Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers relate to all student funding programmes administered or funded by RADMA and are common across all programmes, while subsequent sections list questions and answers specific to individual funding programmes.
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Would my studies qualify?
RADMA makes awards in the field of R&D Management. This discipline is concerned with the management of innovation, R&D and technology, but it is not concerned with the R&D, technology or innovation itself – just its management. For example, organisations may set up ‘innovation cells’ as part of their organisational structure to promote innovation or new product development – for RADMA it is the innovation cells that are of interest, not the emerging innovations or product development. You may wish to take a look at the Journals section for the top 10 articles published in the R&D Management Journal, and links to other journals in this field.
Though not intended as a rigorous and exhaustive list, the following themes may be understood as a working definition of the field:
- Management and exploitation of scientific and technological activity within firms and public bodies
- Determinants of organisation-level performance in research, development, product design and innovation
- The interaction of organisation-wide processes such as strategy formulation and human resources with R&D
- The relationship between organisation-level activities and performance, and national and regional innovation systems or technology, science and industrial policies.
RADMA will generally regard applications for research that explore important relevant issues, or furthers understanding in one or more of these areas, to be within our definition of the field.
What are the main criteria for funding decisions?
The main (but not the only) criteria for funding decisions are the quality and innovativeness of the research, its relevance to R&D Management and the institution at which the student is studying.
Can I apply for funding if I am studying abroad?
No. Unfortunately, RADMA can only fund students who are currently studying or accepted for study at a UK university.
Can I submit additional information after my application is submitted?
No. RADMA cannot accept additional information once the deadline has passed.
Is it my responsibility to complete the application form in its entirety?
Applications are to be completed and submitted by you, the student. You will need a letter of support from your supervisor and you may wish to speak to representatives from your university to help with the completion of some sections of the form.
Doctoral Studies Programme
The Doctoral Studies programme is an annual call providing up to three years funding to prospective or mid-study PhD students studying at a UK university.
The expectation is that candidates will have a Masters degree in a relevant field or an excellent first degree or equivalent. RADMA requires receipt of (or evidence of) a grant recipient’s successful annual review as undertaken by the grant holder’s institution in order for subsequent years of funding to be released. Candidates will be expected to make a copy of their thesis available to RADMA upon its completion.
All applications are to be submitted by email to info@radma.net as stipulated at the end of the application form. Zipped documents cannot be accepted due to security risks. All applications will be confirmed via email.
What funding can I apply for?
Up to £23,334 outside London or £25,334 in London per academic year (pro-rata for part-time students.) Once the call is announced you can download the application form from our Programme page.
When are the deadlines for applications?
As a general guide, the opening date of the call is the beginning of November and the closing date is the last day of February, but it is best to check the RADMA website for confirmation. Awards are usually announced in July.
I have applied to a number of universities in the UK. What should I do with regard to my RADMA application?
If you have applied to two or more universities you must complete separate applications for all universities and supply all the supporting documentation from all universities (treating each university as a separate application).
I have applied to a university, but am still waiting to hear the outcome. What should I do with regard to my RADMA application?
RADMA will take applications where the student has applied and is awaiting an acceptance notice. You should make the situation clear in your application. Once you have received an acceptance notice you will need to advise RADMA by sending this notice to info@radma.net. This must be done before the awards are announced.
How many students will RADMA fund in a year?
RADMA does not have a cut-off number for successful applicants. Instead, it has an annual budget. As the amount of funding requested by applicants varies so does the number of awards. As a guide, in recent years RADMA has received approximately 40 applications and made less than 10 awards.
I am a part-time student, attending a UK university, can I request RADMA funding?
Yes, there is a section on the application form for you to input your part-time support requirement. There is also a section in which you can justify your request. As a rule, if you are 50% part-time, RADMA would not expect you to request more than 50% of full-time fees or living expenses.
Postgraduate Student Research Support
What funding awards are available?
This award provides support to mid-study Masters and PhD students for expenses directly related to:
- postgraduate project support in the field of R&D management
- conference funding in the field of R&D management
This is an open call and you can download the application form from Postgraduate Student Research Support.
All applications are to be submitted by email to info@radma.net as stipulated at the end of the application form. It is requested that documents are in Word or PDF formats. Zipped documents cannot be accepted due to security risks. All applications will be confirmed via email.
This award replaces our individual awards for Postgraduate Student Support and Conference Funding.
What funding can I apply for?
- Postgraduate Project Support: up to £1,000 towards PhD research and up to £500 for Masters (specifically related to research activities, for example data collection and analysis, training and associated travel and expenses)
- Conference funding: up to £500 where the candidate is presenting a paper; £250 attendance only or presenting a poster (specifically related to attending the conference, for example conference fees, travel, subsistence and accommodation.)
When are the reviews?
Reviews are carried out in January, March, May, July, September and November. Application deadlines are the last day of the previous month, e.g. the deadline for the January review is 31st of December. Awards are announced approximately eight weeks following the deadline, e.g. awards are announced by the end of February for the January review.
What can I do if the conference is held before the awards are announced?
Unfortunately, RADMA is unable to speed up the review process.
Is retrospective funding allowed for a conference?
No, RADMA cannot fund retrospectively. Your application will be considered as long as it is received before the conference (in such a case it will not be considered retrospective funding.)
Research & Development Management Conference
This conference is held annually and is supported by a range of workshops on individual topics relating to R&D research.
When is the next R&D Management Conference?
Information on can be found on our Conferences page.
What are the funding awards available?
The available awards are determined by the conference organiser and not by RADMA.
If I am an international student can I apply for funding?
Yes, you do not need to be registered at a UK university to apply.
How do I apply for funding?
Applications are made directly to the conference organiser, who fully administers the application process. Further details can be found on our Conferences page.