Collaborative Research Programme in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Phase 2

Transcription

1 Collaborative Research Programme in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Phase 2 Call type: Invitation for proposals Closing date: 16:00 on 05 April 2018 Funding available: 2.5 million is available to fund one consortium How to apply: Single stage submission for Full Proposals Assessment process: Full proposals will undergo expert peer review followed by an interview panel. Key Dates: Activity Date Je-S opens for full proposals 03 January 2018 Deadline for Full Proposals 16:00 05 April 2018 Interview Panel Week/com 04 June 2018 Funding decision June 2018 Grant start date August 2018 Contacts: Dr Victoria Mico Egea Portfolio Manager, EPSRC Phone: victoria.micoegea@epsrc.ac.uk Dr Neil Bateman Senior Portfolio Manager, EPSRC neil.bateman@epsrc.ac.uk The EPSRC Energy Team EnergyTeam@epsrc.ac.uk Please note that you must read the full Call document for guidance before submitting your proposal Page 1 of 10

2 Collaborative Research Programme in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Phase 2 Call type: Invitation for proposals Closing date: 16:00 on 05 April 2018 Related themes: Energy, Engineering, Manufacturing the future, Physical sciences Summary The EPSRC Nuclear Fission portfolio is a cross-cutting, multidisciplinary research area encompassing research in EPSRC s Engineering and Physical Sciences portfolios as well as in other Research Councils. With the recent publication of EPSRC's research area strategies, it is timely to consider the contribution that this area can make to the Energy programme and ensure that there is appropriate support for Nuclear Fission research in the UK. The EPSRC Energy programme is looking to invest in a follow on activity in nuclear fuel cycle area. EPSRC has previously invested in this area through the PACIFIC (Providing a Nuclear Fuel Cycle in the UK for Implementing Carbon Reductions) project which was funded in May A workshop was held on Monday 18 September 2017 in Bristol involving delegates from academia, industry and users. The workshop was an opportunity to reflect on the PACIFIC investment and identify potential future research themes for any follow on activity. The outputs of this workshop have been used in the development of this call. EPSRC would like to highlight that attendance at the workshop was not a pre-requisite for eligibility to be involved in proposals submitted to this call. This call is to support a research programme covering the key research challenges in the nuclear fuel cycle. EPSRC expect proposals to consider elements of the following research challenges: Closing the Fuel Cycle including both experimental and theoretical/modelling elements of advanced fuels. Focussing on resource/energy efficiency and waste minimisation for various fuel types. Reactor systems Including the link between advanced fuels, the fuel cycle, and new reactor systems. Maximising the societal benefits of nuclear through new fuels and new fuel cycle technologies. Accident Tolerant Fuels including elements of severe accident mitigation, advanced materials for new fuel types, new cladding concepts, coater particle fuels etc. Page 2 of 10

3 Fuel Behaviour Understanding the performance and behaviour of current fuel types, ways to increase usage and prolong lifetime. Also includes new fuel forms, advanced materials and advanced claddings and coatings. Waste management of Future Fuels Including advanced separation technologies, and conversion of separation products to new fuels. Integrated fuel management, recycle processes, waste treatment and disposal strategies. EPSRC would like to encourage elements of proposals consider the public acceptability of research outputs in this sector. With this in mind, applicants are encouraged to consider risk perception, safety analysis and sustainability elements where relevant to individual work packages. Applicants should also consider the impact to UK regulators and how to engage with relevant policy makers to de-risk uptake of future technologies. EPSRC expect that collaborative links will be made with key industrial partners, users and other existing EPSRC investments in the Nuclear Fission portfolio. EPSRC also ask that all investments in the Energy portfolio take an appreciation of how their research supports the Whole Energy System, and approaches that can help deliver this. Background The nuclear fuel cycle refers to the progression of nuclear fuel from resource production (not covered in this call) through its use in a reactor, to either reprocessing or storage. As the fuel cycle is one aspect of a nuclear system that can be changed during the lifetime of a reactor it is an area that lends itself to a high degree of innovation that may be rapidly implemented. It is also a highly interdisciplinary area that includes many aspects of materials, manufacturing, characterisation and chemistry. Thus understanding and improving the efficiency of the nuclear fuel cycle is a critical issue for the nuclear industry. EPSRC has previously invested in this area through the PACIFIC (Providing a Nuclear Fuel Cycle in the UK for Implementing Carbon Reductions) project which was funded in May This call is to support a research programme that will supersede the PACIFIC project, enhance the fundamental research effort in the nuclear fuel cycle, and strengthen the UKs research capability. For more information about EPSRC s portfolio and strategies, see our website: Funding available Up to 2.5 million is available for this Call, for EPSRC to fund one large programme of up to five-year duration. Funding can be used for researcher time, travel, workshops and other engagement activities to further develop consortia and larger programmes of work. Page 3 of 10

4 Interdisciplinary collaboration and consortia building within applications is strongly encouraged as is partnership and engagement activities with organisations outside of academia e.g. Government, regulators and industry. Eligibility For information on the eligibility of organisations and individuals to receive EPSRC funding, see the EPSRC Funding Guide: A list of eligible organisations to apply to EPSRC is provided at: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The long term strength of the UK research base depends on harnessing all the available talent and the Research Councils have together developed the ambitious RCUK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. In line with the RCUK Diversity Principles, EPSRC expects that equality and diversity is embedded at all levels and in all aspects of research practice. We are committed to supporting the research community in the diverse ways a research career can be built with our investments. This includes career breaks, support for people with caring responsibilities, flexible working and alternative working patterns. With this in mind, we welcomes applications from academics who job share, have a part-time contract, need flexible working arrangements or those currently committed to other longer, large existing grants. Please see our Equality and Diversity webpages for further information. Equipment Equipment over 10,000 in value (inc. vat) is not available through this call. Smaller items of equipment (individually under 10,000) should be in the Directly Incurred - Other Costs heading. For more information on equipment funding, please see: How to apply Submitting an application A single stage application process will be used. You should prepare and submit your proposal using the Research Councils Joint electronic Submission (Je-S) System ( When submitting a new proposal, you should select: Council EPSRC Document type Standard Proposal Scheme Standard On the Project Details page you should select the Nuclear Consortia Follow on Funding call. Page 4 of 10

5 Note that clicking submit document on your proposal form in Je-S initially submits the proposal to your host organisation s administration, not to EPSRC. Please allow sufficient time for your organisation s submission process between submitting your proposal to them and the call closing date. EPSRC must receive your application by 16:00 05 April Guidance on the types of support that may be sought and advice on the completion of the research proposal forms are given on the EPSRC website ( which should be consulted when preparing all proposals. Guidance on writing an application The proposal should follow the standard EPSRC proposal structure and include the following elements; Case for Support (up to eight pages), to include: o o A track record (up to two sides of A4) detailing the relevant expertise that the investigator/team will bring to the research programme. A description of the proposed research and its context (up to six sides of A4). Including information on the success of the Scoping study and how this work has influenced the follow on project. Pathways to Impact (up to two pages of A4). Work Plan (one side of A4) Justification of Resources (up to two sides of A4), this should be a narrative description of the need for the resources requested. CVs (optional- up to two sides of A4 for any named researchers, visiting researchers and researcher co-investigators, if applicable). Project Partner Letter of Support (optional- where applicable, no page limit). Additionally for this call we are requiring applicants to submit the following additional documents; Management Plan (up to 2 sides of A4) This should include descriptions of the overall management structure, details of any external advice streams, collaboration and partnering activities including potential users of the research. This should be included as the file type Additional Document Host Organisation Statement (NOT REQUIRED See Appendix for guidance). Applicants should use the Ethical Information section on the Je-S form to demonstrate to peer reviewers that they have fully considered any ethical issues concerning the material they intend to use, the nature and choice, current public perceptions and attitudes towards the subject matter or research area. EPSRC will not fund a project if it believes that there are ethical concerns that have been Page 5 of 10

6 overlooked or not appropriately accounted for. All relevant parts of the Ethical Information section must be completed. If the research will involve human participation or the use of animals covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 it is recommended that applicants pay particular attention to the guidance highlighted below. EPSRC reserves the right to reject applications prior to peer review if the Ethical Information sections are not completed correctly. Further guidance on completing the Je-S form can be found at tion.htm. Other relevant guidance includes: EPSRC s policy on animal use in research ( and the Responsible Innovation Framework ( Please note that on submission to EPSRC all non-pdf documents uploaded onto Je-S 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. For advice on writing proposals see: Assessment Assessment process EPSRC reserve the right to reject proposals which are considered to be outside of the Energy remit or the remit of this call without reference to peer review. The proposals will be assessed through postal peer review, following which an interview will be held at Polaris House, Swindon. Funding decisions will be made following the interview panel. Assessment criteria Proposals will be judged based on the following criteria: Quality The novelty, relationship to the context and timeliness. The ambition, adventure, and transformative aspects identified. The appropriateness of the proposed methodology. Importance National importance of this research on a year timescale. Contribution to other research areas, societal challenges, success of the UK economy, emerging industries. Strategic fit within the existing EPSRC portfolio. Impact The relevance and appropriateness of the beneficiaries identified and collaborators proposed. Page 6 of 10

7 Applicants ability to deliver the proposed research Balance of skills of the proposed project team. Resources and management The effectiveness of the proposed planning and management, including management of risk. Appropriateness of the estimated resources to be requested. Feedback Information about the panel can be viewed on Grants on the Web ( and will be available approximately one month after the meeting date. Feedback from the interview panel will be provided to all applicants. Guidance for reviewers Information about the EPSRC peer review process and guidance for reviewers can be found at: Guidance for reviewing standard grants can be found here: otes/standardgrants/ Additional grant conditions (AGCs) The performance of the project will be formally assessed by EPSRC through a mid-term review to take place at the mid-point in the project. The requirements of the review will be determined by EPSRC and communicated to the grant holder in advance of the review. In the event of an unfavourable review, action will be taken to ensure that this is rectified. EPSRC further reserves the right to cut funding or terminate support, subject to reasonable notice, in the event that, as a result of the mid-term review, the overall performance of the project is deemed to be unsatisfactory. Moving forward Submissions to this call will count towards the Repeatedly Unsuccessful Applicants Policy. Further information about the policy can be found at: Page 7 of 10

8 Key dates Activity Date* Je-S opens for full proposals 03 January 2018 Deadline for Full Proposals 16:00 05 April 2018 Interview Panel Week/com 04 June 2018 Funding decision June 2018 Grant start date August 2018 *EPSRC aims to adhere to the key dates as published, however there may be exceptions where the sift, prioritisation or interview meeting may have to change due to panel member availability. Contacts Dr Victoria Mico Egea Portfolio Manager, EPSRC Phone: Dr Neil Bateman Senior Portfolio Manager, EPSRC The EPSRC Energy Team Change log Name Date Version Change Sarah Ashwood 02/11/ Created Call Document Victoria Mico 21/11/ Update to call closing date and attachments required Victoria Mico 19/01/ Update to duration of the project. Update Host Organisation Statement to not required. Appendices Je-S attachments Check List Attachment Type Maximum Page length Mandatory/Optional Extra Guidance Case for Support 8 pages M Comprising up to two A4 sides for a track record, Page 8 of 10

9 and six A4 sides describing proposed research and its context. Pathways to Impact 2 pages M Workplan 1 page M Justification for Resources Additional Document Host Organisation Statement 2 pages M 2 Pages M Management Plan 2 Pages M NOT REQURED Please upload a blank document to Je-S under Host Organisation Statement CVs 2 pages each As Required by EPSRC For named and visiting researchers, and researcher coinvestigators only. Project Partner Letters of Support Letters of Support No page limits As Required by EPSRC Must be included from all named project partners. Must be on headed paper, and be signed and dated within six months of the proposal submission date. No page limits As Required by EPSRC In exceptional circumstances a maximum of three letters can be submitted. Technical assessment No page limit As required by EPSRC Proposal Cover Letter No page limit Optional The cover letter can be used to highlight any important information to Page 9 of 10

10 Page 10 of 10 EPSRC. This attachment type is not seen by reviewers or panel members.