Science and Technology Facilities Council Impact Acceleration Account
The focus of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) funding is to support Proof of Concept work and to demonstrate the feasibility of a specific research methods or ideas.
This account is now funding projects through the Harmonised Impact Acceleration Account.
Our projects accelerate research outputs towards end-user uptake by converting physics and astronomy research into related engagement activities which create impact on an accessible, real-world scale. We are committed to expanding the way we understand the universe, from the smallest facet to astronomical dimensions.
Aims
- support the early-stage translation of research outputs into innovative technologies, processes and methods
- understand the market needs of the research we do to increase engagement with policy, industry, and communities around the world
- inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in science and technological subjects
Outcomes
- researchers have built capacity, knowledge and skills in impact generation
- increased disclosures of potential commercial technologies, patents filed, and technologies and processes licensed
- projects instigated changes to policy, based on strong science research, improved impact pathways, and new partnerships
Funding
The STFC IAA funding has been allocated in three broad areas:
Engagement with business
Short secondments to or from business, or to hold showcase events to introduce businesses to applied research.
Proof of concept
A multitude of technical work varying in depth and length transforming distinctive ideas into impact generation.
Assessing commercial potential
Market surveys conducted for new technologies to guarantee we are delivering what industry and the public need and to ensure real, positive change.
From 2022 to 2025, the STFC IAA has committed £150,000 towards the university’s first Harmonised Call and will continue to fund new projects which fulfil the Council’s aspirations.
The next call will launch on 9th May 2023 and be open for 9 weeks. Application must be submitted by 12th July 2023 and decision panels will take place in September 2023. Application outcomes will be announced in October 2023, successful projects are for a duration of up to 12 months.
Top 12 STFC applicant
We were one of the top 12 STFC-IAA funding applicants in 2019.
Projects created
Funding enabled 4 proof of concept projects over 2 years.
Funding awarded
£153,326 awarded to the proof-of-concept projects and training events between 2019-2021.
Case studies
Strategic Lead
Professor Marc Pera Titus is the Strategic Lead for the STFC IAA and is supported by Simon Broadbent (Impact Officer, Research and Innovation Services).
