External funding is money coming in from outside the University. This can fund large-scale projects, events, scholarships, networking, research travels abroad, article writing and more.
Who can apply?
Everyone, depending on what you apply for.
Most large funding opportunities - such as project spanning several years - are for researchers with a completed ph.d. Ph.d candidates can apply for various scholarships, event support and similar. Some calls, such as the RCN Mobility Projects, are specifically aimed at junior level researchers.
Make sure you have time. Professors have free research time, and can also be "bought out" of their teaching duties. Researchers on time-limited contracts do not necessarily have the same opportunities. For example: A ph.d candidate funded by an externally financed project is paid to spend 100% of their time on said project. Additional external funding must not be in conflict with this. If in doubt, always consult with your project manager, your mentor and/or the research adviser.
Help and support from RITMO
Found an interesting call? Start by contacting RITMO’s research adviser Marit Johanne Furunes.
Large projects: Join project pitching events, which are organized at RITMO in connection with the large calls. Discuss your idea with colleagues and your cluster leader / project manager. You may also be invited to pitch your idea directly to RITMO’s leader group. The leader group will decide whether your idea fits the center thematically. If not, you may apply through your home department (IMV/IFI/PSI).
Small projects: The research advisor will guide you through the process. Discussing with academic colleagues is also very much recommended.
RITMO’s research advisor will assist with all non-EU applications, and your home department will support EU applications (ERC Grants, Marie Curie, etc..).
Admin support may include:
- interpreting calls & contact with funder
- guidance on UiO, department & RITMO rules
- budget
- contact with prospective partners (esp. financial issues)
- for large calls: making joint work plans and feedback sessions
- feedback on proposal
- Support with RCN portal and similar
- Celebrating when your project is funded!
Timeline
Some calls show up out of nowhere, and others have annual deadlines. Regardless of call type you must always notify RITMO in advance, and get approval. This is because the University is legally and financially responsible for your project.
Below you will find RITMO's general timelines for the process of applying for external funding.
Timeline for Large Projects (1+ years, incl. new positions and/or buy-out)
* = Compulsory
| What | Responsible | When |
|---|---|---|
| * Notify the Head of RITMO and the Research Advisor that you intend to apply | PI | 6-9 months before deadline |
| Join Project Pitching Events at RITMO, often held in connection with Tour de RITMO (Dec/June) | Principle Investigator (PI) | 5-7 months before application deadline |
| Administrative assistance: The Research Adviser and Project Controller will get in touch regarding budgeting and other admin support | Research Adviser | 3-4 months |
| * Submit 1st draft of proposal and budget to the Research Adviser and feedback group | PI | 2 months |
| Receive feedback | Feedback Group | 6 weeks before deadline |
| * Submit final budget draft to the research adviser (will be subject to approval by both RITMO and your home department) | PI | 4 weeks |
| * Submit draft to Head of RITMO for final review of thematic relevance and description of the centre | PI | 3 weeks |
| Receive final approval on budget and thematic relevance | Head of RITMO | 2 weeks |
| Finalize application and submit | PI | Until deadline |
Example of application process for RCN Spring call 2020
Timeline for Small Projects (0-1 year, includes mostly operational costs)
| What | Responsible | When |
|---|---|---|
| * Notify the Head of RITMO and the Research Advisor that you intend to apply | PI | 3-4 weeks before deadline |
| * Set up budget in cooperation with Research Adviser and Project Controller, submit to Head of RITMO and home department | PI | 3 weeks before deadline |
| Control of budget, salary, overhead - give feedback to applicant | Heads of RITMO and home department | 2 weeks before deadline |
| Finalize and submit application | PI | Until deadline |
Calls for Large Projects
Ready for the next step in your academic career? Choose your level to find relevant calls.
Calls for Small Projects
Looking to fund a workshop, join a network, or boost your CV through a small side-project?