, in case all of your applications are successful. We recommend that you go for quality over quantity in the application process, when considering which applications to take on board. 

Can I be lead applicant if I am not based at an organisation in the UK? 

Usually the lead applicant must be based at an organisation in the UK, but this can change from round to round. For example, the seed funding tranche 20 launched in February 2024, the lead applicant's organisation must be based in Jordan or the UK. Please check the updated guidance that will be available to all Symposium participants.

How 'new' does the 'new collaboration' need to be? 

A new spin on an existing activity is eligible, however it needs to be a stand-alone project in its own right. It is the new collaboration that is the key element to this call; this might mean that you are bringing in new collaborators that you have not worked with before, as well as perhaps someone who you have worked with before. It is important that some aspect of the project is brand new.  

How many disciplines do I need to have in my seed funding project? 

The project must be interdiscplinary, which by definition means that two or more different disciplines will contribute expertise. The onus is on you, as the applicant(s), to articulate the different perspectives and expertise that each member of the team will bring. You might look at similar challenges but approach it from different disciplinary perspectives, or you might be  combining your knowledge to something completely new. You need to make the difference in expertise and perspective clear to the reviewers of the application. 

Can I bring in people from outside of the event? 

Yes, as long as two people who attended the event are newly working together as part of the application group.

Do I have to have a partner in a LMIC? 

No, but the onus would be on you to demonstrate how impact will accrue in that locality, and how you will engage appropriate stakeholders. Equitable partnerships are an important element of this funding and being able to demonstrate that will be essential for reviewers to assess the potential impact of the project. 

Does the project need to be related to the event theme? 

We expect the projects to be related to the event theme, or sub themes, in some capacity. However, this is not a requirement; if you are inspired to do something completely different the project will still be eligible for seed funding. 

What if my contract with the organisation expires before the project end date? / Can PhD students or affiliated staff apply as lead applicants? 

Your relationship with the organisation must be such that they are happy to administer the grant on your behalf for the duration of the project. Typically, the lead applicant is a permanent employee, but other suitable arrangements are allowed. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting the organisation's research or grants office as they should be able to advise. The declaration that they must sign can be found in the applicant guidance notes. 

Is staff time an eligible cost?

Directly incurred staff costs are eligible, however the grant cannot cover overheads or indirect costs. The staff costs can cover, but are not limited to; members of the project team, contractors, translation, IT services and data collection. 

In light of COVID-19, should the project team plan to travel? 

The project team can plan to travel, however it will be important for reviewers to understand the contingency plan in the event that you are unable to travel. We also encourage you to think of different ways that the project can be carried out without the necessity of travel. Please always bear in mind equitable partnerships throughout the project. 

In regards to COVID-19 and travelling what costs are eligible?  

The costs of Covid tests for the purpose of travel are eligible. The funding can cover the cost of quarantine, but as with any travel and subsistence cost, these should aim to be minimised as much as possible. 

How are decisions about the programme made? 

A Steering Group comprised of Fellows from the four national Academies (the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, British Academy and Academy of Medical Sciences), as well as experts from outside of the Fellowships and alumni of the programme, provide guidance and oversight for the Frontiers programme. The role of the Steering Group includes to advise on the Programme strategy, suggest and review event themes, provide comments on discussion topics, for sessions and choose the Event Chairs from a shortlist of nominees. They also take part in reviews for funding applications and ensure that our activities are of the highest possible quality. 

View the full applicant guidance notes - please note the details may change for future funding calls. 

I am based outside of the UK. Am I eligible?

Yes, however, in this round, the benefits of the projects will accrue in one or more of the following countries:

Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia, Kenya, South Africa.

Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Timor-Leste and Yemen, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.

Caribbean and Latin America: Haiti, Brazil.

Pacific: Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Middle East: Turkey, Egypt, Jordan.

Do I have to be employed by, or affiliated to, a university?

No, you do not. You just need to be affiliated with an organisation who can administer the grant on your behalf, and will be able to supply financial records on request. The organisation must be happy to sign the declaration exactly as listed in section 6. Support and declarations of the guidance notes. 

How many disciplines do I need to have in my seed funding project? 

No, you do not. However, since this programme aims to build international networks, you will be expected to demonstrate how you plan to do so. 

Does my institution have to be a university? 

No, it just needs to have the capacity to process and manage the grant on your behalf. Research insititues, professional bodies, NGOs, businesses and public sector organisations are all examples of potentially eligible institutions. Please get in touch with the Frontiers team to discuss your particular circumstances. 

Can Frontiers Champions from previous rounds apply? 

Yes, people who were previously recipients of a Frontiers Champions grant are eligible for this round.

I have a question not listed here – where can I get help? 

Email [email protected]