Gordon Marshalls the research troops - Leverhulme Trust visit
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Over 150 researchers recently attended a presentation given by Director of the Leverhulme Trust and ex-Reading Vice-Chancellor Professor Gordon Marshall.
Professor Marshall presented 'Tips for making an application to the Leverhulme Trust', which explained the way that applications are assessed and the decision-making processes involved. Gordon highlighted some of the qualities the Trust values in applications, such as originality, new approaches and the removal of barriers between disciplines.
Professor Marshall then heard from a number of researchers whose current work has been funded by the Leverhulme Trust. There are 17 projects in total, ranging from experiments to understand the development of charge formation on clouds, to the use of the 'grey' literature in Roman archaeological research, through to projects which aim to understand the evolution of the genetic code and the Liberal Way of War programme which incorporates 14 colleagues from Politics, Law, History, and Modern Languages.
He was also keen to find out how Reading researchers think that the Trust could improve their processes and support for applicants and grant holders in the future.
Professor Christine Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: "Despite the grey weather the warmth of the welcome from old colleagues for Gordon's first visit back to the Whiteknights campus was evident for all to see. The clarity of his presentation, delivered with the usual mix of wit, style and charm, brought home the strong research driven ethos of the Trust which through its powerful and independent Board can fund the very best research, freed from the constraints of outcome-driven strategic priorities.
"It was particularly encouraging to hear about the Trust's interest in innovative and somewhat riskier approaches to research. For many colleagues the complete absence of any mention of need for inclusion of a 'pathway to impact' plan - was a very welcome take home message!"
Professor Marshall's presentation can be downloaded from the Research & Enterprise Development website.