Posted on behalf of Deborah Miller, EPSRC
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EPSRC Mathematics Programme - News and funding
opportunities for the statistics community
This is the second in a series of approximately monthly
bulletins from the EPSRC Mathematics Programme giving
brief details of some items of interest to the statistics
community. We hope to use this bulletin to alert you to
calls for proposals, news, etc. New items are marked
***. More detail on each of these items can be found at:
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/EPSRCWEB/MAIN/PROGRAMMES/PROGRAMMES/Intro/Intro_MA.asp
Calls for proposals
MathFIT. EPSRC invites applications for research grant and
visiting fellowship proposals under the MathFIT
(Mathematics for Information Technology) initiative. This
initiative is sponsored by the EPSRC and benefits from
funding given by the London Mathematical Society (LMS).
A budget of £1.5 million has been earmarked for this call
and it is envisaged that there will be a similar call with a
similar budget in 2002. The basic aim of MathFIT is to
develop new interactions between mathematics and
computer science, where 'mathematics' and 'computer
science' are to be interpreted broadly and to include, for
example, statistics and operations research and information
technology and artificial intelligence, respectively. The
closing date for receipt of proposals in 19th October 2001.
Encouraging postdoctoral mobility between disciplines. Academic
researchers are reminded that within the responsive-mode grant
mechanism it is possible to apply to EPSRC for follow-on support to
allow a Post-doctoral Research Assistant reaching the end of a research
project in one discipline to transfer their knowledge and skills to another
discipline. No closing date.
Research Networks in Mathematics. The EPSRC Mathematics
Programme is actively encouraging research collaborations between
mathematicians, statisticians, operational researchers and researchers in
other disciplines and in non-academic organisations. The EPSRC wishes
to receive high quality proposals for Networks with the long-term
objective that the support of such networks will promote new or
enhanced collaborative links involving mathematicians and others. The
closing dates for submission are 1 June and 1 December.
Mathematics research underpinning the life sciences. The EPSRC
intends to increase its portfolio of mathematics and statistics research
that underpins the life sciences. EPSRC wishes to receive high quality
research proposals for funding that meets this objective. No closing
date.
Programme Information
***One-day workshop on gene networks: Bridging the gap between
bioinformatics and mathematical modelling. EPSRC and BBSRC are
jointly sponsoring a one-day workshop on gene networks to be held at
the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge on Tuesday 25 September
2001. The workshop aims to bring together leading researchers
employing diverse approaches to the problem of understanding the
structure and function of complex gene regulatory networks. The
scientific organisers are Nick Monk (University of Sheffield) and Alvis
Brazama (EBI, Hinxton). More details are available at
http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/programs/ICB/icbw01b.html
*** Research grant proposers are reminded to observe the limit of 8 A4
sides (plus a 1-side workplan) for the case for support. It has been
noticed by referees, panel members and EPSRC staff that some
proposers appear unwilling to observe this limit and will include extra
annexes for good measure. This can be self-defeating. Peer reviewers
are not impressed when they have to sift through a diffusely presented
proposal. A better tactic for proposers is to think how best to engage the
attention of peer reviewers, not demoralise them. Those with the role of
Panel chairperson are even more exposed, possibly having 50 or more
proposals to read.
The 8-side limit is a balanced position, which helps keep the work of
peer review within reason, and ensures a common starting point for all
proposers. Exceptions arise, and there is recognition for those situations
in which self-contained annexes may be justified - examples would
include CVs of Visiting Fellows, quotes for equipment, proposals
involving multiple research projects. EPSRC staff are happy to advise
when additional material is likely to be helpful but the final decision on
whether to copy annexes to referees or panels must rest with the Office.
There is no wish to emphasise bureaucratic aspects. However, we may
have to return proposals where the case for support exceeds normal
bounds which, regrettably, will delay them.
Small grants for visiting fellowships. The small grant scheme for visiting
fellowships is a successful scheme that has been running for a number
of years, by which mathematicians, statisticians and operational
researchers can obtain funds to enable colleagues of acknowledged
standing from different universities to visit and collaborate. The
maximum amount that may be applied for under the small grant scheme
has now been raised to £10,000.
News ***=New
***New Chief Executive for EPSRC. Professor John O'Reilly has been
appointed as the new Chief Executive of the EPSRC. Professor O'Reilly
will take up the position in October when Professor Brook's
appointment comes to an end. John O'Reilly currently holds the Chair
of Telecommunications at University College, London, where he is
Head of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
*** Report of workshop held at Aston University for young engineers
and physical scientists on research opportunities at the interface with
biology. A one-day joint research council workshop was held on 30
March for young scientists to learn more about research opportunities at
the interface between the life sciences and the physical sciences and
engineering. More information is available
at:http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/documents/announcements/ptaston2_nw0.htm
Contacts:
Dr Alasdair Rose, Mathematics Programme Manager Tel. 01793
444304 [log in to unmask]
Mrs Deborah Miller, Associate Programme Manager Tel. 01793 444162
[log in to unmask]
Dr Carol Wallace, Associate Programme Manager Tel. 01793 444183
[log in to unmask]
Deborah Miller
3/8/01
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