UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund: Constructing a Digital Environment. Announcement of Opportunity: Digital Environment Champion

Transcription

1 UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund: Constructing a Digital Environment Announcement of Opportunity: Digital Environment Champion Issued on: 19 th October 2018 Application deadline: 4pm, 15 th November 2018 Interview date: tbc, early January Summary NERC is inviting applications for a Digital Environment Champion who will oversee idea development, coordinate a network of experts and facilitate interactions between funded groups (see feasibility studies announcement of opportunity) of the Constructing a Digital Environment Programme. The successful applicant will ensure full oversight of the programme, work closely with the programme board and act on advice from the Strategic Advisory Board. The Programme is being led by NERC, but is supported by EPSRC and Defra. The successful construction of a digital environment will require multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research and innovation (MIDRI), and it is therefore expected that projects funded through the programme will include multidisciplinary teams that extend beyond those currently funded by NERC. The aim of the Constructing a Digital Environment SPF Programme is to develop a digitally enabled environment with benefits for policy makers, businesses, communities and individuals. The focus of the programme is on creating more integrated networks of sensors (in situ and remote sensing based), together with methodologies and tools for assessing, analysing, monitoring and forecasting the state of the natural environment at higher spatial resolutions and allowing greater ability to explain and engage with stakeholders than previously possible. This would support responses to acute events but also inform our understanding of long-term environmental change. A workshop will be held in early 2019 to help the research community discuss and share ideas and promote involvement in the development of the programme. Grant funds of up to 175K are available (at 80% FEC) for the duration of the programme (3.5 years until 21/22) for Champion activities including the consolidation of the programme pieces, engaging with the research community, industry and users and working with a network of experts. It is expected that the successful Champion will spend up to 50% of their time on the Programme. Recruitment to the position will be a two stage process, with the shortlisted applicants being invited to interview in early January The application process will close at 4pm on 15 th November Background The Strategic Priorities Fund is a new collective fund across UK Research and Innovation, which aims to better enable investment in cross-departmental research and innovation priorities across UKRI, thus increasing high quality multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research and innovation (MIDRI) and positioning UKRI to be able to respond to strategic priorities and opportunities. A recent workshop on Environmental Infrastructure highlighted requirements for observation, simulation and data infrastructure, including the desire for distributed networks of environmental sensors, additional forms of autonomous data collection, a cyber-secure infrastructure, and citizenscience. In addition, as part of its ambition for increasing data integration across its own

2 Environmental Data Centres, NERC funded a study which highlighted needs from the business community for new multi-disciplinary data products, including those utilising environmental sensor technology. Advances in digital technology have led to a rapid increase in the volume of data being captured, curated and managed on a daily basis. Alongside this, new technologies have enabled a step-change in global capacity for integrated monitoring, analysis, modelling and visualisation of the Natural Environment at potentially transformative spatial and temporal scales which could be used more efficiently to inform policy making and benefit businesses, communities and individuals. By harnessing these advances in technology and the UK s leading position in both environmental, observational and computer/data sciences there is an opportunity to create a digitally enabled environment through: more integrated networks of sensors (in situ and remote sensing based), together with methodologies and tools for assessing, analysing, monitoring and forecasting the state of the natural environment at higher spatial resolutions and more frequently than previously possible. As such a Digital Environment will deliver the capacity to improve the understanding, modelling of near real-time and longer term environmental change and the prediction of events over a range of timescales, which will benefit a range of public and private sector users, and provide evidence to support both decision-making and operational activities within government Departments and arm s length bodies. The Strategic Priorities Fund represents an opportunity to build on the UK s current capabilities to look at what is technically feasible with regards to constructing a Digital Environment, and to establish an integrated network of practitioners in this area. 3. Objectives and Scope 3.1. Programme objectives and requirements for a Digital Environment Champion NERC and its partners are seeking a Digital Environment Champion to oversee and facilitate communication, knowledge exchange and integration across the Constructing a Digital Environment Programme which will bring together environmental researchers, data and observational experts with researchers working on (but not limited to) statistics, modelling, machine learning and computer science. The Champion will interact with the Strategic Advisory Group (including stakeholders, senior academics and business leaders), the Programme Board, a network of environmental and informatics experts and the community of grant holders pulling them together to maximise links and research dissemination. Together with the network of experts the Champion will scope out and provide input to the shaping of future calls that address the current status and development of sensor networks and technology to inform the development of the digital environment. This position is a senior role and the successful candidate will be expected to have the following qualities: Excellent understanding of the current research landscape and emerging issues in environmental data in the digital space. Experience of leading and managing large projects, establishing an organised, effective structure.

3 Strong knowledge of the needs of research, policy and commercial users and the implications for the development of the digital environment. Knowledge and ability to quickly assimilate information of relevant research, inter/multidisciplinary approaches and policy pertaining to the programme. Ability to act as a figure head, representing all parts of the Constructing a Digital Environment Programme and NERC both internally and externally where necessary. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with people in various parts of the programme and encourage communication and collaboration at all levels. Strong publication record in the area of environmental and/or computational science The Digital Environment programme will be delivered through a combination of synthesis reviews, feasibility studies, workshops and demonstration projects. The inter/multi-disciplinary nature of this programme will require effective overall intellectual leadership and the appointed Champion will need to maintain oversight of all funded research in order to ensure progress against the programme objectives below. The initial focus of the programme is a closed call for feasibility studies to identify what improvements could be made to existing NERC funded distributed and instrumented networks, using current and new technologies, infrastructure, computer science and/or data science techniques, to incorporate them into a Digital Environment. An Announcement of Opportunity is currently live for this phase of the programme. It is envisaged that a second open call for feasibilities studies will be conducted during 2019/20. Following this a number of demonstrator projects will be developed and taken forward. The Champion will, using expertise from a dedicated network of experts, provide guidance where appropriate and will ensure that the programme will help us to understand how we can meet the following objectives for a Digital Environment: 1. To enable the unprecedented construction and access of integrated networks of (long term, high frequency) real-time and near real-time sensors across the natural environment from terrestrial (including freshwater and subsurface) to atmospheric and marine; 2. To develop new infrastructure to provide dedicated conditioning, storage and access to the many different data streams which will enable delivery of data that can be readily combined, interpreted and reused by research, policy and business; 3. To manage, manipulate, automate and interrogate big data utilising technology-enabled approaches to intervene intelligently in complex, multi-factor issues (helping government and businesses respond to the needs of local communities and individuals); 4. To model and visualise the natural environment at high resolution spatially and at a higher frequency (both for the short and long term) (4 dimensional). 5. Leverage existing UK investments and enable a challenge-focused multidisciplinary community to work together The programme forms part of a wider strategic aspiration for harnessing the power of new technologies with increasing amounts of data across the whole NERC remit and under the focus area of Digital Environment. Outcomes of the programme, together with development of longer term

4 observational, analytical and modelling capability, will help us to innovate in the way that information is used and taken up by both technical and non-technical audiences to make decisions and evaluate the success of, for example, policy interventions to achieve strategic environmental goals. In order to meet the Strategic Priorities Fund ambition of increasing Multi and Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (MIDRI), funded projects will reach further than existing funded research and bring together combinations of natural environment, data, computational and statistical science expertise thus establishing the multidisciplinary community required to deliver novel approaches to the collection, integration and use of environmental data. The Champion will be required to communicate effectively with both the Programme Board and Strategic Advisory Group as well as with the MIDRI community helping them to establish links with each other to take their work further. The funding calls will encourage applicants to be creative in their proposals and to push the frontier of computing applications, data and services to demonstrate what is technologically feasible in a digital environment. A good grasp of existing data networks, infrastructure, emerging technologies and their collective potential moving forward will be greatly beneficial to this role as Champion. Defra are supportive of this programme as outcomes could be of benefit to supporting the evidence needs of the Government s 25 year environment plan (25YEP). In particular Defra are interested in: - exploring new approaches to tackling long-term evidence challenges through the best available data and enabling technologies - Opportunities that new monitoring and data collection technologies can offer to increase the understanding of how complex environmental systems work and goals interact, in terms of offering new opportunities to predict and evaluate interventions that they make at a range of spatial scales. Defra have therefore committed to the provision of support for relevant projects, through access to data and evidence sources; facilitation of partnerships with the department and across its Arm s Length Bodies; access to departmental analytical advice and expertise; alignment to Defra research programmes and platforms. Although it is likely that projects will interact directly with Defra, the Champion will be expected to act as a liaison between groups looking to contribute to Defra s 25YEP and with other potential stakeholders. 4. Programme Requirements 4.1. Programme Funding Grant funds of up to 175K (at 80% FEC) are available over the 3.5 year grant duration. It is expected that the successful Champion will spend up to 50% of their time on the Programme. The funding can be used for activities that enable the effective planning, integration and delivery of the programme. This includes: - Buying out of time for committed activities, where applicable - Admin support - Communication support and outreach - Research associates (RAs) to help with planning of workshops etc - Travel and networking with academic community, industry, stakeholders, users and the network of experts

5 Some additional funding to support Champion activities, such as workshops, will be available throughout the programme. Applications are welcome from academics that job share, have a part time contract or those that are currently committed to other longer, large existing grants (centres, hubs, programme grants, CDT etc), whose commitments enable the applicant to be able to fulfil the Champion role. Applications are also welcome for Co-Champions. In this case the distinct roles and responsibilities of the two Co-Champions (maximum two: one should be listed as PI and one as Co-I). For coapplications, applicants must demonstrate the clear split of responsibility (e.g. 1) Strategy 2) Management). In this case the applicants must make clear to the panel how they would effectively work together Implementation and Delivery Applications must be submitted through the Je-S. The call closes at 4pm (local time) on 15 th November The successful candidate(s) is/are expected to start on or by 4 th February Programme Management and Knowledge Exchange Although this is a NERC led programme, the UKRI funded programme will be delivered in partnership with EPSRC and supported by STFC and Defra. Defra s interests in the programme are given in section 3.1. An aim of the programme is to create a multi-disciplinary community around the Digital Environment and where appropriate, the Champion will encourage and promote the sharing of objectives, learning and outcomes: with and between Constructing a Digital Environment grant holders, NERC, EPSRC, the Programme Advisory Board and the Strategic Advisory Board. The Champion will be expected to attend and help facilitate workshops alongside NERC as well as attending and reporting to meetings with the Network of Experts, the Strategic Advisory Board and Programme Board. Internal and external communication and promotion will be a key part of the role. The first workshop will be held in Spring In addition, the Champion will work with the network of experts to understand where the Constructing a Digital Environment Programme could benefit (and therefore have impact) with a variety of users, including Defra and other stakeholders. The champion will proactively work with policy, industry, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to develop an understanding of their information needs and will shape KE activities accordingly to maximise the impact and potential benefits of the programme Data Management Effective Data Management and adherence to NERC data policies will be required throughout the programme. The Champion will be expected to: - Develop a written Data Management Plan for the Programme, for approval by the Programme Board, and implement arrangements to ensure the establishment of mechanisms for quality assurance and dissemination of data. - Monitor PI adherence to the programme Data Management Plan and any project Data Management Plans, and ensure that where necessary PIs submit data in a timely manner.

6 Please note it is envisaged that Data Management may only be applicable to the Demonstrator Phase of the programme Reporting Requirements The Digital Environment Champion will maintain oversight of the programme and will ensure PIs are adhering to the guidelines of the Programme and delivering on proposals. In addition the Champion will be expected to report on progress and provide exception reports to the Programme Board and Steering Group. The Champion will also maintain close interaction with the Senior Responsible Officer (and/or their team) in NERC Head Office and will complete and submit biannual Progress Reports and a final report at the end of the Programme Governance NERC Swindon Office, on behalf of partners, retains the overall executive authority for the governance and management of the programme. It will be responsible for: - the overall Research Programme budget, including the high-level budget management and allocation of resources, e.g. profiling of funds within the programme budget, awards for research and funds for procurement of services - commissioning, delivery and management of key funding opportunities, including authorisation of funding decisions, issuance of awards, post-award administration and payments, and award completion. The Champion will be required to provide support on certain activities, as requested; for example, assisting with peer review selection process. The governance of the Constructing a Digital Environment programme will be provided by a number of key bodies, as indicated in Annex 1. The Programme Board will provide the strategic direction for the programme and will be the ultimate decision-making authority. The Programme Board will be chaired by the NERC Head of Innovation Programmes and Partnerships and will include representative(s) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Eligibility This is an open call. This opportunity is open to individuals and organisations eligible for UKRI funding. Normal individual eligibility applies and is in Section C of the NERC research grant and fellowships handbook, as are Research Organisation eligibility rules. NERC research and fellowship grants for all schemes may be held at approved UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), approved Research Council Institutes (RCIs) and approved Independent Research Organisations (IROs). Full details of approved RCIs and IROs can be found on the UKRI website. Potential applicants should contact NERC Swindon Office using the contact details below well in advance of the closing date if they have queries concerning their eligibility. Applicants should note that the successful Programme Coordinator will not be eligible to bid for research grant funding from the programme. This is a standard stipulation for all such posts and applies also to chairs of programme Steering Committees. Its purpose is to counter any perceptions in the community that holders of such posts may have preferential access to funding. For the

7 avoidance of doubt, NERC wishes to make it clear that the restriction applies only to the named individual(s) and does not extend to members of their research department or organisation. 5. Application Process Closing Date: 4pm (local time) 15 th November 2018 Applications must be submitted using the Research Councils Joint Electronic Submission system (Je- S). Applicants should select Proposal Type - Standard and then select the Scheme Innovation and the Call Constructing a Digital Environment Champion. The Constructing a Digital Environment Champion call will close on Je-S at 4pm GMT on 15 th November 2018 and it will not be possible to submit to the call after this time. Applicants must ensure that their application is submitted to NERC by 4pm on the closing date and should leave enough time for their application to pass through their organisation s Je-S submission route before this date. Any application that is incomplete, or does not meet NERC s eligibility criteria or follow NERC s submission rules (see NERC Grants Handbook), will be office rejected and will not be considered. All attachments, with the exception of letters of support and services/facilities/equipment quotes, submitted through the Je-S system must be completed in single-spaced typescript of minimum font size 11 point (Arial or other sans serif typeface of equivalent size to Arial 11), with margins of at least 2cm. Please note that Arial narrow, Calibri and Times New Roman are not allowable font types and any application which has used either of these font types within their submission will be rejected. References and footnotes should also be at least 11 point font and should be in the same font type as the rest of the document. Headers and footers should not be used for references or information relating to the scientific case. Applicants referring to websites should note that referees may choose not to use them. Applicants should ensure that their application conforms to all eligibility and submission rules, otherwise their application may be rejected. More details on NERC s submission rules can be found in the NERC research grant and fellowships handbook and in the submission rules on the NERC website. Applications for this call should complete the Je-S proforma and attach the following documents in the format outlined in Section F of the NERC research grant and Fellowships handbook: 1. Case for support (up to 10 sides of A4 total) including: - previous track record (up to 2 sides of A4) particularly noting experience on managing interdisciplinary initiatives - Description of the Programme Coordination Plan (up to 8 sides of A4) including: i. description of how the requirements for programme coordination will be planned and implemented iii. proposed mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of programme activities, particularly as related to outcomes, research requirements and future recommendations iv. management plan should include details and justification of the time commitment of the Programme Coordinator (%FTE), and any other support roles required. It should also include an indication of other external organisation/individual resources that will be

8 subcontracted, and confirmation of the organisation s ability to host the activity for the duration specified v. a work plan for the activity, including a work plan for the first year, and a broad forecast plan for subsequent years including anticipated milestones and deliverables. 2. Pathways to Impact (up to 2 sides A4). Description of how knowledge exchange and engagement with potential stakeholders, to understand their information needs, will be incorporated and implemented within the programme. 3. CV (up to 2 sides A4 per CV) Please provide a CV for the applicant(s) 4. Justification of Resources (Up to 2 sides of A4) - A full justification of the resources requested within the application. The Justification of Resources should explain how the resources requested (staff time, travel and subsistence costs, and accommodation) are appropriate for the application and represent value for money, in reference to the project objectives. Please note a Data Management Plan is not required as part of the application, but will need to be developed as part of the role. On submission to council ALL non PDF documents are converted to PDF, the use of non-standard fonts may result in errors or font conversion, which could affect the overall length of the document. Additionally where non-standard fonts are present, and even if the converted PDF document may look unaffected in the Je-S System, when it is imported into the Research Councils Grants System some information may be removed. We therefore recommend that where a document contains any non-standard fonts (scientific notation, diagrams etc.), the document should be converted to PDF prior to attaching it to the application. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in early January, date to be confirmed. The preferred start date for the Champion funded under this Announcement of Opportunity is on or before the 4 February Assessment 6.1. Process An initial sift of applications will be conducted by an independent panel, assessment of applications will be made according to the assessment criteria. The Panel will involve both academic and end-user experts Criteria The evaluation panel will consider the following when assessing proposals: 1. Quality and appropriateness of proposed approach for delivering the responsibilities of the role: - Demonstrable understanding of the aims and objectives of the programme and appropriate plan to deliver the requirements 2. Track Record: - Relevant research credentials and knowledge of the current research landscape and emerging issues in environmental data in the digital space.

9 - Experience of leading, managing or co-ordinating a large research programme. - Proven track record of communicating research outcomes and research related issues to both diverse research and lay audiences - Broad knowledge of the Research Councils system (strategic priorities, funding system) - Strong knowledge of research and commercial users and the implications of digital environment data and development - Strong network of contacts relevant to environmental data, informatics and/or computer science. - Knowledge and ability to quickly assimilate information of relevant research, inter/multi-disciplinary approaches and policy pertaining to the programme. 3. Impact - Demonstrable understanding of the potential stakeholders and potential impact - Realistic and appropriate plans for engagement with stakeholders and shaping of KE activities to maximise impact from the programme. 4. Value for Money - appropriate allocation of funds and justification of resources - added value involvement with other related initiatives where lessons could be learned or synergies made. 7. Application timeline Application opens in Je-S: 19 th October 2018 Application closes: 15 th November 2018 Shortlisting: December 2018 (Applicants selected for interview will be advised before NERC HO Christmas shutdown). Interviews: January 2018 Announcement of Champion: mid January 2019 Preferred start date: on or before 4 th February Contact information Any queries regarding this call should be directed to Kirsten Dutton in the NERC Data Innovation team ( kirsten.dutton@nerc.ukri.org, Telephone: or )

10 Annex 1. Governance